You’ve seen the movies. Every shot of Los Angeles is a sun-drenched fever dream of palm trees and convertibles. But if you’re planning to land at LAX in the middle of winter, I need to level with you. January isn't exactly the frozen tundra, but it’s definitely not the endless summer the postcards promised.
L.A. weather in january is, honestly, a bit of a mood.
One minute you’re in a t-shirt at the Santa Monica Pier, and two hours later, you’re shivering in a denim jacket because the sun dipped behind a building. It’s the month of the "microclimate," where a ten-mile drive can feel like moving through three different seasons.
The Reality of the "Rainy" Season
Let’s talk about the rain. People act like L.A. is a desert where a single drop of water causes a city-wide meltdown. While the traffic part is true—Angelenos really do forget how to drive the second the pavement gets damp—January is statistically one of the wettest months here.
We’re talking about an average of 3 inches of rain for the month. That might not sound like much if you’re from Seattle, but in a city that gets roughly 14 inches a year, it’s a big deal. The rain here usually comes in "atmospheric rivers." These are long, narrow plumes of moisture that dump a lot of water in a very short window.
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In January 2023, for instance, the city got absolutely slammed. We saw over 8 inches in some spots. But then you look at 2025, and it was barely a drizzle. It’s inconsistent. It’s moody.
Highs, Lows, and the "January Heatwave"
The numbers look pretty on paper. Most weather apps will tell you the average high is around 67°F and the low is 48°F.
That’s a lie.
Well, it’s a mathematical average, which makes it a functional lie for your wardrobe. On a "normal" day, you’ll wake up to a brisk 45°F morning that feels damp. By 1:00 PM, the sun is out, the Santa Ana winds might be kicking up, and suddenly it’s 78°F. You’ll be sweating in the sweater you wore to breakfast. Then, at 5:00 PM, the "Marine Layer" (that thick, salty fog from the Pacific) rolls in and the temperature drops 15 degrees in twenty minutes.
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Every so often, we get a "heatwave." It sounds weird for January, but it’s real. High-pressure systems can push temperatures into the mid-80s. I’ve spent many New Year's Days at the beach in a bikini. It’s glorious, but don’t count on it as your baseline.
Why the Location Matters (A Lot)
If you’re staying in Santa Monica, you’re going to be cooler. Period. The ocean acts like a giant air conditioner.
Move inland to the San Fernando Valley or Pasadena, and the swings are much more violent. The Valley gets hotter during the day and significantly colder at night. We’ve seen frost on windshields in Burbank while people in Venice are enjoying a mild 55-degree morning.
- The Coast: Mild, breezy, damp.
- Downtown/Hollywood: Warmer during the day, lots of concrete heat.
- The Valleys: Drastic temperature swings.
- The Mountains: Genuinely cold. If you hike Griffith Park at sunrise, bring gloves.
Packing Without Looking Like a Tourist
The biggest mistake people make? Packing only "vacation clothes."
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You need layers. Not "I’ll bring a light hoodie" layers, but actual, functional pieces. A leather or light puffer jacket is the unofficial uniform of L.A. in January. It’s the only way to survive the transition from a sunny afternoon at the Getty Center to a chilly dinner in West Hollywood.
And the ocean? Forget it. Unless you’re a local surfer with a 4/3mm wetsuit, the Pacific is a no-go zone. The water temperature hovers around 58°F. It’s bone-chilling. Even the most optimistic tourist usually only makes it in up to their ankles before retreating.
What to Actually Do When the Clouds Roll In
If it does rain during your trip, don't panic. The city doesn't close. In fact, rainy days are the best time to do the things that are usually too crowded.
The museums are your best friend. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures or the LACMA are perfect for "weather days." Plus, there’s something oddly beautiful about the way the Hollywood Hills look when they’re draped in heavy gray clouds. It feels like a noir film.
If it’s clear, January offers the best visibility of the year. The rain washes away the smog, leaving the air crisp and the views from the Griffith Observatory sharp enough to see all the way to Catalina Island.
Actionable Tips for Your January Trip
- Check the "Santa Ana" Forecast: If these winds are blowing, it will be hot, dry, and windy. Pack extra moisturizer and eye drops; the air gets incredibly dusty.
- Book the "Rainy Day" Backup: Have a list of indoor spots like The Broad or the Grand Central Market ready to go so you aren't scrolling on your phone in a damp hotel lobby.
- Sunset Timing: The sun sets early, usually around 5:00 PM. Plan your outdoor photos for "Golden Hour" at 4:00 PM, but have your jacket in the car for 5:05 PM.
- Footwear Choice: L.A. isn't a "boots" city usually, but if there's a storm forecast, skip the canvas sneakers. The drainage here is notoriously bad, and you’ll be stepping in 4-inch deep puddles at every crosswalk.
Basically, expect the unexpected. L.A. weather in january is a gamble, but even a "bad" day here is usually better than a winter day anywhere else. Just keep a jacket in the trunk and you'll be fine.