Honestly, the "average temperature" you see on Google for Los Angeles is a bit of a scam. Not a malicious one, sure, but if you’re planning a trip or moving here, looking at a single number for the whole city is basically like trying to guess the flavor of a jellybean by looking at its shape. It doesn't tell the whole story.
Los Angeles is huge. It’s a messy, beautiful sprawl of microclimates that range from "I need a light sweater" to "Why is the air literally on fire?" all within a twenty-minute drive. On a typical July day, you could be chilling in Santa Monica at a breezy 72°F while someone in the San Fernando Valley is currently melting into the pavement at 102°F.
That’s a thirty-degree difference in one city.
Most people don't realize that the official average temperature Los Angeles data usually comes from a weather station at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or a spot in Downtown (DTLA). But if you’re staying in Burbank or hiking in Pasadena, those numbers are basically fiction.
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The Weird Reality of LA Seasons
Forget the traditional spring, summer, fall, winter thing. LA doesn't play by those rules. We have "June Gloom," "Santa Ana Season," and a very brief window where it actually rains enough to make everyone forget how to drive.
June Gloom (The Temperature Vampire)
If you visit in May or June, you’ll likely wake up to a thick, gray ceiling of clouds called the marine layer. It’s not smog. It’s just the ocean being moody. It keeps the average temperature Los Angeles surprisingly low during the late spring. You’ll see tourists in shorts shivering on the Santa Monica Pier while locals are wearing North Face jackets. Usually, this burns off by 2:00 PM, but sometimes "June Gloom" turns into "No-Sky July."
The "Real" Summer is September
August is hot, but September is often the month that tries to kill you. While the rest of the country is starting to think about pumpkin spice and flannels, Angelenos are hiding in the AC. It’s common to see 100°F+ spikes well into October. According to NOAA data from the last few years, the highest annual temperatures often hit during this "shoulder" season rather than the height of summer.
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Breaking Down the Monthly Averages (Sorta)
I won't give you a boring table because, like I said, these numbers change depending on where you stand. But here is the general vibe of what the thermometer does throughout the year in the LA Basin.
- January & February: Usually the "coldest" months. Highs are typically in the mid-60s to low 70s. Lows can drop into the 40s. It’s crisp. You’ll see the San Gabriel mountains covered in snow, which is honestly the best view in the city.
- March & April: Total wildcards. It could be 65°F and rainy or a random 90°F heatwave. This is when the hills are actually green for about three weeks before they turn back to their natural "burnt toast" color.
- July through September: The heat tunnel. Inland areas like Woodland Hills or Encino will consistently average highs in the 90s. Coastal spots stay in the 70s.
- November & December: Pure bliss. This is why people pay the high rent. While the East Coast is shoveling snow, LA is rocking a steady 70°F with zero humidity.
The Santa Ana Winds: Nature’s Blow Dryer
You can’t talk about the average temperature Los Angeles without mentioning the Santa Anas. These are hot, dry winds that blow in from the desert. They defy the seasons. You could be in the middle of November, and suddenly the humidity drops to 5%, the wind starts howling, and the temperature jumps to 85°F.
It feels eerie. The air gets static-y. Raymond Chandler famously wrote that these winds make "your nerves jump and your skin itch." He wasn't kidding. These winds are also the primary driver of our fire season, so when the temp spikes and the wind picks up, the city goes on high alert.
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How to Actually Prepare for LA Weather
Since the "average" is a lie, you have to dress in layers. It sounds cliché, but it’s the only way to survive.
- The 20-Degree Rule: Always assume it will be 20 degrees cooler at night than it was at 2:00 PM. The desert influence means the heat doesn't stick around after the sun goes down.
- The Coastal Divide: If you are traveling from the beach to the interior (like going from Venice to Universal Studios), expect a 10-15 degree jump.
- Forget the Umbrella: Honestly, if it rains, just stay inside. The city isn't built for it, and the roads become ice rinks from all the built-up oil.
The "perfect" time for weather is probably late October or April. You miss the oppressive heat of the late summer and the gloomy marine layer of the spring. You get that "TV version" of Los Angeles—blue skies, palm trees, and a temperature that stays right around 75°F.
If you’re trying to pinpoint the best day for your trip, look at the "Dew Point" rather than just the temperature. LA is a dry heat, which is way more manageable than the swampy humidity of the South. A 90-degree day in LA feels like a 75-degree day in Orlando.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the specific forecast for the exact neighborhood you are staying in rather than just "Los Angeles." Use a map to see how far you are from the water. If you’re more than 5 miles inland, add 5 degrees to whatever the coastal forecast says. If you're heading into the Valleys, add 10. Pack a light hoodie even in August—you'll need it the second the sun dips behind the Santa Monica mountains.