Weather Los Angeles CA 90003: What Most People Get Wrong

Weather Los Angeles CA 90003: What Most People Get Wrong

Honestly, if you're looking up weather Los Angeles CA 90003, you’re probably expecting the standard "sunny and 75" postcard. But anyone who actually lives near the 110 freeway or around Florence-Graham knows it's rarely that simple. This specific pocket of South LA sits in a weird middle ground between the coastal breeze of the Westside and the heat trap of Downtown.

Right now, as of January 17, 2026, things are looking a bit moody. The current temperature is sitting at 68°F, though it "feels like" 73°F because of that weird humidity we get in the winter. It’s mostly cloudy, and there’s a light 2 mph breeze coming from the northeast. Basically, it’s that kind of day where you leave the house in a hoodie, regret it by noon, and then definitely need it again by 5:00 PM.

The 90003 Microclimate Reality

Most people think all of LA is the same. It's not. 90003 is far enough from the ocean that we don't always get the "June Gloom" as badly as Santa Monica, but we’re close enough that the marine layer still likes to hang out over the rooftops on San Pedro Street until mid-morning.

For today, January 17, the high is hitting 79°F with a low of 52°F. That’s a 27-degree swing. If you aren't layering, you're doing it wrong. We’ve also got about a 10% chance of rain today and tonight, but don't hold your breath for a downpour. In this part of town, 10% usually just means your car gets covered in that annoying "dirty" mist that ruins a fresh car wash.

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What to expect the rest of the week

The next few days are actually looking pretty stellar if you like the sun. Sunday stays warm at 79°F, but by Monday and Tuesday, things settle into a crisp 73°F.

  • Monday: Sunny, high of 73°F, low of 53°F.
  • Tuesday: Sunny, high of 73°F, low of 51°F.
  • Wednesday: Clouds return, high of 70°F.

Why 90003 feels hotter than the forecast

Ever notice how the official "Los Angeles" weather always feels about five degrees cooler than what you’re actually feeling on the sidewalk? That’s the urban heat island effect. 90003 has a lot of asphalt—streets, parking lots, industrial zones. These surfaces soak up the sun all day and radiate it back at you.

While the "official" temp might be 79°F today, if you're standing at a bus stop on Manchester Avenue, it’s probably going to feel closer to 85°F.

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Humidity and the "Santa Ana" factor

We’re currently dealing with 33% humidity. That’s actually pretty low for us. When the Santa Ana winds kick in (which can happen this time of year), that humidity drops even further. Those winds usually come from the northeast—like the 2 mph breeze we're seeing right now, just way more aggressive. They bring the desert heat with them, which is why you’ll sometimes see 80-degree days in the middle of January.

Is it going to rain?

We are technically in the "wet" season. I use that term loosely because, well, it’s LA.
Looking at the 10-day outlook for weather Los Angeles CA 90003, there’s some actual "light rain" forecasted for next Saturday (January 24) and Sunday (January 25). The chance is sitting at 35%.

In 90003, we don't get the same kind of flooding you see in the canyons or the Hollywood Hills, but the intersections around here can get pretty slick. The first rain after a long dry spell is always the worst because of all the oil buildup on the roads.

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Quick Seasonal Breakdown for 90003

  1. Winter (Dec-Feb): The "coldest" months. Highs in the upper 60s, lows in the high 40s or low 50s. This is when we get our 15 inches of annual rain (if we’re lucky).
  2. Spring (March-May): Probably the best time. Everything is green for about three weeks before the sun kills it. Highs stay in the low 70s.
  3. Summer (June-Aug): It gets toasty. August is the peak, often hitting the 90s.
  4. Fall (Sept-Nov): The most confusing season. It can be 100°F in October or 65°F. Total wildcard.

Actionable Tips for Navigating 90003 Weather

If you're living or working in the 90003 zip code, stop relying on the "general" LA forecast. It's too broad.

Watch the UV Index. Even when it’s cloudy (like today’s UV index of 0 or tomorrow’s 2), the sun here is no joke. Once Monday hits and the UV index climbs to 3, you’ll want to be careful if you’re outside for long stretches.

The 5:00 PM Chill. This is the most important rule. In 90003, once the sun drops behind the buildings, the temperature falls off a cliff. We’re seeing a drop from 79°F to 52°F tonight. That is not a subtle change. Always keep a jacket in the car, even if it feels like summer at noon.

Prepare for the "Rain" next weekend. Since there's a 35% chance of rain next Saturday, plan your outdoor errands for earlier in the week. Monday through Wednesday are looking dry and clear—perfect for anything that requires being outside.

Stay hydrated, keep an eye on those North northwest winds (currently 5 mph), and don't trust a clear morning to stay clear all day.