Los Angeles FAQs

Find out all you need to know about visiting Los Angeles.

When is the best time to visit Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is known for having warm sunny weather year round, and while it does, there are definitely some months that are better to visit the City of Angels than others. The best times to go to LA are from March to May and September to November when the weather is warm but mild and the tourist crowds from summer have dissipated. Expect daytime temperatures between 21°C and 28°C and nighttime temperatures between 11°C and 18°C.

Summer in Los Angeles tends to be hot and hectic with temperatures regularly hitting 30°C and an influx of tourists arriving between the months of June and August. If you don’t mind the heat or the crowds, this season does have a sense of what one would imagine California to be, and the energy can be exciting.

Winter is the low season and is generally quite cool and uneventful compared to the other seasons. Expect occasional rain, highs around 19°C and lows around 9°C.

What is the time difference between the UK and Los Angeles?

GMT – 8 hours

What places combine well with Los Angeles?

As Los Angeles is located in the centre of California, it’s in the perfect position for travelling to many other locations within the state. Visit the laidback beachside neighbourhood of Santa Monica just 20 minutes from downtown LA, or head south for 40 minutes to Orange County and Surf City, USA, Huntington Beach. You can also drive an hour and half inland to the desert city of Palm Springs, and the iconic Joshua Tree National Park.

What are the main cultural events in Los Angeles?

January – Tournament of Roses (New Year Celebration since 1890)
February – Golden Dragon Parade (for the Chinese Lunar New Year)
March – LA Marathon
April – LA Times Festival of Books
April – Dine LA Restaurant Week (biannual dining showcase)
April/May – Fiesta Broadway (the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration)
May – LA County Fair
June – LA Pride Festival (one of the largest in the USA)
July – July 4th Fireworks Spectacular at the Hollywood Bowl
October – Dine LA Restaurant Week (biannual dining showcase)
October – Halloween Carnaval
November – LA Auto Show (10 day event featuring world and USA debuts since 1907)
December – Hollywood Christmas Parade