Climate characteristics of Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate (Köppen classification: Csa) characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Due to its location along the Pacific Ocean and its diverse topography, the climate can vary slightly depending on the proximity to the coast or the inland valleys.
Temperature: Los Angeles experiences warm to hot temperatures throughout the year. Coastal areas remain cooler due to the marine breeze, while inland valleys can get significantly warmer. Average high temperatures range from 18°C (64°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in August, with occasional heatwaves pushing inland temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
Seasons: Unlike areas with four distinct seasons, Los Angeles has two primary seasons:
- Dry Season (April to October): Warm, sunny, and dry weather prevails, with minimal rainfall. Clear skies and high UV exposure are typical.
- Wet Season (November to March): This period sees the majority of the city's annual rainfall, though it is still relatively dry compared to other regions. Winter storms can bring rain, but snow is extremely rare, occurring only in nearby mountains.
Rainfall: Annual precipitation in Los Angeles is around 375 mm (15 inches), with most of it falling during the wet season. Rain typically comes in short, intense bursts, sometimes causing flash floods in low-lying areas. Summers are mostly rain-free.
Humidity: The city experiences moderate humidity, which is highest in the mornings due to coastal fog. Inland areas have lower humidity and experience a drier climate. Coastal areas often experience "marine layer" fog in the early morning, especially in spring and early summer, but it usually burns off by midday.
Winds: Los Angeles is known for its Santa Ana winds, which are hot, dry winds that blow from the desert toward the coast, usually in the fall and winter. These winds increase the risk of wildfires in the region.
Sunshine: Los Angeles is famous for its abundant sunshine, with over 284 sunny days per year. This makes it one of the sunniest major cities in the United States. Sun protection is necessary year-round.
Coastal Influence: Areas near the coast are cooler and more humid due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean. Ocean breezes help moderate temperatures, while areas farther inland experience larger temperature fluctuations.
Climate Variations by Area:
- Coastal Areas (e.g., Santa Monica, Venice): Cooler temperatures, marine fog, and ocean breezes.
- Inland Areas (e.g., San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley): Warmer summers, colder nights, and drier air.
- Mountain Areas (e.g., Angeles National Forest): Colder temperatures, especially at night, with occasional snowfall in winter.
The climate in Los Angeles allows for outdoor activities and tourism year-round. While it is known for its sunshine and warmth, the Santa Ana winds and occasional heavy rains during winter require some seasonal awareness.
Weather in Los Angeles by month
January: January is one of the coolest months in Los Angeles. The average high temperature is around 20°C (68°F), while the average low is 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is relatively frequent, with about 79 mm (3.1 inches) of precipitation. Mornings can be foggy, especially near the coast.
February: Similar to January, February has mild temperatures, with highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). Rain is still common, with around 76 mm (3 inches) of precipitation. Coastal areas may see fog in the early mornings.
March: The transition to spring begins, with warmer days and less rainfall. Average highs rise to 22°C (72°F), and lows are about 12°C (54°F). Rainfall decreases to 58 mm (2.3 inches). Fog is less frequent, and sunny days increase.
April: April marks the beginning of the dry season. Temperatures rise, with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall decreases significantly, averaging only 20 mm (0.8 inches). Skies are mostly clear, with minimal fog.
May: May sees warmer temperatures, with highs of 24°C (75°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rain is rare, with only about 6 mm (0.2 inches) of precipitation. The "May Gray" phenomenon can occur, where coastal fog lingers in the morning but clears later in the day.
June: June is the start of summer, with highs reaching 26°C (79°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is minimal at about 3 mm (0.1 inches). "June Gloom" can bring cloudy, misty mornings, especially near the coast, but it usually clears by midday.
July: July is one of the hottest months in Los Angeles. Highs reach 29°C (84°F), and lows stay around 19°C (66°F). Rain is almost nonexistent, and skies are clear and sunny. Coastal breezes help keep beach areas cooler than inland regions, where it can get significantly hotter.
August: August is the hottest month, with highs averaging 30°C (86°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Rain is rare, with less than 1 mm (0 inches) of precipitation. Inland valleys can experience heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F). Coastal areas stay cooler due to ocean breezes.
September: Temperatures remain warm, with highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F). Rainfall is still scarce, but there is a slight increase from summer's extreme dryness. The warm ocean temperatures make September ideal for beach activities.
October: Temperatures begin to cool, with highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rain remains infrequent, but the possibility increases slightly. This is also the period when Santa Ana winds start, bringing hot, dry winds from inland areas and increasing the risk of wildfires.
November: The weather cools further, with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F). Rain begins to increase, with an average of 31 mm (1.2 inches) of precipitation. Santa Ana winds may still occur, but cooler weather is more frequent.
December: December is one of the cooler months, with highs of 20°C (68°F) and lows of 10°C (50°F). Rain increases, with around 66 mm (2.6 inches) of precipitation. Coastal fog and cloudy skies are more common, but sunny days still occur frequently.
Los Angeles experiences mild winters and warm, dry summers, with a significant temperature difference between the coastal areas and the inland valleys. Summer months (July and August) are dry and hot, while winter months (December to February) are cooler and wetter. The presence of coastal fog and Santa Ana winds can influence weather conditions at specific times of the year.
