Los Angeles skyline at dusk with palm trees in the foreground

Destination

When should you visit Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is a year-round destination, but September and October deliver the best overall balance. Late summer brings warm, reliable days and excellent beach conditions, while the peak summer rush starts to soften. January and February can be much cheaper and quieter, although winter rain is more likely. If your priority is beaches and outdoor plans, late summer to early fall is the safer bet.

My recommendation

September

September is the sweet spot for Los Angeles: summer crowds begin to ease, beach and outdoor conditions remain excellent, and the marine-layer gloom is usually less of a problem than in June. October is a close second with comfortable temperatures and strong city-wide events.

Least crowded

January

Quiet streets and lower rates.

Best weather

September

Warm, dry and often exceptionally pleasant.

Best value

January

Often among the better-value periods.

September scores

Weather10/10
Crowds6/10
Prices5/10
Events9/10
Venice Beach boardwalk in Los Angeles in warm afternoon light

Plan around

What to know before you book

Awards season

January–March

Golden Globes, Grammys, Oscars and other entertainment-industry events can affect hotel demand and traffic.
LA Marathon

March

The marathon brings road closures and a major city-wide event day.
LA Pride

June

Major LGBTQ+ celebrations bring events, crowds and hotel demand around Hollywood and West Hollywood.
Anime Expo

Early July

One of North America's largest anime conventions creates a major Downtown demand spike.
Halloween Carnaval

October

West Hollywood's huge Halloween street celebration can make late October exceptionally busy in the area.
LA Auto Show

November

A major convention-calendar event at the LA Convention Center.
Holiday season

December

Christmas events, concerts and holiday attractions raise demand toward the end of the month.

Month by month

All twelve months, at a glance

Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.

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