Weather Los Angeles November: What Most People Get Wrong

You’re thinking about hitting the West Coast in late autumn. Maybe you’ve seen the movies where it’s always sunny, or perhaps you’re worried about that "rainy season" label that starts popping up on travel blogs. Honestly, the reality of weather los angeles november is a bit of a mixed bag, but mostly in a good way.

It’s that weird, transitional month.

One day you’re sweating in a t-shirt at Santa Monica Pier, and the next, you’re digging for a hoodie because the desert wind decided to kick up. If you’re looking for a simple "is it hot or cold" answer, you won't find it here because L.A. doesn't do simple.

The Temperature Rollercoaster (And Why Your Hotel Location Matters)

The official stats tell a nice, clean story. Average highs are around 73°F ($23$°C) and lows hover near 54°F ($12$°C). But here’s the thing: nobody lives in an "average."

Early in the month, it’s basically a continuation of summer. You’ll regularly see 78°F or even 80°F. But as you creep toward Thanksgiving, the mercury starts to slide. By the end of November, those 70°F days feel a bit more fragile.

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And then there are the microclimates.

Basically, Los Angeles is a giant bowl surrounded by mountains and an ocean. If you stay in Santa Monica, it might be a crisp 66°F with a damp sea breeze. Drive twenty minutes inland to Pasadena? It could be 82°F and bone-dry. You've got to dress for three different cities in one day.

Nighttime is a different beast

The sun drops early—around 5:00 PM after the clocks change. When that happens, the temperature doesn't just "dip." It dives. It’s not uncommon for a beautiful 75°F afternoon to turn into a 52°F night faster than you can find a parking spot in West Hollywood.

That "Rainy Season" Scare

You'll see it mentioned on every major weather site: November is the "start" of the rainy season. Don't panic.

Statistically, L.A. gets about 1.3 inches of rain in November. Compared to the Pacific Northwest or the East Coast, that’s basically a rounding error. You’re looking at maybe 3 or 4 days with actual measurable rain. Most of the time, it’s a quick morning drizzle or a gray "June Gloom" style overcast sky that clears up by lunch.

However, when it does rain in L.A., the city kind of melts. The 101 freeway becomes a parking lot because, frankly, locals forget how to drive if the pavement is slightly damp.

The Santa Ana Winds: The Wildcard

If you’re visiting during weather los angeles november, you might encounter the Santa Anas. These are hot, dry winds that blow in from the Great Basin and Mojave Desert.

They change everything.

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Suddenly, the humidity drops to 10% or lower. Your skin feels like parchment. The sky turns a weirdly vibrant, electric blue because the wind blows all the smog out to sea. It can get surprisingly hot during a Santa Ana event—sometimes spiking into the 90s—and the fire danger goes through the roof. It’s a "mood," as people like to say. It feels tense and electric.

What most people get wrong about packing

• The Puffer Jacket Myth: You’ll see locals wearing Canada Goose parkas when it hits 60°F. You don’t need that. A light denim jacket, a hoodie, or a stylish trench is plenty.
• The Shorts Mistake: Don't be the tourist in cargo shorts at 8:00 PM. You will be miserable.
• The Sunscreen Trap: Just because it’s "fall" doesn’t mean the sun isn't strong. The UV index still hits 3 or 4, which is enough to burn you if you're hiking Griffith Park for three hours.

Practical Strategies for November Travelers

If you're actually planning a trip, the best thing you can do is embrace the "onion" strategy. Layers. Seriously.

Start with a base layer (t-shirt or tank), add a light sweater, and keep a windbreaker in the trunk of your rental car. If you’re heading to the beach, the "marine layer" (that thick fog) can linger well into the afternoon, making it feel much colder than the forecast suggests.

Actionable Insights for Your Trip:

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1. Check the neighborhood-specific forecast: Use an app that distinguishes between "Santa Monica" and "Downtown LA." The difference can be 15 degrees.
2. Book outdoor activities for midday: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM is the sweet spot for warmth and lighting.
3. Plan for early sunsets: Sunset is usually around 4:45 PM to 5:00 PM. If you want those Malibu sunset photos, you need to be in position by 4:15 PM.
4. Don't fear the rain: Even if the forecast says 40% chance of rain, it usually means a short-lived shower, not a washout. Stick to your plans but have a museum (like The Getty or LACMA) as a backup.

Honestly, November is arguably the best time to see the city. The crowds are thinner than summer, the air is clearer, and you won't melt while walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Just bring a sweater.