With its Mediterranean climate, abundant sunshine and fun attractions, Los Angeles, California, is a year-round destination, and any alleged best time to visit LA is only limited by your seasonal preferences, budget and imagination. Also known as the City of Angels and La-La Land, among other nicknames, this multifaceted metropolitan area in Southern California is one of the largest and most popular regions in the United States to go — drawing around 50 million visitors annually — for sights to see as varied as the downtown skyline as well as beautiful beaches, parks and festivals. The destination has welcomed Hollywood and Fortune 500 companies like Walt Disney Co. and, soon, The 2028 Summer Olympics.
Not only is Los Angeles one of AAA's best places in North America to get your Olympics fix but also it inspires great reasons to visit with outdoor recreation like hiking and biking trails — and just plain star power. Stay tuned as we go through the seasons in LA and make suggestions to streamline your LA trip planning. We’ll cover shoulder season — those affordable months where you can easily experience fun things to do with moderate weather but without crowds — in addition to peak and off-peak seasons to help you plan the best time to go. And of course, no seasonal article is complete without a list of fun events and tips for having the best time in Los Angeles.
Best Time To Visit LA on a Budget: Shoulder Season
When to go: March to May, and September to October
There are many benefits to visiting LA in shoulder season ranging from fewer crowds to affordability on accommodations and airfare — and greater sustainability in travel because fewer resources are being used.
Visiting in spring, said to be LA’s best period, also allows you to experience mild temperatures as well as iconic events, such as the Academy Awards in early spring or April’s Fiesta Broadway. Places like West Hollywood or Marina del Rey also are fun places to go and more easily accessible during these mild months and pleasant temperatures. Average temperatures are usually in the 70s Fahrenheit.
Also consider LA's natural areas during this time. The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), which takes care of 181 parks and playgrounds in the area, suggests visiting these stunning places in spring when it's cooler and easier to walk or hike than in the summer or early fall. Among their recommendations are Eaton Canyon, Placerita Canyon, Vasquez Rocks and Devil's Punchbowl.
In an email to AAA, DPR Communications wrote, "Many of Los Angeles County’s botanic gardens have winter and spring blooms and special events, including Descanso Gardens, the Arboretum, etc. If the weather is clear, the views from Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area of downtown LA are fine."
DPR added one note of caution about the autumn months, however. "Fall can include some of our hottest days, and extra caution in desert areas is recommended. Tips include: Checking weather for hot weather and wildfire alerts, carrying plenty of water, and checking the site you want to visit for warnings about excessive temperatures, especially important in areas where you will be outdoors with little shade/trees. One example is Los Angeles County’s Vasquez Rocks Natural Area and Nature Center. This is a beautiful area, popular as a filming location, but can have very high temperatures in summer and fall."
Best Time to Visit LA for Sunshine: Peak Season
When to go: June to August
This is the time for California dreamin’ as you can expect plenty of sunny weather — as well as tourists and families once school is out. On the plus side, you can expect average temperatures from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit, though inland areas may run hotter. Generally, this is the season you want to see and be seen, whether on a beautiful beach or LA hike like Runyon Canyon and Mount Hollywood Trail.
Hotel and restaurant reservations are a must, especially for restaurants with a great view. With good weather, you can expect summer crowds, higher fees and timed tickets at attractions and key events. Outdoor attractions, however, could be hot, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and consider looking up LA's off-the-beaten-path attractions.
That brings us to another peak to watch for — fire season in Los Angeles. The hot, dry months of later summer and early fall create conditions ripe for wildfires to spread.
There are a number of sources to consult during this time. DPR recommends checking the National Weather Service for "Red Flag Warnings" of wildfires in addition to UC Berkeley's MyShake for earthquakes. If you’re planning for any outdoor recreation, the National Forest Foundation suggests preparing by checking weather and fire restrictions in advance, be savvy enough to change directions or plans, and stay flexible with your time outside. The Pacific Crest Trail Association also details how to react to wildfires, whether dealing with fire responsibly or reporting in general.
Best Time to Visit LA for Fewer Crowds: Offseason
When to go: November to February
You’ll find great deals and fewer travelers in the winter months. Though temperatures are still mild in LA — upper 60s to lows of 40s and 50s — this is the time to see the attractions LA is known for, although note that snowfall is highly unlikely. (Sandy white beach sand or holiday programming at a theme park, however, is something you should put on your list of things to do — weather permitting.)
Although lacking in snow, winter does usher in the heaviest rainfall since it’s during LA’s peak rainy season — generally late fall to early spring. Mudslides and rock slides can occur during the rainy season, particularly in nearby Malibu, which keeps tips of winter storm safety and notes to keep watch for leaning trees and new cracks in tiles or foundations.
Best Time to Visit LA for Celebrations
When to go: As scheduled.
Like petals to a parade float, some merrymakers meticulously design a bucket-list trip around an event or celebration in a destination. If attending the Rose Bowl Parade or another world-class event is a goal for you, know that timing and planning are key to appreciating firsthand these exciting gatherings while avoiding last-minute stress.
Occasions centering on sports or arts and culture especially stand out in LA, so you might make these considerations:
- Plan your travel around the event schedule, and make reservations where necessary.
- Reserve accommodations early to avoid high prices, and secure a great deal on a AAA Diamond hotel.
- Investigate transportation options, such as public transit, ride-sharing or vehicle rentals with Hertz.
- Explore surrounding local restaurants and attractions to maximize your trip beyond the event.
Let's recap some favorite LA events, starting with a seasonal favorite we’ve already mentioned. While not technically in Los Angeles, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena is an annual draw. The parade features flower-adorned floats before the Rose Bowl Game on New Year’s Day, a tradition beloved by all ages. Another annual local favorite, the Los Angeles County Fair at the 543-acre Fairplex in Pomona, features carnival rides, exhibits and fair food in May.
There are celebrations inspired by the city’s diversity as well. Cultural events include Lunar New Year festivities in either late January or February, and the Thai Buddhist community's Songkran celebration is in April. Fiesta Broadway, a large Cinco de Mayo celebration, features mariachi music, dancing and Mexican cuisine along Broadway and Hill streets in LA's Historic Core. In mid-May, parades and festivities on Ocean Boulevard and Marina Green/Rainbow Lagoon welcome the LGBTQ+ community and allies to the Long Beach Pride Parade, one of the country’s longest-running Pride celebrations.
Mid-August's Nisei Week Japanese Festival in the Little Tokyo District in Downtown LA celebrates Japanese heritage through parades, cuisine and public street dancing.
Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos), a traditional remembrance of lost loved ones with Indigenous and Catholic influences widely observed in Mexico among other places in the Americas, occurs around the LA area in late October and early November, including a multiday celebration on Olvera Street. Meanwhile, the Day of the Dead Celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a Los Angeles off-the-beaten-path pick, also has spectacular ofrendas (altars) on display.
Finally in December, the nine-day Las Posadas procession on Olvera Street re-creates Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem in 1930, one of the longest-running holiday events in Los Angeles.
Visit LA with AAA
Each season in Los Angeles is different and brings its own set of exciting possibilities and challenges. In the end, your travel preferences, such as your preferred seasonal activities, budget and level of comfort with crowds, will determine your optimal time to visit Los Angeles. Should you need help, remember a AAA Travel Agent is a great resource for assistance with anything from reservations to member savings and benefits, and travel insurance in the event of sickness or bad weather.
Whatever your travel style, it’s best to plan thoroughly, especially if you have a bucket-list event to attend. From the beach during peak season to experiencing cultural celebrations during shoulder season, or taking advantage of affordable attractions and fewer tourists in off-peak, you can find things to do in Los Angeles year-round and make your own picture-perfect ending to your vacation. There’s just something about driving Mulholland Drive or seeing the Hollywood sign for it to kick in that you made it!