Best Time to Visit Los Angeles: A Local’s Guide to Weather, Crowds & When to Go

Los Angeles doesn’t have a traditional “off-season.” With sunshine year-round, miles of coastline, and neighborhoods that feel like entirely different cities, LA is always open for travel. But depending on when you visit, the experience can feel wildly different – from breezy beach days and packed boardwalks to quieter cultural months with cooler evenings and fewer crowds.

So what’s the best time to visit Los Angeles? The short answer: it depends on what kind of trip you want. Whether you’re chasing perfect weather, hoping to avoid crowds, travelling on a budget, or planning a beach-heavy itinerary, this guide breaks down the best times to visit LA by season, with local insights, weather expectations, and tips on where to stay depending on the time of year.

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At a Glance: When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?

• Best overall weather: March–May

• Best for beaches & festivals: June–August

• Best for fewer crowds & lower prices: September–November

• Best for culture & city exploring: December–February

Spring (March to May): Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Perfect Weather

Why locals love it:
Spring is widely considered the best time to visit Los Angeles if you want warm days without peak crowds. Temperatures sit comfortably between 65–75°F (18–24°C), the air is clearer after winter rains, and the city feels fresh and lively without the summer intensity.

What to expect:

• Blooming hillsides and gardens (especially after a rainy winter)

• Excellent hiking conditions in Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and Malibu

• Fewer tourists at major attractions

• Whale-watching season along the coast (especially March)

Local tip:
Don’t let “May Gray” or early “June Gloom” scare you off. Coastal fog usually burns off by late morning, leaving bright afternoons – and cooler temps make walking-heavy days far more pleasant.

Where to stay in spring

Spring is ideal for coastal neighborhoods and walkable areas:

• Santa Monica or Venice for beach access without summer crowds

• Malibu for scenic hikes and ocean views

• West Hollywood for dining, shopping, and central access

Wander Homes to Explore This Spring

• Wander Santa Monica Shores – Discover unparalleled ocean views, direct beach access, and a private hot tub and pool at this 6-bedroom property.

• Wander Venice Shores – Explore this designer home and its breathtaking rooftop oasis, complete with a fire pit, private sauna, outdoor seating, and stunning ocean views.

Summer (June to August): Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Beaches & Events

Why people come:
Summer is peak season in LA, and for good reason. The ocean is warm, the days are long, and the city’s outdoor lifestyle is in full swing.

What to expect:

• Warm temperatures, typically 80–90°F (27–32°C) inland

• Packed beaches and boardwalks

• Major events like Pride, outdoor concerts, movie nights, and festivals

• Peak traffic, higher hotel prices, and longer wait times

Local tip:
If you’re visiting in summer, plan early mornings and late afternoons for sightseeing. Midday heat and traffic can slow everything down – even locals structure their days around it.

Where to stay in summer

Warm weather calls for coastal stays:

• Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, or Venice for classic beach energy

• Malibu for quieter mornings and cooler ocean breezes

• South Bay areas, if you want a slightly less tourist-heavy feel

Wander Homes to Explore This Summer

• Wander Malibu Cove Retreat – Nestled near the famous Point Dume along Malibu's stunning coastline, this retreat offers unobstructed ocean views, an outdoor patio and al fresco dining area, and more.

• Wander Los Angeles Mirage – This private 6-bedroom oasis features a rooftop terrace for drinks at sunset, an outdoor dining area, and a beautiful fireplace for gathering round when it gets cooler.

Fall (September to November): Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Fewer Crowds

Why locals recommend it:
September through early November is one of LA’s best-kept secrets. Summer crowds fade, kids go back to school, and the weather stays beautifully warm — often better than summer.

What to expect:

• Temperatures around 70–85°F (21–29°C)

• Clear skies and warmer ocean water than spring

• Lower accommodation prices compared to summer

• A calmer, more local feel across the city

Local tip:
October is a sweet spot. The heat eases, the city feels spacious again, and sunset dinners outdoors are still the norm.

Where to stay in fall

Fall is perfect for city neighborhoods and cultural hubs:

• West Hollywood or Beverly Hills for dining and shopping

• Downtown LA for museums, architecture, and events

• Silver Lake or Los Feliz for a neighborhood feel with easy access

Wander Homes to Explore This Fall

• Wander Beverly Hills Canopy – This exquisite sanctuary features a private movie theater, a chic wet bar, an exciting game room, and so much more.

• Wander Los Feliz Hills – Find incredible mountain views, multiple patios, a fire pit, and more at this 6-bedroom Los Feliz home.

Winter (December to February): Best Time to Visit Los Angeles for Culture & City Life

Why it surprises visitors:
Winter in LA is mild, calm, and often underrated. While it’s not beach weather every day, it’s an excellent time for museums, food, shows, and exploring without crowds.

What to expect:

• Mild daytime highs around 60–70°F (15–21°C)

• Occasional rain, mostly in January and February

• Fewer tourists (except around Christmas and New Year)

• Holiday lights, parades, and seasonal events

Local tip:
Bring layers. Mornings and evenings can feel cool, especially near the coast – but afternoons are often sunny and comfortable.

Where to stay in winter

Winter suits central and urban neighborhoods:

• Beverly Hills or West Hollywood for walkability

• Downtown LA for arts, dining, and cultural events

• Pasadena or Los Feliz for a quieter, residential feel

Wander Homes to Explore This Winter

• Wander Beverly Hills Palisades – Indulge in the private outdoor pool, enjoy cinematic experiences in the dedicated movie theater, and savor breathtaking mountain views at this 5-bedroom home.

• Wander Temecula Canyon – This architectural mansion accommodates up to 18 guests across a spacious main home and guest house, featuring dramatic indoor-outdoor design, a private pool and hot tub, multiple al fresco dining areas, and much more.

When to Avoid Visiting Los Angeles (If You Can)

There’s no bad time to visit LA, but a few periods can be challenging:

• Late June–July: peak crowds, traffic, and prices

• Major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year): higher costs and full accommodations

• Heatwaves (late summer): inland areas can exceed 95°F

If you’re sensitive to crowds or heat, aim for spring or fall instead.

So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles?

For most travellers, March to May and September to October strike the perfect balance — great weather, manageable crowds, and a relaxed pace that lets you experience LA like a local. Summer is unbeatable for beach lovers, while winter shines for culture, dining, and quieter exploration.

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

No matter when you visit, choosing the right neighborhood (and the right home) can shape your entire LA experience. Wander’s luxury vacation rentals across Los Angeles offer a more spacious, private alternative to hotels, with thoughtfully designed interiors and hotel-level service.

From ocean-view homes in Malibu and Santa Monica during the warmer months to stylish city retreats in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Downtown LA when temperatures cool and crowds thin, Wander makes it easy to stay exactly where you want to be.

Every home comes professionally cleaned, fully furnished, and supported by 24/7 concierge, ultra-fast WiFi, and chef-ready kitchens — perfect for both leisure trips and extended stays.

Explore luxury vacation rentals in Los Angeles with Wander →