Which is the hottest month in California?

The hottest time of year in Los Angeles, California is normally August. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 30°C with moderate heat and humidity.

Best time to visit California

Q: When is the best time to visit California?

The best time to visit California (Los Angeles) is April and June based on the following average weather conditions. Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: Which month has the most rain in California?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Los Angeles, California with 80mm on average. There are normally 5 days in January with some rain.

Q: When is it sunniest in California?

The sunniest time of year in Los Angeles, California is normally August with bright sunshine on average for 83% of daylight hours; that's 11 hours of sunshine per day.

Find the best time to visit California and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

California by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Destination

Top California destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in California. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All California destinations

When is the best time to visit California?

The best time to visit California (Los Angeles) is April and June based on the following average weather conditions.

Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

3.5
Jan
4
Feb
4
Mar
5
Apr
4.5
May
5
Jun
4.5
Jul
4
Aug
4.5
Sep
4
Oct
4
Nov
3.5
Dec

Change criteria

Max Day Temperature (°C)

20
Jan
20
Feb
21
Mar
22
Apr
23
May
26
Jun
29
Jul
30
Aug
28
Sep
26
Oct
22
Nov
20
Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

7
Jan
8
Feb
9
Mar
10
Apr
9
May
10
Jun
12
Jul
11
Aug
9
Sep
8
Oct
7
Nov
7
Dec

Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for California (Los Angeles) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

California overview

California has an unusual Mediterranean climate which gets warmer and drier the further south you go.

The state's extreme southeast witnesses hardly any rainfall and conditions are semi-desert with temperatures soaring in the summer months: the aptly named Death Valley records some of the highest temperatures in the world!

The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California © JFL Photography - Adobe Stock Image

The coast, where San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles are situated, has coolish summers with frequent fog and mild, rainy winters.

Rain also falls heavily in the Sierra Nevada range and the mountains which back the coast; this turns to snow on the higher peaks and gives California its reputation as a place where you can ski in the morning and sunbathe in the afternoon.

You should, however, take care in the mountains as sudden, heavy snowstorms can occur.

Another climatic hazard is urban smog around Los Angeles which is a mixture of fog and pollution trapped by a blanket of coastal warm air. However, overall, California is a delightful place to visit and deserves its nickname 'the sunshine state'.

What to pack for California weather

Take light clothes for visiting southern California in the summer, add a few wraps if you are going to the coast and much warmer clothes for trips to the mountains.

Take fairly warm clothing in the winter when you should be prepared for the occasional cold snap, and rain.

Be aware that different parts of California often register America's hottest and coldest temperatures within a single day - over 55°C (120°F) in Death Valley, close to freezing in the Sierra Nevada Mountains - so pack appropriately for where you are going.

More about California

Explore our complete guide to California with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for California.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

California travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to California with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

California - quick facts
Flight time^✝	11 hours
Time difference	UK -8 hours
Language(s)	English
Currency	US Dollar
Electricity	A + B plug (120V)
Driving side	Right
Visa^✝	Yes

Why visit California?

Considering a holiday to the California? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for beaches or culture to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Beaches
Culture
Nature
Nightlife

California tourist information

Visit California

✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to California?
Holidays Hotels Flights eSIMs Travel insurance

California travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting California from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

UK traveller advice for the California - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for the California - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for the California - Government of Canada
Safe travel advisories for the California - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for the California - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around California.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

California travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to California with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for the California - CDC
Health & vaccinations for the California - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in the California - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in California, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

California travel features

Do you want to learn more about California? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in California.

California FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to California including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in California?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Los Angeles, California with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in California?

The sunniest time of year in Los Angeles, California is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in California?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Los Angeles, California in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the flight time to California from the UK?

The flight time to California from the UK is typically 11 hours.

What is the time difference between California and the UK?

The time difference between California and the UK is UK time-8 hours.

What is the main language spoken in California?

The main language spoken in California is English.

Learn a language for California with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Rocket Languages^*.

What is the currency in California?

The currency in California is the US Dollar (USD).

Send money to California with TransferGo^*.

Which plugs are used in California?

California uses electrical plug type A + B (120 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in California?

They drive on the right side of the road in California.

Find out more about driving in USA with International Drivers Association^*.

Do you need a visa for California?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter California.

Check USA visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ^*.

California travel deals

Holidays to California

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to California in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.