Malibu Weather & Climate Guide: A Coastal Year-Round Overview

Malibu is defined by a classic Mediterranean climate, where the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean creates a remarkably stable environment. While it is often portrayed as a land of perpetual summer, the region actually cycles through distinct meteorological phases driven by the interaction between the cold ocean waters and the dry interior deserts.

Typical Weather Patterns and the Daily Cycle

The day in Malibu typically follows a rhythmic pattern governed by the ocean. In the early morning, moist marine air often pushes inland, creating a layer of low clouds and mist known as the marine layer. By mid-morning to noon, the sun usually burns through this cover, leading to clear, bright afternoons. Even on the warmest days, a persistent sea breeze keeps temperatures along the coast significantly lower than just a few miles inland. As evening falls, the temperature drops quickly as the sun sets over the ocean, often bringing the marine layer back toward the shore.

Seasonal Trends

• Summer (June – August): Contrary to expectations, early summer (June) can be the cloudiest time of year due to "June Gloom." Deep marine layers can persist all day. By July and August, the sun takes over, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s°F (24°C) to low 80s°F (28°C), though the humidity remains low and comfortable.
• Autumn (September – November): Many locals consider September and October the best months. The ocean is at its warmest, the marine layer is less frequent, and skies are remarkably clear. However, this is also the start of the Santa Ana wind season.
• Winter (December – February): Malibu receives the majority of its 17 inches of annual rainfall during this period. Winters are mild rather than cold; daytime highs stay around 64°F (18°C), and nights rarely dip below 48°F (9°C). After a storm, the air is exceptionally crisp, and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains turn a vibrant green.
• Spring (March – May): This is a transitional season. "May Gray" often begins the cycle of morning cloudiness, but the hillsides are covered in blooming wildflowers. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 66°F to 70°F (19°C–21°C).

Local Phenomena: Santa Ana Winds

A critical feature of the local climate is the Santa Ana winds. These are hot, extremely dry winds that blow from the inland deserts toward the ocean. Occurring primarily from October through March, they reverse the normal weather pattern, pushing the cool marine air offshore. During a Santa Ana event, temperatures can spike into the 80s or 90s even in the middle of winter, and humidity can drop to single digits, significantly increasing the risk of wildfires.

Microclimates and Variations

There is a sharp climatic divide in Malibu between the beach and the canyons. Because the Santa Monica Mountains rise abruptly from the sea, a distance of just two or three miles can lead to a temperature difference of 10°F to 15°F. On a summer day, it might be a misty 68°F (20°C) at Zuma Beach while it is a blistering 85°F (29°C) in the upper reaches of Malibu Canyon.

What the Weather "Feels Like"

The weather in Malibu is rarely oppressive. Because the air is dry (outside of the morning mist), even higher temperatures don't feel "muggy." The most distinctive sensation is the "chill" of the shade; because of the low humidity and ocean influence, you can feel a dramatic temperature drop just by stepping out of direct sunlight or as soon as the sea breeze picks up in the late afternoon. This high diurnal temperature variation means that even the hottest days conclude with cool, refreshing nights.