The best time to visit Los Angeles

Thanks to its miles of beaches, palm-lined boulevards and exciting experiences, Los Angeles draws visitors every week of the year. LA’s sunshine famously lasts all year long, too, so the weather might not change all that much, but each season brings its own magic. In spring, everything blooms, while the summer ushers in a fun, carefree energy. A different mood sets in come fall, as awards season launches and the holidays approach, while the winter months bring cultural events galore (and, yes, even a smidge of rain).

So when is the best time to visit LA? Truly, the city always delights, and there’s no such thing as a bad time to go. Whether you're looking to soak in the sunshine, skip the crowds or stick to a tighter budget, we can help you choose the right time for your trip to Los Angeles.

June to August is the best time for beach lovers

Weather in LA in summer: The sun is shining, and the waves are calling. If you’re set to lie out on the sand, bring plenty of sunscreen, water and a beach umbrella, as temperatures average around 85°F (29°C) and UV index ratings frequently rank extreme.

For travelers looking to experience that SoCal beach life, summer is the best time to visit. Iconic beach districts like Santa Monica, Venice and Manhattan Beach front dozens of miles of largely contiguous beaches that welcome 50 million visitors annually.

Visit West Hollywood (or, WeHo to locals) in June to celebrate LA Pride or celebrate Independence Day on July 4 with beach days and fireworks shows. Outdoor cinemas and summer concerts are also in full swing as locals and tourists soak in the longer days and warmer nights. The Hollywood Bowl is a great place to experience an LA summer night, with shows most evenings in the historic alfresco amphitheater. You can also head to Dodger Stadium for some baseball and a classic Dodger dog.

Bear in mind, though, that with endless events and activities, school holidays and warm weather in full force, LA crowds, long lines, heavy traffic and high prices all peak in the summer months.

September to November is the best time for perfect weather and fewer crowds

Weather in LA in fall: This is what people call "local summer," because the days are still long and it's often warmer in September than it is June. Expect highs of 83°F (28°C) through September with low temperatures dipping to around 55°F (13°C) towards the end of November.

If you’re on a budget, the off-peak months from September to November are a great time to visit LA. Most kids are back at school, and the summer rush has subsided. Fall is brimming with events. It's college football season, so you can get tickets for a USC or UCLA game. Their rivalry game is quite the spectacle, so you should book ahead for tickets. If you love spooky season, Universal Studios puts on its must-visit Halloween Horror Nights, but they are not for the faint of heart.

LA also hosts one of the largest Día de Muertos celebrations in the country, thanks to its strong, proud Mexican community. Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Olvera St host large-scale events with face painting, live music, art exhibitions and more.

Budget vacationers should choose their travel dates wisely. While fall prices are generally ideal, booking too early may still see you faced with summer peak-season prices. Yet booking too late in the season gets you close to the holidays – in particular, Thanksgiving (the last Thursday of November) is one of the most expensive times to travel in the USA.

December to February is the best time for culture enthusiasts and surfers

Weather in LA in winter: Temperatures stay pretty consistent, with some days still reaching above 72°F (22°C – no snow here). And though rain doesn’t fall often in LA, when it does, it’s typically during January and February. Since it’s so rare, some indoor-outdoor restaurants, bars and attractions do close until the sun returns.

The months of December to February are ideal for indoor attractions like museums, galleries and theaters – without the crowds. With the holiday season also in full force, finery in neighborhoods and commercial developments (we love the displays on Candy Cane Lane in Woodland Hills and at The Grove) is an attraction in itself. You can also attend the boat Christmas parades in Marina Del Rey or in the Venice Canals. Come New Year's Day, Pasadena puts on its annual Rose Parade, which features some 45 incredible rose-covered floats.

For surfers, this is also the best time for winter swells. While you'll need a wetsuit, the waves are far more consistent than in the summer months, especially south of LAX.

Note that prices rise from mid-December to early January for the holiday season.

March to May is the best time for nature lovers and budget travelers

Weather in LA in spring: Spring in Los Angeles brings comfortable temperatures, blooming landscapes and longer days. Daily highs hover around 75°F (24°C), lows rarely fall below 45°F (7°C) and the chance of showers is rare. But it’s not all sunshine: the May Gray and June Gloom refer to the overcast and foggy conditions seen some mornings during these months. Yet these conditions have an upside, for the lack of bright sun makes outdoor activities like hiking more comfortable (just be sure to wear layers). What’s more, the sky typically clears over the course of the day, with the sun breaking through by afternoon.

March to May draws fewer crowds to the city, making it a popular and more convenient time to soak in its many attractions. Whale watching is a favored choice for marine enthusiasts: spring sees 20,000 gray whales travel via Los Angeles from the Arctic to their breeding and calving grounds in Baja California. Many tour operators can help you witness this firsthand, particularly in Long Beach and Orange County.

Those who love the sights of fresh blooms should visit Descanso Gardens. While open year-round, this 150-acre botanical playground comes alive with color in spring, as the tulips, camellias, lilacs, azaleas and roses all burst into bloom.

Springtime also welcomes festival season, with many LA locals and visitors in town ahead of music festivals Coachella and Stagecoach. While the extravaganzas take place in the Californian desert near Palm Springs, LA acts as a home base for out-of-towners. If you stay in LA rather than heading off to the Empire Polo Grounds, this is a good time to get reservations at trendy restaurants.