You’ve seen the movies. It’s always golden hour, everyone is in a tank top, and the sun never seems to set. But honestly? If you show up to Santa Monica in July wearing nothing but a bikini, you’re gonna be shivering by 2 PM. People always ask what is the weather like in Los Angeles California, expecting a simple "it’s sunny" answer.
It’s way more complicated than that.
LA doesn't have a single climate; it has a collection of microclimates that battle each other every single day. You can be sweating in a valley at 100°F and, thirty minutes later, need a light jacket because the marine layer just rolled into Venice. Right now, as of January 17, 2026, we’re actually sitting in a bit of a weird warm spike. While the rest of the country is freezing, LA is hitting a high of 78°F today. But don't let that fool you into thinking winter is over.
The Microclimate Reality Check
Basically, LA is a topographical nightmare for weathermen. The city is a giant basin surrounded by mountains and an ocean. This creates "neighborhood weather."
If you’re staying in the San Fernando Valley—places like Burbank or Northridge—you’re in for a dry heat that can feel like an oven. In the summer, the Valley is consistently 10 to 15 degrees hotter than the LA Basin. If it's a comfortable 85°F in Mid-City, it's likely over 100°F over the hill.
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On the flip side, the coast has the "Marine Layer." This is a thick blanket of clouds and fog that gets sucked in from the Pacific. It’s the reason for "June Gloom." You wake up, it’s grey and 62°F. You think the vacation is ruined. Then, around 1 PM, the sun "burns off" the fog and suddenly it’s 75°F and perfect.
Seasonal Breakdown: What to Actually Expect
Most people assume summer is the best time to visit. It’s not. Late summer is often oppressively hot and the air quality gets... let's just say "crunchy."
Winter (December - February)
This is our "rainy" season, though 2026 is trending a bit drier and warmer than usual. Currently, we’re seeing daytime highs around 78°F, but it drops fast. Tonight will hit 51°F. That’s a 27-degree swing. If you're out for dinner, you need a layer. January usually sees about 5 or 6 days of rain, averaging 80 mm. It’s not the Pacific Northwest, but when it rains in LA, the city basically forgets how to function.
Spring (March - May)
This is the sweet spot for many. March can still be wet, with about 50 mm of rain on average, but by May, things dry out significantly. Temperatures hover in the low 70s. It's green. The hills are actually pretty for a few weeks before they turn brown again.
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Summer (June - August)
August is technically the warmest month, with averages around 84°F, but that’s a "coastal average." Inland, you’re looking at 90s and 100s. Humidity is usually low, around 70% near the coast but much lower inland, making it a "dry heat."
Fall (September - November)
Fall in LA is a lie. September is often the hottest month of the year. This is also when the Santa Ana winds kick in. These are hot, dry winds that blow from the desert toward the ocean. They bring "beautifully clear" skies but also extreme fire danger. Humidity can drop to single digits. It’s weirdly electric and uncomfortable.
The 2026 Forecast and "Weather Whiplash"
We’re currently dealing with what experts call "weather whiplash." In 2025, we had massive wildfires in January followed by record-breaking rain.
The current 10-day outlook for Los Angeles shows a cooling trend. While we're basking in 78°F today, next Friday (January 23) is looking at a high of only 68°F with a 20% chance of rain at night. By Sunday, January 25, we’re expecting light rain and a high of 71°F.
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It's a classic La Niña pattern. Warm, then a quick burst of rain, then back to sunshine.
Survival Tips for the LA Climate
If you're coming here, forget the "all-summer" wardrobe. Here is the move:
- The Layer Rule: Always have a hoodie or light jacket in the car. Even in July, the temperature drops the second the sun goes behind a building.
- UV is No Joke: Even on "mostly cloudy" days like today (UV index is 0 right now, but usually hits 3+ in winter), the California sun is brutal.
- Check the Specific Neighborhood: Don't just check "Los Angeles" on your app. Check "Santa Monica" or "Woodland Hills." The 20-mile difference can mean a 20-degree difference.
Honestly, the best thing about LA weather isn't the heat—it's the consistency. You get about 3,348 hours of sunshine a year. That’s roughly 76% of all daylight hours. Even if it rains on your parade, wait two hours. It’ll probably be sunny again.
For your next trip, aim for April or October. You’ll miss the June Gloom, avoid the August heatwaves, and likely get those "perfect" 75°F days you see on TV.
Next Steps for You
- Track the Microclimates: Download a weather app that allows you to save multiple "neighborhoods" (e.g., Malibu, DTLA, and Pasadena) to see the spread in real-time.
- Monitor Air Quality: During Santa Ana wind events or late summer heat, check the AQI before planning outdoor hikes in Griffith Park.
- Pack Smart: Focus on breathable fabrics for midday and a structured denim or leather jacket for the evening chill.