Best time to visit California

Find the best time to visit California and plan your perfect trip in 2023/2024. 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

Top California destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular destinations 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]

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Max Day Temperature (°C)

  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in January in California (Los Angeles)20
    Jan
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in February in California (Los Angeles)20
    Feb
  • 21°C maximum daytime temperature in March in California (Los Angeles)21
    Mar
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in April in California (Los Angeles)22
    Apr
  • 23°C maximum daytime temperature in May in California (Los Angeles)23
    May
  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in June in California (Los Angeles)26
    Jun
  • 29°C maximum daytime temperature in July in California (Los Angeles)29
    Jul
  • 30°C maximum daytime temperature in August in California (Los Angeles)30
    Aug
  • 28°C maximum daytime temperature in September in California (Los Angeles)28
    Sep
  • 26°C maximum daytime temperature in October in California (Los Angeles)26
    Oct
  • 22°C maximum daytime temperature in November in California (Los Angeles)22
    Nov
  • 20°C maximum daytime temperature in December in California (Los Angeles)20
    Dec

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Best time to visit

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)

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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 © <a href='https://www.flickr.com/photos/91873384@N04/29437998283' target='new window o102736' rel='nofollow'>Dale Cruse</a> - <a href='https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/' target='new window l102736' rel='nofollow'>Flickr CC BY 2.0</a>
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California © Dale Cruse - Flickr CC BY 2.0

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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