Travel time: Year-round
Los Angeles is defined by a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. However, the sheer size of the metropolitan area and its complex topography—ranging from the Pacific shoreline to over 10,000-foot mountain peaks—create a layered weather experience that defies simple temperature averages.
The most consistent feature of Los Angeles weather is the Marine Layer. This cool, moist air mass from the Pacific Ocean acts as a natural air conditioner, frequently moving inland at night and the early morning.
Spring is often considered the most pleasant season. Rainfall begins to taper off in March, and the landscape turns a brief, vibrant green. Temperatures are mild, but this is also the beginning of the cloudier cycle for coastal residents.
Summer in LA is a tale of two environments. While the rest of the country is sweltering, coastal LA experiences "June Gloom." This phenomenon can stretch into July ("No-Sky July") or August ("Fogust"), where the marine layer is so deep it persists all day at the beaches, keeping them cool and gray while inland valleys are 20°F (11°C) warmer.
Paradoxically, autumn often brings the year’s highest temperatures. This is the peak season for the Santa Ana Winds—hot, dry winds that blow from the inland deserts toward the sea. These winds drop humidity to single digits and can cause temperatures to spike into the 90s or 100s°F (32–38°C) overnight, also marking the height of the regional fire risk.
Winter is the primary rainy season, though "rainy" is relative. Most precipitation comes from occasional Pacific storms that can bring heavy downpours for two or three days, followed by weeks of crisp, clear, and sunny "Chamber of Commerce" weather. Daytime temperatures frequently hover in the high 60s°F (20°C).
Los Angeles is a collection of microclimates. On a single July afternoon, you may experience the following variations:
The region’s weather is significantly influenced by El Niño and La Niña cycles. El Niño years often bring much heavier winter rainfall and the potential for mudslides in hilly areas, while La Niña years lean toward extreme drought conditions.
Historically, the air quality (smog) was a defining part of the climate. While significantly improved since the 1970s, temperature inversions can still trap pollutants near the surface during heatwaves, creating a visible haze that locals monitor via air quality indices.