You’ve seen the movies. It’s always golden hour, everyone is wearing linen, and the sun is a permanent fixture in the sky. If you’re planning a trip, you probably think los angeles california weather in february is basically a pre-summer vacation.
Honestly? It's not.
Don't get me wrong, it’s beautiful. But if you show up with nothing but flip-flops and tank tops, you’re going to be miserable by 6:00 PM. February is actually the heart of what locals call "winter," and while that doesn't mean snow (unless you look up at the Mount Baldy peaks), it does mean a weird, unpredictable mix of sunshine, chilly winds, and the occasional torrential downpour.
The Temperature Rollercoaster
Most weather sites will give you a nice, clean average. They’ll say the high is around 68°F and the low is 49°F.
That is technically true. It's also wildly misleading.
In February, LA is all about microclimates. If you’re standing in Santa Monica at noon, it might feel like a crisp 62°F with a biting breeze off the Pacific. Drive twenty minutes inland to Pasadena, and you could be sweating in 75°F heat. Then, the sun goes down.
When that sun drops, the temperature craters.
It’s a dry desert-adjacent chill that gets into your bones. That 68-degree afternoon turns into a 50-degree night faster than you can find a parking spot in West Hollywood. You’ll see locals in North Face puffers and beanies while tourists from Chicago are still walking around in shorts, shivering but determined.
Is it actually going to rain?
February is statistically one of the wettest months in Southern California. We’re talking about an average of 3.1 inches of rain.
Now, for people from Seattle, that’s a Tuesday. For LA, it’s an event.
Rain here doesn't usually drizzle. It dumps. Because the city is basically built on concrete and baked dirt, the drainage is... let's just say "optimistic." The 101 freeway turns into a slow-motion car park, and everyone forgets how to drive.
But here’s the secret: the rain usually comes in short, intense bursts. You’ll have two days of gray skies followed by five days of the most crystal-clear, blue-sky weather you’ve ever seen. The rain washes away the smog, and the Hollywood Hills turn a vibrant, shocking green that makes you feel like you’re in Scotland, not a Mediterranean basin.
- Rainy days: Usually about 6 days out of the month.
- Water temperature: A brisk 58°F. Don't even think about swimming without a 4/3mm wetsuit.
- Humidity: Surprisingly low, usually sitting around 49%.
Packing Strategy (The "Don't Be a Rookie" Version)
If you want to survive los angeles california weather in february, you have to master the art of the layer.
I’m serious. You need a capsule wardrobe that can handle a 25-degree swing in a single day.
Start with a base layer—a t-shirt or a light long-sleeve. Add a hoodie or a denim jacket. Finally, keep a real jacket in the trunk of your car. If you’re walking the Venice Boardwalk, that ocean breeze is no joke.
Footwear matters too. February is the only time of year you might actually need waterproof shoes in LA. If you're planning on hiking Runyon Canyon or Griffith Park after a rainstorm, expect mud. Lots of it.
What to actually bring:
- Sunglasses: The winter sun is lower in the sky and can be blindingly bright.
- Lightweight Down Jacket: It packs small and handles the evening temperature drop perfectly.
- Sunscreen: Yes, even in February. You’re at a latitude that will burn you if you spend three hours at an outdoor cafe in Silver Lake.
- An Umbrella: Just a small one. Or a rain shell. Don't be the person buying a $20 flimsy umbrella from a CVS because you got caught in a sudden downpour at Universal Studios.
Why February is Secretly the Best Time to Visit
Despite the risk of rain, February is kinda the sweet spot.
The summer crowds are non-existent. You can actually get a reservation at the "it" restaurants without knowing a guy who knows a guy.
The air is at its cleanest. If you go to the Griffith Observatory on a clear February afternoon, you can see all the way to Catalina Island. In July? You’re lucky to see the skyscrapers downtown through the haze.
Plus, you get the "winter" vibes without the actual winter. You can go outdoor ice skating in Santa Monica (it usually stays open through mid-month) while wearing a light sweater, then go whale watching in Long Beach to catch the Gray Whale migration. It’s peak season for seeing them as they head south.
Real Talk on the Beach
Let’s manage expectations.
February is not beach weather. Not really.
The sand is cold. The water is freezing—around 58°F to 59°F. Unless you are a dedicated surfer with a thick hood and booties, you aren't going in. However, the beaches are incredibly peaceful this time of year. Walking along the shoreline in Malibu when it’s 65°F and sunny is a top-tier experience, provided you aren't expecting to tan.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
If you're heading out, here’s how to handle the logistics:
- Check the 10-day forecast exactly 48 hours before you fly. LA weather patterns change fast; a "storm" can disappear or double in intensity overnight.
- Rent a car with good wipers. It sounds silly, but rental car maintenance can be spotty, and you don't want to find out the blades are shredded during a flash flood on the 405.
- Plan indoor backups. Keep a list of museums like the Getty Center, LACMA, or the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures for those 20% of days when it actually rains.
- Book whale watching early. Since it's peak migration, the good boats in San Pedro and Long Beach fill up on the weekends.
February in Los Angeles is for the traveler who prefers crisp air and green hills over sweltering heat and tourist traps. Just bring a jacket, keep your plans flexible, and enjoy the version of the city that most people never bother to see.