/
When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles? A Season-by-Season Guide

When Is the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles? A Season-by-Season Guide

— May 15, 2026
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Telegram
A family posing for a photo in front of the iconic Beverly Hills sign and reflecting pool during a sunny day in Los Angeles.

Pick any month on the calendar and Los Angeles will give you something worth the trip. The weather stays mild year-round, the attractions stay open, and the city stays active in every season. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s in winter to the mid-80s in summer, with fewer than 40 rainy days per year.

This guide covers the best time to visit Los Angeles, broken down season by season. We walk through spring, summer, fall, and winter, covering weather, crowd levels, pricing, key events, and the right tour for each window. By the end, you’ll know which season fits the trip you want to take.

Hollywood has something for every season, and we are here to show you the best of it. Over 18,000 five-star reviews have called our tours a must-do Hollywood experience. Browse our tours and reserve your spot.

Spring in Los Angeles — March to May

Spring is one of the strongest windows to visit Los Angeles. Daytime temperatures sit in the low-to-mid 70s°F, rainfall is rare, and the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. Hotels and flights are priced lower than peak season, and the city moves at a more relaxed pace.

May Gray and June Gloom

One thing worth knowing: coastal areas in LA experience what locals call May Gray and June Gloom, a marine layer that rolls in from the Pacific and keeps mornings overcast, particularly near the beach. It typically clears by midday and rarely affects a full day of sightseeing. Inland areas like Hollywood and Beverly Hills see considerably less of it.

Spring Events & Attractions 

  • LA Marathon (March): Runs through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood
  • Cherry Blossom Festival, Little Tokyo (March–April): Food, performances, and cultural events in downtown LA
  • Fiesta Broadway / Cinco de Mayo (late April–May): One of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the country
  • Awards season closes (March): The Oscars wrap up and the industry energy lingers into spring

 

For a full list of events happening across Los Angeles throughout the year, visit our Los Angeles Events Guide.

Jacaranda Season

From mid-May through June, the jacaranda trees lining the streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills bloom purple. It’s one of the most photogenic stretches of the year in LA, and an open-air vehicle moving through the neighborhoods is the best way to take it in.

Open-Air Tours in Spring

Tourists waving from an open-air Hollywood Bus Tours vehicle while sightseeing through Los Angeles on a sunny day.

Spring weather makes this one of the best times to experience Los Angeles on an open-air tour. Mild temperatures and clear afternoon skies mean comfortable sightseeing all day, and with awards season running through March, spring brings some of the strongest celebrity-sighting opportunities of the year across Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

Come late May, the jacaranda trees lining the streets of Beverly Hills and the Hollywood Hills bloom purple — making the neighborhoods particularly photogenic from an open-air vehicle moving through them.

See the Hollywood Sign, Rodeo Drive, the Beverly Hills Sign, the Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, celebrity homes, and more on our Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour.

Summer in Los Angeles — June to August

Summer is peak season in Los Angeles. Daytime temperatures reach the low-to-upper 80s°F, the skies are virtually rain-free, and the days are at their longest. The city fills up from June through August, and hotels, flights, and theme park tickets including Universal Studios Hollywood tend to be at their most expensive during this window. Booking well in advance makes a real difference.

Beach Weather

Visitors walking along the busy Santa Monica Pier with shops, attractions, and oceanfront views in Southern California.

Summer is the strongest season for the beach. Ocean temperatures peak in July and August, and Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Malibu, and Manhattan Beach are all at their best. Coastal areas also stay meaningfully cooler than inland neighborhoods like Hollywood and Beverly Hills, which feel the full heat of summer afternoons. If beach days are a priority, summer delivers.

Crowds and Pricing

The Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Santa Monica Pier, and Universal Studios tend to see some of their highest visitor volumes from June through August. Lines are longer, parking is tighter, and popular restaurants fill up fast. Arriving early at major attractions and booking accommodation well ahead will save both time and money.

Outdoor Activities in the Summer

  • Fourth of July (July 4): Fireworks at Griffith Park and along the beach communities
  • Hollywood Bowl Season (June–September): Outdoor concerts spanning classical, pop, rock, jazz, and more in one of LA’s most beloved venues
  • Outdoor film screenings: Parks and venues across the city host screenings throughout the season

Private Tours in Summer

A woman wearing sunglasses relaxing in the back seat of a vehicle while touring through Los Angeles during daylight.

Our VIP Private SUV Experience is a strong fit for summer — particularly for families traveling with kids during summer break or anyone looking for maximum flexibility in how they see the city. 

Your chauffeur-guide picks you up directly from your hotel in a Cadillac Escalade with seating for up to six, drinks and snacks included. The itinerary is entirely yours: Hollywood landmarks, Beverly Hills, a coastal drive through Malibu, Venice Beach, or wherever the day takes you.

Choose from a 5.5-hour experience or a full 7.5-hour day. Hotel pickup is included for most Los Angeles hotels.

See what’s included and book your experience on our VIP Private SUV Experience page.

Fall in Los Angeles — September to November

Fall is one of the most underrated times to visit Los Angeles. September often runs warmer than June, with daytime highs in the low 80s°F and dry, clear conditions that hold through October. After Labor Day, the summer crowds thin out and the city becomes easier to move through.

Fewer Crowds and Lower Pricing

Visitor numbers drop noticeably after Labor Day, and hotels and flights reflect it. September and October offer strong value compared to summer, with major attractions easier to move through and more room to explore at your own pace. One exception: Thanksgiving week sees a sharp spike in both crowds and pricing, so book well ahead if that’s your window.

What’s On in Fall

  • Emmy Awards (September): Awards season ramps back up, bringing the entertainment industry fully back to Hollywood
  • West Hollywood Halloween Carnival (October 31): One of the largest Halloween street celebrations in the country
  • Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood (September–November): A major annual event running on select nights through fall
  • Día de Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery (late October–early November): One of LA’s most celebrated cultural events
  • AFI Fest (late October): Hollywood’s annual film festival brings red carpet premieres and industry screenings to the TCL Chinese Theatres
  • College Football (September–November): USC and UCLA home games draw large crowds on game days

Sightseeing in Fall

Fall’s warm, dry weather and lighter visitor numbers make it a great time to see LA’s most iconic places. Our Half Day Best of LA Tour covers Griffith Observatory with Hollywood Sign views, Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, and the Farmers Market and The Grove — all in 5.5 hours aboard a 2025 climate-controlled luxury coach.

See what’s included and book on our Half Day Best of LA Tour page.

Winter in Los Angeles — December to February

Winter in LA is mild by any standard. Daytime temperatures typically reach the 60s°F in January and February, with occasional rain — LA averages fewer than 40 rainy days per year, and most fall in this window. Mornings and evenings near the coast can feel cool, so layers are practical. Outside of the holiday week in December, this is also the quietest and most affordable stretch of the year.

December in Los Angeles

A luxury storefront with holiday decorations and a yellow convertible parked along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California.

December is its own category. The city is festive and busy, with holiday lights lining Rodeo Drive, elaborate decorations at The Grove, and an end-of-year energy that draws visitors from around the world. Hotels and flights are priced higher during the holiday week — book well ahead. Expect crowds at major attractions similar to summer.

January and February

Once the holidays clear, Los Angeles becomes noticeably quieter. Hotel and flight prices tend to drop to their lowest, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, and the city’s major attractions are easy to explore without the usual crowds. January and February are two of the most relaxed and affordable months to visit Los Angeles.

What’s To Do During Winter Months

  • Golden Globes (January): Awards season opens with one of Hollywood’s most celebrated nights
  • SAG Awards (February): The Screen Actors Guild Awards draw the full industry out
  • Holiday events (December): Rodeo Drive holiday lights, The Grove Christmas tree, ice skating in downtown LA

The Perfect Day in LA

Winter is the natural home for our Perfect Day in LA — the combo that pairs the Half Day Best of LA Tour with the Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour for a full 7.5-hour day across the city.

The Half Day portion runs on a 2025 climate-controlled luxury coach, covering Griffith Observatory, the Farmers Market and The Grove, the Santa Monica Pier, and Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive. In December, the city is dressed up — The Grove’s Christmas tree and decorations make that stop a highlight on its own, and Rodeo Drive lit up for the holidays is worth seeing in person.

The Celebrity Homes portion adds the Hollywood Hills, the Sunset Strip, and a tour through the neighborhoods where LA’s biggest names live. With awards season in full swing and celebrities actively in town, winter is also one of the strongest windows for sightings on our Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour.

Together, the two tours give you the full picture of Los Angeles in one of its most festive stretches. Both can be taken back to back in a single day or split across two days.

See what’s included and book on our Perfect Day in LA page.

Choosing the Best Time to Visit Los Angeles

Hollywood Bus Tours open air bus driving past luxury stores on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with passengers onboard

The best time to visit Los Angeles depends on what kind of trip you want.

Families with kids during school breaks:

Summer is the natural fit. Beach weather peaks and the days are long, and the VIP Private SUV Experience gives families a fully private itinerary built around their own schedule.

Traveling to Los Angeles with kids? Our Tips for Traveling with Kids in LA guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth family trip.

Budget travelers:

January and February tend to offer some of the lowest hotel and flight prices of the year. September and October are also strong for value, with warm weather and lighter crowds.

Beach-focused trips:

June through August, when ocean temperatures peak and the coastal neighborhoods are at their liveliest. Not sure which beach to visit? Our 15 Best Beaches Near Los Angeles guide breaks down the top spots along the coast so you can find the right fit for your trip.

Awards season energy:

January through March brings the Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and Oscars to Hollywood, drawing the entertainment industry back in full force and making it one of the more active windows for celebrity activity across the city.

Open-air tours:

Spring, with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and jacaranda blooms late May through June. Fall offers the same open-air conditions with warm, dry weather holding through October. See the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, and celebrity homes on our Hollywood, Beverly Hills, & Celebrity Homes Open Air Tour.

Seeing as much of the city as possible:

The Perfect Day in LA runs year-round and covers the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, the Santa Monica Pier, the Farmers Market and The Grove, and celebrity homes in a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Los Angeles

A group of travelers posing with drinks near the iconic Hollywood Sign during a sightseeing tour in Los Angeles.

Is There a Bad Time to Go to Los Angeles?

Generally, no. Los Angeles is a year-round destination with mild weather and open attractions in every season. Rain is rare, the climate is usually comfortable across all twelve months, and the city stays active regardless of the time of year. The trade-offs between seasons come down to crowds and pricing, not the quality of the experience itself.

What Is June Gloom in Los Angeles?

June Gloom is the marine layer that settles over LA’s coastal neighborhoods including Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu in May and June, bringing overcast mornings. The same pattern in May is often called May Gray. Both typically clear by midday and rarely affect a full day. Inland areas like Hollywood and Beverly Hills see considerably less of it.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Los Angeles?

January and February tend to offer some of the lowest hotel and flight prices of the year, outside of major events or holidays. September and October are also strong for value — summer crowds have thinned and the weather stays warm. Thanksgiving week and the December holiday week both tend to see pricing spikes.

When Is Los Angeles at Its Most Crowded?

Mid-June through mid-August is peak season, with the highest visitor volumes at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, and the coastal neighborhoods. The December holiday week is also notably busy. Major events like awards shows, concerts, and sporting events can cause localized crowds at any time of year.

What Is the Rainfall Like Year-Round in LA?

Los Angeles averages fewer than 40 rainy days per year, with most rainfall concentrated in January and February. From June through September, rain is virtually nonexistent. Even during the wettest months, sunny days return quickly.

Seeing Hollywood in Every Season

A group of friends taking selfies and posing on Hollywood Boulevard near the TCL Chinese Theatre during a sightseeing trip in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles has something worth visiting in every season. Spring brings mild weather and jacaranda blooms through Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Summer is peak beach season with the city running at full speed. Fall is warm, quieter, and filled with awards season energy. Winter is festive in December and peaceful through January and February.

Our tours run daily, year-round, from Hollywood and Santa Monica. In spring, the open-air Celebrity Homes Tour is at its most photogenic. In summer, the VIP Private SUV Experience gives families and groups a fully private day on their own itinerary. In fall, the Half Day Best of LA covers the city’s highlights in 5.5 hours. And in winter, the Perfect Day in LA brings it all together while the city is lit up for the holidays and buzzing with awards season.

Whatever time of year you’re visiting, we’re here to show you the best of it. Browse our tours and reserve your spot.

ADVERTISEMENT

OUR REVIEWS

What our fans are saying...

OUR REVIEWS

What our fans are saying...

We're Open For BusinessRecent wildfires in Los Angeles have brought challenging times to our city, and our hearts go out to all those affected. While some areas have experienced loss, much of LA remains untouched and as vibrant as ever.
add_action('wp_enqueue_scripts', function () { // Prevent Elementor from loading recaptcha globally wp_dequeue_script('google-recaptcha'); wp_deregister_script('google-recaptcha'); }, 100);