You’re thinking about hitting the Santa Monica Pier or finally hiking up to the Hollywood sign in November, and you’re probably wondering if you’ll need a parka or a swimsuit. Honestly? You might need both in the same afternoon.
The weather forecast for los angeles in november is basically a masterclass in atmospheric mood swings. Most people assume Southern California is just a permanent loop of 75-degree days and palm trees, but November is when the "real" weather starts trying to make a cameo.
It’s a transition month. One day you’re sweating in a t-shirt because a Santa Ana wind event decided to blow through, and the next, you’re digging for a sweater because a cold front dropped the temp by twenty degrees.
The Numbers Nobody Tells You
Let's talk raw data for a second, but without the boring spreadsheet vibes. If you look at the historical averages from the National Weather Service, the "typical" day in Los Angeles during November sits comfortably with a high of 73°F (23°C) and a low of 54°F (12°C).
Sounds perfect, right?
Well, averages are kind of a lie in LA.
What actually happens is a wild tug-of-war. At the beginning of the month, you’ll frequently see highs hitting the 80s. By the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the sun sets earlier—thanks, Daylight Savings—and those afternoon highs struggle to break 68°F.
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And the rain? It exists. We aren't talkin' London or Seattle levels of gloom, but November usually marks the "official" start of our rainy season. You can expect about 1.3 inches of rain spread across maybe two or three days.
If it rains while you're here, the city basically forgets how to function. Traffic on the 405 becomes a parking lot, and everyone treats a light drizzle like a natural disaster. Just a fair warning.
Why the Santa Ana Winds Change Everything
You’ve probably heard of the "Devil Winds."
That’s the local nickname for the Santa Ana winds. These aren't your typical ocean breezes. They are hot, dry gusts that blow from the inland deserts toward the coast. When they hit in November, the weather forecast for los angeles in november gets flipped on its head.
Humidity will drop to 5% or 10%. Your skin will feel like paper. Your hair will have more static than a 90s television.
But the skies? They become impossibly clear. You can see the San Gabriel Mountains with such high-definition clarity it looks fake.
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The downside is the fire risk. We saw this in early 2025 with the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires. High winds plus dry brush equals a dangerous combo. If you see a "Red Flag Warning" on the news during your trip, it means the air is bone-dry and wind speeds are ramping up.
The "Microclimate" Struggle is Real
LA is huge.
Like, "takes two hours to get across it" huge. This means the weather in Malibu is rarely the same as the weather in Pasadena.
If you are staying near the coast—think Venice or Santa Monica—you’re going to be dealt a lot of marine layer. That’s the thick, gray fog that rolls in off the Pacific. In November, it usually burns off by 11:00 AM, but until then, it’s damp and chilly.
Meanwhile, if you drive 20 miles inland to the San Fernando Valley or downtown, it’ll be 10 degrees warmer and sunny.
Pro Tip: Always check the specific neighborhood forecast, not just "Los Angeles." Looking at LAX (coastal) versus Van Nuys (inland) will give you two totally different vibes.
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What You Should Actually Pack
Don't be that person shivering in a sundress at 6:00 PM.
The sun goes down, and the temperature falls off a cliff. Since we have low humidity, the air doesn't hold heat. As soon as that sun dips behind the Santa Monica mountains, you’ll feel a sharp "snap" in the air.
- The "LA Uniform": A high-quality hoodie or a denim jacket is mandatory.
- Layering: Wear a t-shirt, then a light sweater, then a jacket. You will be peeling these off and putting them back on all day long.
- Footwear: You can still wear flip-flops during the day, but bring sneakers if you’re doing any evening walking.
- Sunscreen: Yes, even in November. The UV index stays moderate here almost year-round. The "November burn" is a real thing because the air feels cool, so you don't realize you're getting toasted.
Is November a Good Time to Visit?
Honestly, it’s one of the best.
The summer crowds are long gone. The air is (usually) cleaner. You get those iconic California sunsets where the sky turns a weird, beautiful shade of neon purple and orange.
Plus, the holiday decorations start going up. Seeing palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights while you’re wearing a light jacket is a very specific kind of magic.
Just keep an eye on the weather forecast for los angeles in november for any "Atmospheric River" warnings. These are long plumes of moisture that can dump a week's worth of rain in 24 hours. They are becoming more common in our "whiplash" climate years, where we jump from extreme drought to intense flooding.
Your November Weather Action Plan
- Download a reliable radar app: Local news stations like KTLA or NBC4 have better "micro-forecasts" than the generic weather app on your phone.
- Plan outdoor activities for mid-day: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM is the sweet spot for warmth.
- Check the Fire Map: If you're planning on hiking in the canyons, always check for active fire closures or high-wind advisories before you head out.
- Embrace the chill: Book a hotel with a heated pool or a fire pit. There’s nothing better than an LA evening by a fire when the air is crisp.
Basically, expect the unexpected. Pack your shades, bring your favorite hoodie, and be ready to pivot if a rogue rain cloud or a desert wind decides to crash the party.