If you’re planning a trip to Southern California, you’ve probably seen the postcards. They always show people in shorts and sunglasses under a perfect blue sky. Honestly, the marketing is good. But if you pack based on that image alone, you’re gonna be miserable.
People think Los Angeles annual temperatures are basically a flat line of 72°F. It’s a nice myth. In reality, LA weather is a weird, moody beast that changes depending on which freeway you’re currently stuck on. You can be shivering in a foggy marine layer in Santa Monica and then, twenty minutes later, literally melting in the San Fernando Valley.
The Microclimate Reality Check
Most weather apps just give you a "Los Angeles" reading, which usually pulls from a station at Downtown LA (DTLA) or LAX. That is a massive mistake. LA is a collection of microclimates.
The Pacific Ocean is a giant air conditioner. If you are within five miles of the coast, your "summer" might not actually start until July. Ever heard of June Gloom? It's real. A thick layer of low clouds sits over the coast, keeping things damp and gray while the rest of the country is sizzling.
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Look at the numbers from the National Weather Service. On a random day in August, Santa Monica might hit a breezy 74°F. At the exact same time, Woodland Hills—just 20 miles away—could be screaming at 105°F. That’s a 31-degree difference in one city.
Breaking Down Los Angeles Annual Temperatures by Month
Let's get into the actual grit of the data. No fluff, just what the thermometers usually say.
The "Winter" That Isn't (December - February)
LA doesn't do winter; it does "slightly chilled autumn."
- December: This is technically the coldest month. The average high in DTLA is around 67°F, but the nights dip to 48°F.
- January: Usually about the same as December. You’ll see locals wearing parkas when it hits 60°F. It’s sort of hilarious.
- February: This is the wettest month. If it's gonna rain, it's gonna happen now. Highs stay near 68°F.
The Great Warming (March - May)
Spring is arguably the best time to visit, but it’s unpredictable.
- March: Highs creep up to 70°F. The hills are actually green for about three weeks before they turn brown again.
- April: You start seeing 72°F to 75°F.
- May: This is when the "May Gray" starts. The sun might not come out until 2:00 PM.
The Summer Stretch (June - August)
- June: More clouds. Average highs around 78°F in the basin, but much hotter inland.
- July: The clouds finally break. Average highs hit 83°F in DTLA.
- August: This is the peak. Average highs are 84°F-85°F, but that’s an average. Heat waves frequently push the valleys into the triple digits.
The Secret Best Season (September - November)
Ask any local: September and October are the real summer.
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- September: Often hotter than August. The Santa Ana winds start blowing hot, dry air from the desert. Highs average 83°F, but records often break 110°F.
- October: Still warm, usually in the high 70s.
- November: The transition. You get a mix of 75°F days and the first real "cold" snaps where it drops to 50°F at night.
The Santa Ana Wind Factor
You can't talk about Los Angeles annual temperatures without mentioning the Santa Anas. These aren't your typical breezes. They are high-pressure systems that push air from the Great Basin toward the coast.
As the air drops in elevation, it compresses and heats up. Fast.
I've seen it go from a pleasant 70°F to a bone-dry 95°F in a matter of hours because of these winds. They usually hit between October and March. They bring "fire weather" and make everyone a little bit crazy. If you see the palm trees leaning hard toward the ocean and the air feels like a blow-dryer, that’s a Santa Ana.
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What Most People Get Wrong About LA Weather
The biggest misconception? That it never rains.
While LA only gets about 14-15 inches of rain a year, it usually comes all at once. We get "Atmospheric Rivers." These are basically fire hoses of moisture from the tropics. When they hit the mountains surrounding the city, they dump.
The temperature doesn't just drop when it rains; it plummets. A rainy 55°F in LA feels significantly colder than 55°F in New York because of the dampness and the fact that most LA buildings are built like crackers—zero insulation.
Why the "Average" is a Lie
If you see an "average" of 75°F for the year, remember that includes the 110°F spikes in September and the 40°F mornings in January. It’s a mathematical middle ground that almost never actually exists on the thermometer.
Practical Survival Tips for the LA Climate
If you’re coming here, or even if you just moved, here is how you actually handle the climate.
- The Hoodie is Mandatory: Even in the middle of summer, the temperature can drop 20 degrees the second the sun goes down. If you’re at a Dodgers game in August, you’ll start in a tank top and end in a sweatshirt.
- Check the "Zone": Before you leave the house, check the weather for your destination, not your current spot. Going from Silver Lake to Malibu? You’re changing climate zones.
- Hydrate in the Fall: September and October have brutal humidity levels—meaning, there is none. The air is so dry your skin will crack. Drink more water than you think you need.
- The "Marine Layer" is not Fog: Well, it is, but locals call it the Marine Layer. Don't expect a beach day to start before noon in the early summer. It’ll just be gray and misty.
Actionable Next Steps
To get the most accurate read on Los Angeles annual temperatures before a trip or move, stop looking at "Los Angeles" as a single entity.
- Step 1: Identify the specific neighborhood you’ll be in (e.g., Van Nuys vs. Santa Monica).
- Step 2: Use a site like WeatherSpark to look at "typical" daily ranges rather than monthly averages.
- Step 3: Pack layers—specifically a light windbreaker or denim jacket—regardless of what the "high" says for the day.
- Step 4: If visiting in late summer, ensure your accommodation has central AC; many older coastal apartments only have floor fans, which won't cut it during a heatwave.
LA is a Mediterranean paradise, sure, but it's a complicated one. Respect the microclimates, and you'll have a much better time.