The best time to visit Los Angeles
Los Angeles has a mild climate with a wet winter and a very dry summer. The table below shows long-term averages, not a forecast, so it tells you what is typical and not what the weather will do on your day. For most visitors, April, May, October and November are a good balance of mild temperatures and little rain.
August and September are on average the warmest months. December to March are clearly wetter, with February the wettest. A mild month makes a hike more comfortable, but it does not guarantee clear views or open trails. If you plan to hike, see the Hollywood Sign hike guide for routes and times.
Monthly weather in Los Angeles
Average daily high and low in °C (°F) and total rainfall in mm. Long-term climate averages for 1991 to 2020, measured at a downtown station.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.0 (68) | 9.4 (49) | 83.6 |
| February | 20.0 (68) | 10.0 (50) | 92.5 |
| March | 21.1 (70) | 11.3 (52) | 56.6 |
| April | 22.4 (72) | 12.7 (55) | 17.5 |
| May | 23.2 (74) | 14.5 (58) | 8.1 |
| June | 25.1 (77) | 16.3 (61) | 2.3 |
| July | 27.8 (82) | 18.2 (65) | 0.5 |
| August | 28.9 (84) | 18.6 (65) | 0.0 |
| September | 28.3 (83) | 17.9 (64) | 3.3 |
| October | 25.9 (79) | 15.5 (60) | 14.7 |
| November | 22.7 (73) | 11.7 (53) | 19.8 |
| December | 19.7 (67) | 9.0 (48) | 63.0 |
The station is downtown, not on the ridge by the sign. The hills can feel different, so treat the table as a guide. For most travellers, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, and summer works if you start hikes early and carry water.
Our pick: a late-day hike
Our take: the Griffith hike suits the cooler hours of the day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Hollywood Sign tours and Los Angeles day trips
Guided hikes, bus and van tours, and flights with views of the sign, with live prices and availability.
Hollywood Sign by season
What each part of the year means for views, hikes and sights.
Winter: December to March
Mild days and cool nights, but the wettest months. Highs run from about 20 to 21 °C (68 to 70 °F), and February brings the most rain. Pick a dry day for trails, since wet ground makes paths slippery. Indoor sights such as the Griffith Observatory, the Walk of Fame theatres and the studio tours are easy to fit around a rainy day.
Spring: April and May
Highs of 22 to 23 °C (72 to 74 °F) and rainfall falling to 17.5 mm in April and 8.1 mm in May. This is a comfortable window for the longer trails, such as the Mount Lee routes.
Summer: June to September
Hot and almost dry. August averages 28.9 °C (84 °F) and no rain. Start trails at sunrise, carry water and be back before the heat peaks. Trails close at sunset, so late-evening hikes are not an option.
Autumn: October and November
Still warm in October at 25.9 °C (79 °F), cooler in November at 22.7 °C (73 °F), and still fairly dry at 14.7 and 19.8 mm. Good conditions for hikes and for sunset viewpoints.
Fire, heat and trail safety
Fire risk in Los Angeles is not limited to summer. The severe fires of January 2025 showed that dry vegetation and strong Santa Ana winds can create danger outside the usual hot months. The Hollywood Sign was not affected, but parts of the park were closed as a precaution at the time. Check current trail and park status before you leave.
On hot days, bring water, stay on marked trails and think about the ground, which gets very hot for dogs. Trails are open from sunrise to sunset. The Griffith Observatory is closed on Mondays and is open until 22:00 Tuesday to Sunday, which makes it a good evening option after a day of heat. See the Griffith Observatory guide for hours and parking.
Sights and the calendar
Opening patterns that matter when you choose dates.
Griffith Observatory
Open Tuesday to Friday 12:00 to 22:00 and Saturday and Sunday 10:00 to 22:00. Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Open all year, but hours change by day and season. Check the calendar for your date.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Tour starts run from 08:30 to 15:30. The studio closes on a few days in November, so check the calendar for your dates.
Best time to visit Los Angeles: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Hollywood Sign?
For most visitors, April, May, October and November combine mild highs of 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F) with little rain. Any month can work if you choose a clear day and start early.
When does it rain in Los Angeles?
Mostly from December to March. February is the wettest month on average with 92.5 mm, and July and August get almost none.
Is it too hot to hike in summer?
August averages a high of 28.9 °C (84 °F). You can still hike if you start at sunrise, carry water and stay on marked trails. Trails are open only between sunrise and sunset.
Is there a fire season in Los Angeles?
Fire danger is not limited to summer. The January 2025 fires happened in winter. Check local conditions and closures before you go.
Can I count on clear views of the sign?
No. Mild months make hikes easier, but they do not promise clear views or open trails. Check the sky and trail status on the day.
Is this the official Hollywood Sign website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by or connected with the Hollywood Sign Trust, the City of Los Angeles or any attraction mentioned here.