Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Los Angeles in January
Little changes in Los Angeles from December: highs stay near 67°F (19°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), and about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain falls.
It scores 92/100 for comfort, 8th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 67°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 48°F (9°C)
- Rain
- 2.9 in (73 mm)
- Humidity
- 59%
- Cloud cover
- 42%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 58 min
- Comfort score
- 92/100 · Great
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 67°F (19°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Nights cool to an average low of 48°F (9°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.9 in (73 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (March – June and October & November).
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort holds steady from December (93 → 92/100).
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 48°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Los Angeles in January
January is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Santa Monica Pier
Historic pier with a Ferris wheel, the end-of-Route 66 sign and beach sunsets.
Why now January scores 92/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Beach promenade with street performers, the skate park and Muscle Beach.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 2.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Griffith Observatory
Free observatory with Hollywood Sign and downtown views from the terraces.
Musso & Frank Grill
Hollywood's oldest restaurant (1919), known for its martinis.
Langer's Delicatessen
Classic deli famed for the #19 hot pastrami sandwich.
Nearby in January
- Hollywood in January~6 mi · highs 66°F, 2.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Pasadena in January~9 mi · highs 65°F, 2.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Santa Barbara in January~87 mi · highs 64°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Palm Springs in January~99 mi · highs 67°F, 0.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
These averages also cover Downtown LA and Downtown Los Angeles.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~395 m to Los Angeles's ~88 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Los Angeles in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Los Angeles?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 92/100 against a best of 100 in March – June and October & November. Expect highs of 67°F (19°C) and 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Los Angeles in January?
Average highs are 67°F (19°C) and average lows 48°F (9°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Los Angeles in January?
Some: about 2.9 in (73 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 2nd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 13.1 in (332 mm).
What should I pack for Los Angeles in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 48°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Los Angeles
Planning Los Angeles in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.