It’s easy to assume you know the vibe. You see the Hollywood sign in the background of a thousand movies, always drenched in that golden, eternal California sun. But honestly? If you show up to Griffith Park in a tank top and shorts at 4:00 PM in November because the "weather in Griffith Park" looked fine on your phone, you’re going to be miserable by 5:15 PM.
The park is a 4,310-acre beast of a landscape. It doesn’t just have "weather." It has moods. It has microclimates that will make you sweat through your shirt in a canyon and then shiver on a ridge ten minutes later.
The Myth of the "Always Sunny" Park
Let’s debunk the biggest lie first: Griffith Park isn't a desert. I know, everyone thinks Southern California is just one big sandbox, but technically we’re a Mediterranean climate. Specifically, we’re covered in chaparral—those dense, evergreen shrubs that have spent millions of years figuring out how to survive bone-dry summers and soaking wet winters.
What does that mean for your hike? It means the air is weirdly localized.
Take "June Gloom," for instance. While the rest of the country is starting to bake, Griffith Park often wakes up under a thick, grey blanket of marine layer clouds. You’ll start your trek up toward the Observatory at 9:00 AM thinking it’s a cool, overcast day. Then, around noon, the sun "burns through." The temperature doesn't just rise; it jumps. You go from a comfortable 68°F to a punishing 82°F in what feels like twenty minutes.
Seasonal Reality Checks
If you’re looking at the raw numbers, the averages look friendly. In 2025, the average high in August sat around 85°F, while January hovered near 69°F. But averages are dangerous. They hide the spikes.
The Summer Sizzle (July - September)
This is when the park gets serious. It’s not uncommon for the temperature to blow past 95°F. Because the park is mostly exposed—there isn't a whole lot of "forest canopy" out here—the sun hits the dirt and radiates back at you.
- Pro Tip: If you're hitting the trails in August, do it at 6:00 AM. By 10:00 AM, the heat is already heavy.
- The Santa Ana Factor: Occasionally, we get these hot, dry winds blowing in from the desert. They’re called Santa Anas. They drop the humidity to near zero and jack up the fire risk. If you see "Red Flag" warnings, stay off the trails. It’s not just about the heat; it’s about safety.
The Winter "Chilly" (December - February)
Yeah, I put "chilly" in quotes because people from Chicago would laugh at us. But when it drops to 49°F at night, and you're standing on an exposed ridge near the Dante’s View rest area, it feels cold.
Winter is also our only real rainy season. When it rains in LA, it doesn't usually drizzle; it pours. The trails in Griffith Park are mostly decomposed granite. They get muddy, slippery, and frankly, a bit dangerous if you aren't wearing boots with actual lugs.
Microclimates: Why Your App is Lying to You
The weather station for "Los Angeles" is often miles away or at a different elevation. Griffith Park peaks at around 1,625 feet (Mount Hollywood).
If you start at the Fern Dell entrance, you’re in a lush, shaded canyon. It’s damp. It’s significantly cooler than the parking lot at the Observatory. As you climb toward the peaks, you lose that shade. You also gain wind.
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I’ve seen people start a hike in a hoodie because they were in the shade of the canyon, only to be stripping layers off two miles in because the sun is unobstructed and the air is stagnant on the leeward side of the hills.
The Best Time to Go (Expert Opinion)
Honestly, if you want the "perfect" Griffith Park experience, aim for late October or early May.
In October, the extreme summer heat has usually broken, but the "Santa Ana" winds haven't quite peaked yet. The air is often incredibly clear because the humidity is low, meaning you can see all the way to Catalina Island from the Observatory telescopes.
In May, the hills are actually green. People forget that Griffith Park can look like Ireland for about three weeks after the spring rains. It’s stunning. Just watch out for the rattlesnakes—they like the 75-degree weather just as much as you do and often sun themselves right in the middle of the Brush Canyon Trail.
Staying Safe: Actionable Steps
Don't be the person the Fire Department has to airlift off the mountain because you underestimated a "walk in the park."
- Water is non-negotiable. Even if it’s 70°F. The air here is dry, and you’ll lose moisture faster than you realize. Bring at least a liter for a short hike, and two if you’re doing the full loop to the Hollywood sign.
- The "Sunset Trap." Everyone wants that sunset photo from the Observatory. It’s iconic. But the second that sun drops behind the Santa Monica mountains, the temperature nose-dives. Bring a light windbreaker or a flannel. You’ll thank me when the wind picks up at 6:00 PM.
- Check the Fire Index. Before you head out, check the LAFD website or the signs at the park entrances. High fire danger isn't a joke; the brush in Griffith Park is basically kindling during the dry months.
- Footwear Matters. Leave the flip-flops for the beach. The trails are steep and covered in loose gravel. You need grip to navigate the "weather-worn" terrain.
The weather in Griffith Park is a moving target. It’s beautiful, harsh, and totally unpredictable if you’re only looking at a generic weather app. Respect the sun, prepare for the wind, and always, always carry more water than you think you need.