Everyone packs for LA like it's always beach weather. It isn't. Winter highs are 64°F (18°C) with 45°F (7°C) nights, the coast is often grey in early summer, and you'll spend hours in a car, so pack layers and a cold drink, not just shorts.
Los Angeles weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 64°F18°C | 64°F18°C | 66°F19°C | 73°F23°C | 75°F24°C | 81°F27°C | 88°F31°C | 90°F32°C | 86°F30°C | 82°F28°C | 73°F23°C | 68°F20°C |
| Low | 45°F7°C | 46°F8°C | 48°F9°C | 50°F10°C | 55°F13°C | 59°F15°C | 63°F17°C | 64°F18°C | 64°F18°C | 59°F15°C | 52°F11°C | 48°F9°C |
| Rain days | 6 | 8 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs run 64°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C) and lows drop to 45°F (7°C), with 4 to 8 rain days a month. It's sunny most days and cold once the sun goes down. Bring a jacket for evenings in Santa Monica or up at Griffith Observatory.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month at 10 rain days and a 66°F (19°C) high. April and May warm to 73°F (23°C) and 75°F (24°C) with only 2 rain days each. May often brings a grey marine layer along the coast in the morning, so pack a light sweater.
Summer
June–AugustJune is 81°F (27°C) and the coast often stays grey until midday. July hits 88°F (31°C) with no rain days, and August is the hottest at 90°F (32°C). Inland neighborhoods like the Valley and Downtown run hotter than the beaches, so pack sun gear and plenty of water.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 86°F (30°C) and October at 82°F (28°C), with just 2 rain days each. November cools to 73°F (23°C) with lows of 52°F (11°C). It's one of the best times to go, with warm days and quieter beaches.
What to bring to Los Angeles
0 of 21 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
LA has almost no rain from April to October, so a light knit sneaker that breathes in the heat and goes in the washing machine after a dusty day makes sense for city walking.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
For her, the same pick: light enough to walk Venice and the Santa Monica Pier all day, and it packs smaller than trail runners.
- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
You'll spend a lot of time in the car, and this 32 oz bottle fits the cupholder and keeps water cold for 24 hours.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
August hits 90°F (32°C) and the Valley runs hotter, so a handheld fan earns its place on a midday walk in the Valley or Downtown.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
A light clog that wipes clean after sand at the beach and works for the hotel pool, though it takes more room than a flat sandal.
- Anker Nano Magnetic Power Bank 5,000mAh (Qi2)Tech & Power
Maps, rideshare and photos burn through your phone in LA, and this slim magnetic power bank snaps onto a MagSafe iPhone with no cable.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
For international visitors, this adapter covers US sockets and has five charging ports, so the whole room runs off one outlet.
Clothing
- Light jacket or hoodie · 1Winter nights drop to 7°C
- Shorts and T-shirts · 4August highs hit 32°C
- Swimsuit · 1
- Long pants for evenings · 2
- Sun hat · 1
Footwear
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Car phone mount · 1You will spend hours driving
- Beach towel · 1
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenStrong sun Apr–Oct
- Lip balm with SPF
Documents and money
- Passport or ID
- Driver's licenseMost visitors drive
Tech
- Car charger · 1
What shoes should you pack for Los Angeles?
A comfortable sneaker covers most of it, from Venice Beach to The Grove. Bring something with grip for the Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park trails, which are dusty and steep in places. Add sandals for the beach.
What do people wear in Los Angeles?
LA is casual: jeans or shorts, t-shirts, sneakers and a light jacket. Restaurants in West Hollywood and Silver Lake can be a bit dressier, but very few places have a strict dress code.
What plugs does Los Angeles use?
The US uses types A and B at 120V. International visitors need an adapter, and anyone from a 230V country should check that hair tools work at 120V.
Tours and things to do in Los Angeles
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Los Angeles.
What should you leave at home for Los Angeles?
Leave the heavy winter coat; a light jacket and a sweater are enough even in January. Leave the rain boots too, since even the wettest month has only 10 rain days.
Packing for Los Angeles: questions people ask
What should I wear in Los Angeles in winter?
Light layers for 64°F (18°C) to 68°F (20°C) days and a jacket for evenings, when it drops to 45°F (7°C) to 48°F (9°C). It rarely rains for long.
Is Los Angeles hot in summer?
Yes, especially inland. August averages 90°F (32°C), but the coast can stay cooler and grey in the mornings in June.
Do I need a jacket in LA?
Yes, for evenings most of the year. Lows drop to 45°F (7°C) in January and stay around 59°F (15°C) even in early summer.
What is the rainy season in Los Angeles?
Rain falls mostly from December to March, with March the wettest at 10 rain days. Summer is almost completely dry.
What plug adapter do I need for Los Angeles?
The US uses types A and B at 120V. Bring an adapter with a US plug if you're coming from abroad.
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