You’ve probably seen the postcards. Those endless, neon-blue skies and palm trees that look like they’re posing for a selfie. People think Los Angeles is just one long, sweaty summer. Honestly? That’s not quite it.
If you’re asking what’s the weather like in Los Angeles California, the real answer depends entirely on where you’re standing and what month it is. You could be shivering in a thick marine layer in Santa Monica while someone ten miles inland in Pasadena is cranking the AC. It’s a Mediterranean climate, sure, but it’s a moody one.
The Myth of Eternal Summer
Let's get one thing straight. It does not stay 80 degrees year-round.
In January and February, L.A. actually feels like winter—well, California winter. You’ll see highs around 67°F or 68°F. At night? It drops to the low 50s. If you’re coming from Chicago, that sounds like a dream. If you live here, you’re wearing a North Face puffer and complaining about the "arctic blast."
This is also when we get our rain. Most of the 14 to 15 inches of rain L.A. receives annually falls between December and March. When it rains here, it doesn't just drizzle; it pours, and the 405 freeway basically turns into a parking lot.
2025 was the third-hottest year on record globally, and 2026 is following that trend of "weird" weather. We’re currently seeing a transition from La Niña to neutral conditions, which means the rainfall is a bit more unpredictable than usual. One week it's a washout, the next it’s 75 and sunny.
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Why "June Gloom" Is Actually Real
Most tourists book their big Disney or beach trips for June.
Big mistake.
Locals call it "June Gloom," but it’s actually a seasonal depression for your vacation photos. A thick, grey "marine layer" rolls in off the Pacific and sits over the city like a heavy wet blanket. It’s not rain. It’s just... grey.
- May Gray: The warm-up act for the gloom.
- June Gloom: The main event where the sun doesn't peek out until 2:00 PM.
- No-Sky July: When the ocean is still too cold to burn off the fog.
- Fogust: Yeah, it can even stretch into August.
Basically, if you want that classic "California Dreamin'" sun, don't aim for early summer at the beach. You’ll just end up standing on the Santa Monica Pier in a $60 souvenir sweatshirt because you didn't realize it would be 62 degrees and misty.
The Heat Is Different Inland
L.A. is a collection of microclimates.
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If it’s 75°F in Venice Beach, it’s probably 92°F in the San Fernando Valley. The geography here is wild. The Santa Monica Mountains act like a wall, trapping the cool ocean air on one side and letting the desert heat bake the other.
August and September are the real scorchers. August is usually the hottest month, with averages hitting 85°F downtown, but it’s common to see spikes into the 100s in places like Burbank or Riverside. This is dry heat. It’s the kind of heat that makes the brush on the hillsides turn a crispy golden brown, which—honestly—is why fire season is such a big deal here.
The Santa Ana Winds
Late September through November brings the "Santa Anas." These are hot, dry winds that blow in from the desert. They’re weirdly eerie. The humidity drops to near zero, the wind howls through the canyons, and everyone gets a little bit cranky. It’s "The Big Sleep" vibes.
When to Actually Visit (The Expert Secret)
If you want the absolute best version of Los Angeles weather, come in the "shoulder seasons."
March to May is incredible. The hills are actually green from the winter rains. The wildflowers are popping. It’s warm but not "melt-your-face-off" hot.
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September and October are also top-tier. The summer crowds have vanished, but the Pacific Ocean is finally warm enough to actually swim in without your heart stopping. September often has better "summer" weather than June ever does. It's clear, the air is crisp, and the sunsets are that deep, fiery purple that makes you want to move here.
Actionable Tips for Navigating L.A. Weather
Don't let the forecast fool you. A "sunny" day in L.A. requires strategy.
- The "L.A. Uniform" is Layers: Always carry a light jacket or hoodie, even in July. Once that sun goes down, the temperature can drop 20 degrees in an hour.
- Check the "Beach vs. Valley" Forecast: If you're planning a day trip, look at the specific neighborhood weather. "Los Angeles" as a generic search term usually defaults to Downtown, which won't tell you if Malibu is socked in with fog.
- Hydrate for the Dryness: Coming from the East Coast or the South? The lack of humidity will catch you off guard. You’ll be thirstier than usual, and your skin will feel like parchment.
- Download a Real-Time Air Quality App: During fire season or heavy smog days (though smog is way better than it was in the 90s), the air quality can tank. If you have asthma, this is a must.
Ultimately, the weather in Los Angeles is about variety. It’s a city where you can technically ski in the San Bernardino mountains and surf at Malibu in the same afternoon—if you can beat the traffic. Just don't expect the sun to be out every single morning, and you'll be just fine.
To get the most out of your trip, prioritize visiting between April and May for greenery or October for the warmest water and clearest skies. Check local neighborhood-specific forecasts on sites like the National Weather Service instead of relying on generic city-wide averages.