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Best time to visit California
The best times to visit California (Los Angeles) are in April, May, June, September and October based on our default weather conditions. Update your weather preferences to see which months best match.
California by month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Recommended for California
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Top California destinations
Below are average maximum temperatures at popular countries, regions and places in California in December. Select a holiday destination to see more weather parameters.
- Los Angeles
- Beverly Hills
- San Diego
- Santa Monica
- Death Valley
- Santa Barbara
- San Francisco
- Big Sur
- Napa
- Palm Springs
- Lake Tahoe
- Yosemite
All California destinations
- Anaheim
- Bakersfield
- Beverly Hills
- Big Sur
- Crescent City
- Death Valley
- Fresno
- Huntington Beach
- Kings Canyon
- Laguna Beach
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Mammoth Lakes
- Napa
- Needles
- Newport Beach
- Northstar
- Palm Springs
- Redding
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Monica
- South Lake Tahoe
- Tahoe City
- Yosemite
When is the best time to visit California?
The best times to visit California (Los Angeles) are in April, May, June, September and October based on the following average weather conditions.
Maximum daytime temperature = 22 - 30°C [remove]
Daily hours of sunshine = 8 hours or more [remove]
Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.
Max Day Temperature (°C)
- Jan
20 - Feb20
- Mar21
- Apr
22 - May23
- Jun
26 - Jul
29 - Aug
30 - Sep28
- Oct26
- Nov22
- Dec20
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)
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 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 information
- Ready to book?
- Top travel deals
- Travel advice
- Travel health
- Travel features
- FAQs
California essential information
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 |
✝ = Typical flight time from the UK and visa requirements for UK travellers.
Travelling to California?
Discover where to book holidays, flights, hotels and more from popular travel providers for your trip to California in 2026/2027.
Holidays to California
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TUI Find and book ATOL protected holidays to California and destinations worldwide with low deposits and free child places available. |
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Love Holidays Book flights, hotels and transfers as holiday packages to worldwide destinations with this UK-based OTA. |
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Apple Vacations Major US holiday operator offering holiday packages to Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, USA and Europe. |
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Broadway Travel With 75 years+ history, this UK independent travel agency offers great-value holidays, hotels and cruises to United States and beyond. |
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First Choice Part of the TUI Group, this well-known UK travel brand offers package holidays to California and beyond. |
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Hays Travel UK's largest independent travel agency offers no and low-deposit getaways to countless destinations worldwide including United States. |
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Luxury Escapes Global travel brand offering insider prices on five-star resorts, tours, flights and curated experiences around the world. |
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Mercury Holidays Award-winning travel provider offering package holidays, escorted tours and river cruises to United States and more. |
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On the Beach One of the UK's largest OTAs specialising in affordable package beach holidays to California, United States and beyond. |
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Thomas Cook This iconic British travel brand invented the package holiday. Now offers holidays, city breaks and hotels to United States and more. |
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Travelbag Award-winning UK-based travel company specialising in personalised long-haul holidays to United States and further afield. |
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Virgin Holidays UK tour operator offering holidays to the USA, Caribbean and Asia and now known as Virgin Atlantic Holidays. |
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Expedia Compare and book holidays, flights, hotels, car hire and more on this trusted website covering global destinations. |
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lastminute.com Leading European travel company specialising in dynamic holiday packages to thousands of destinations including California. |
Tours to California
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Travelsphere UK-based tour operator with 60+ years experience. Offers award-winning guided tour holidays across six continents. |
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Explore! Adventure travel company offering authentic experiences for small groups to over 100 countries including United States. |
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Riviera Travel The UK's leading river cruise and tour operator, offering scenic experiences worldwide including in United States. |
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Newmarket Holidays Long-established travel brand offering escorted tours, river cruises, resort stays and more to California, United States and beyond. |
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Contiki Global travel brand for 18-35s, offering over 200 all-inclusive group trips across six continents. Low deposit bookings available. |
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Cosmos Long-standing travel brand offering affordable adventure tours across 54 countries on six continents. |
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Exoticca Online tour operator offering cultural trips and experiences designed by an in-house team of travel experts. |
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Saga Holidays Award-winning travel operator specialising in escorted tours and hotel holidays to Europe and worldwide for over 50s. |
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Trafalgar Discover your next guided tour through this top-rated travel brand covering every destination from Europe to Australia. |
Flights to California
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Air Canada Canada's largest airline offers scheduled international passenger flights to and from Canada. Founding member of Star Alliance. |
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British Airways The UK's national flag carrier is a major global airline, serving over 200 destinations across 80 countries including United States. |
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Virgin Atlantic Major British airline offering non-stop transatlantic routes from London to the USA and beyond. |
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Air France This major French international airline serves almost 170 destinations across 73 countries including United States via its hub in Paris. |
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Cathay Pacific Hong Kong's flag carrier airline, serving over 100 destinations across 28 countries and territories including United States. |
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KLM The Netherland's national flag carrier and the world's largest airline. Serves 170 international destinations via Amsterdam. |
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Qatar Airways Qatar's state-owned flag carrier flies to over 170 destinations worldwide across 80+ countries including United States. |
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eDreams Leading European OTA offering thousands of flights and hotels across 40,000 destinations including California. |
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KAYAK Search and compare flights, hotels, car hire and package holidays through this award-winning travel search engine. |
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Kiwi.com Global OTA and search engine specialising in affordable flights, hotels and car hire across worldwide destinations including California. |
Hotels in California
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Hilton Leading global hospitality brand with a portfolio of 9,000 properties across 141 countries and territories including United States. |
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Radisson Hotels Major international hotel group with 10 brands and over 1,520 hotels worldwide including in California. |
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IHG Leading global hotel group with a portfolio of international brands including Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza and more. |
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Marriott The world's largest hotel company with a portfolio of 30+ brands and almost 9,600 properties across 143 countries. |
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Millennium Hotels Singapore-based global hotel group operating across Asia, Europe, USA, New Zealand and the Middle East. |
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Agoda One of the world's largest online travel platforms with a network of over 6 million hotels. Plus flights, activities and more. |
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Booking.com Leading global OTA founded in Amsterdam. Offers worldwide accommodation, flights, car hire, activities and more. |
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Hotels.com Part of Expedia Group, this major OTA offers deals and discounts on hotel rooms worldwide including in California, United States. |
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Priceline Leading OTA for discounted flights, hotels, cruises, car hire, experiences and packages worldwide including in California, United States. |
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Trivago Global travel brand and metasearch engine that compares accommodation prices across different online booking sites. |
Accommodation in California
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The Plum Guide |
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Top Villas |
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Hostelworld Leading global OTA for hostels and budget accommodation worldwide. Perfect for travellers looking to connect. |
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VRBO |
Things to do in California
Buses & trains in California
Car hire in California
Money transfers to California
Airport taxis for California
eSIMs for California
California travel deals
Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays, flights, hotels and more for California in 2026/2027. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holidays, early bird offers and free kids places where available.
- Save 10% on 2026/2027 holidays in biggest ever TUI sale
- Max discount £500. T&Cs apply. £500 min spend
- Travel between 1st May 2026 & 31st Oct 2027 (inclusive)
Show discount code
******ALE
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Expires at 23:59 on Saturday 31st Jan 2026 · View all TUI offers
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- Book 2026 holidays & get free perks with On the Beach
- Perks vary based on hotel star rating & promotional T&Cs
- Free lounge access, gadget cover, weather protection & more
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 31st Aug 2026 · View all On the Beach offers
- Save on holidays & flights worldwide in the BA sale
- Book trips to Europe, USA, Caribbean & beyond
- Including New York, Los Angeles, Florida, Barbados & Dubai
Expires at 23:59 on Tuesday 27th Jan 2026 · View all British Airways offers
- Save up to 20% small group trips worldwide in 2026
- Book adventures online in Explore! Big Blue Sale
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Wednesday 21st Jan 2026 · View all Explore! offers
- Save on hotel stays in North America with Accor
- ALL-Accor Live Limitless members get extra 10% off
- Travel before 31st May 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 30th Mar 2026 · View all ALL offers
- Save up to £600 on selected holidays in 2026/2027
- Book discounted holidays with 'Sale' label
- Discounts varies by destination & holiday type. T&Cs apply
Expires at 23:59 on Sunday 8th Feb 2026 · View all Love Holidays offers
- Save on holidays to popular destinations worldwide
- Book holidays to Caribbean, USA, Indian Ocean & more
- Pay just £75 deposits per person to secure booking
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 2nd Feb 2026 · View all Virgin Holidays offers
- Save up to 10% on all 2026 holidays in Riviera Travel sale
- Book tours & cruises in Europe, Asia, Africa, the USA & more
- Travel before 31st December 2026 (inclusive)
Expires at 00:00 on Monday 16th Feb 2026 · View all Riviera Travel offers
- Save 15% on ALL tours worldwide in 2026, 2027 & 2028
- Filter tour deals by month, destination, features, price & more
- Travel before 31st December 2028 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Friday 13th Mar 2026 · View all Newmarket Holidays offers
- Pay no deposits on 2026/2027 holidays in Hays Travel sale
- Book holidays to popular destinations across Europe & beyond
- Travel before 31st October 2027 (inclusive)
Expires at 23:59 on Monday 12th Jan 2026 · View all Hays Travel offers
- Save up to £800 per couple on selected worldwide tours
- Plus save up to £300 per couple on European tours
- Book tours online in Travelsphere New Year sale
Expires at 23:59 on Saturday 28th Feb 2026 · View all Travelsphere offers
California travel advice
Check the latest travel advice and guidance 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 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.
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 Busuu*, Rocket Languages* and Rosetta Stone*.
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*.
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