Los Angeles, CA Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city's location along the Pacific coast and surrounded by mountains creates diverse microclimates throughout the region.
Climate type: Mediterranean (Köppen Csb)
Los Angeles Climate Overview
Summer temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24-29°C) with very low humidity and minimal rainfall. Winters are mild with highs in the 60s-70s°F (15-21°C) and most of the year's 15 inches of rainfall occurring between November and March.
LA's weather is notably stable and predictable, with over 280 sunny days per year. The marine layer from the Pacific often creates morning fog and clouds that burn off by afternoon. Santa Ana winds occasionally bring hot, dry conditions and elevated fire risk.
Los Angeles Weather by Season
spring
Spring is mild and pleasant with highs in the 60s-70s°F. May gray brings a stubborn marine layer that often hangs around until afternoon, especially along the coast.
summer
Summers are warm, dry, and sunny — coastal LA stays in the 70s°F while inland valleys regularly push into the 90s and 100s°F. Rain is essentially nonexistent from June through September.
fall
Fall brings LA's warmest weather, with September and October often hotter than July. Santa Ana winds kick up from the desert, raising fire danger and pushing temperatures into the 90s°F.
winter
Winters are mild with highs in the 60s-70s°F. Most of LA's 15 inches of annual rain falls between December and March, sometimes arriving as intense atmospheric rivers.
Los Angeles Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 68° | 69° | 70° | 73° | 74° | 78° | 83° | 84° | 83° | 79° | 73° | 68° |
| Low °F | 49° | 51° | 53° | 56° | 59° | 63° | 66° | 67° | 65° | 60° | 53° | 48° |
Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
March through May and September through November offer the best balance — warm, dry, and without the extreme summer inland heat or winter rains. October is a local favorite.
Severe Weather Risks
- Wildfires
- Santa Ana winds
- Atmospheric rivers
- Drought
- Debris flows
Weather Facts About Los Angeles
- >LA enjoys more than 280 sunny days per year — one of the highest in the US.
- >Microclimates mean a 20°F difference between beach and valley on the same afternoon.
- >The "June Gloom" marine layer can keep coastal temperatures 15°F below inland readings.
Los Angeles Weather FAQ
What is the best time of year to visit Los Angeles?
April, May, October, and November offer the most comfortable weather — warm days in the 70s°F, cool nights, low humidity, and minimal rain. Summer is hot inland but perfect at the beach.
Does it ever rain in Los Angeles?
Yes, but almost exclusively between November and April. LA averages about 15 inches of rain per year, most of it delivered by a handful of atmospheric river storms in winter.
What are Santa Ana winds?
Santa Ana winds are hot, dry, downslope winds that blow from the Mojave Desert toward the coast, typically in fall. They dramatically lower humidity, raise temperatures, and create extreme wildfire risk.
Why is Los Angeles so foggy in May and June?
The cold Pacific water offshore condenses into a thick marine layer that drifts onshore overnight. "May gray" and "June gloom" can keep coastal LA cloudy until late morning for weeks at a time.