Spending time in Los Angeles can be a thrilling experience, with its buzzing nightlife and rich cultural attractions.
But knowing when to visit the City of Angels is just as important as selecting the right places to explore during your trip. In fact, some times of year can make the city quite unpleasant and leave visitors desperate for an escape from its charmless tourist traps and overcrowded attractions.
June through August are perhaps the worst months to visit Los Angeles due to summer heavy heat, smoggy days, and soaring temperatures that can often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
On top of this tropical weather, traffic has been infamous in LA, making gridlock a very real consideration during peak season.
Why summer is worst time to visit Los Angeles?
From overcrowded beaches to extreme temperatures, there are many reasons why summer may not be the ideal time to explore the City of Angels. Let’s take a look at why visiting Los Angeles in the summer can be challenging and how you can prepare for your trip.
High Temperatures
Los Angeles has an average temperature of around 68 degrees Celsius during the summer months—and that doesn’t even account for humidity! This makes it easy to become dehydrated and uncomfortable if you’re not prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water. It also makes sightseeing and outdoor activities more difficult. If you plan on visiting Los Angeles in the summer, make sure to bring plenty of light, breathable clothing so that you won’t overheat.
Crowds
Los Angeles is a popular destination all year round, but it gets especially crowded during the summer months when many people are on vacation or looking for something fun to do with their extra time off work. This means that beaches will be packed and attractions will have long lines not to mention that traffic will be worse than usual. If you plan on visiting L.A., try to avoid peak times by planning ahead and scheduling your activities around tourist-heavy hours.
Higher Prices
Unfortunately, prices tend to increase in L.A. during the summer months as well due to increased demand from tourists. Hotels tend to raise their rates and restaurants may hike up their prices as well—so if you want to make sure you get great value for your money while still enjoying all that L.A. has to offer, try booking your stay outside of peak season or opt for budget-friendly accommodation instead of luxury hotels or resorts.
How do I avoid the worst of the summer in Los Angeles?
Take Advantage of Air-Conditioned Spaces – The best way to beat the heat is to get out of it! Find air-conditioned places such as libraries, movie theaters, shopping malls, or indoor attractions like the California Science Center or Griffith Observatory and take refuge from the sweltering sun. Not only will you stay cool and comfortable, but you’ll also get to explore some of L.A.’s most beloved attractions.
Plan Your Activities Carefully – If you’re going to be spending time outdoors in Los Angeles this summer, make sure to plan your activities carefully. Try to stick with early morning hours when it is still relatively cool outside, or opt for evening activities when temperatures are lower at night. Also look for places where there might be shade or breeze so you can maximize your comfort level while outdoors.
Dress Appropriately – When spending time outdoors during the summer months in Los Angeles, it is important to dress appropriately for comfort and safety reasons. Lightweight fabrics that cover as much skin as possible help protect against sunburns and other heat-related injuries while still keeping you cool enough to enjoy any outdoor activities on your agenda.
Enjoy Nearby Beaches – Southern California has some of the best beaches anywhere in the world! A day spent lounging on one of these gorgeous beaches can help you beat the heat while enjoying all that Los Angeles has to offer including beautiful views, delicious food options, great people watching and plenty of fun activities like beach volleyball or surfing lessons if that’s what you’re into.
Stay Hydrated – Last but not least, no matter how hot it gets outside make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout your day (and night!) No matter what kind of outdoor activity you find yourself doing during these hot days remember that staying hydrated not only keeps you healthy but also helps prevent heat exhaustion and other serious medical issues that come along with excessive heat exposure over long periods of time.
Conclusion
The worst time to visit Los Angeles is June through August due to the coupled effects of heat, smog and traffic. It’s best to plan your trip around these months if you wish to avoid the risk of a less-than-pleasant experience.
Fortunately, the city still has plenty to offer during other times of the year if you plan accordingly. With the right timing and a little bit of research, you can enjoy all that Los Angeles has to offer without sacrificing your comfort or safety. Now go out and explore the city at its best.
