Because the city stacks the deck: warm-but-not-scorching temps, tons of blue-sky days, ocean‑cooled breezes, and rain that mostly shows up when you want it—winter. 🌞🌴
Proof in the numbers (Downtown L.A. – USC station)
Average year‑round temperature: 65.8°F (18.8°C)
Typical afternoons: ~67–84°F (19–29°C) from winter to late summer
Annual rain: 14.25 in (362 mm) spread over only ~34 days
Blue‑sky bonus: ~186 clear days a year Sources: NOAA climate normals for Downtown L.A. (1991–2020) and L.A. Almanac (clear/partly/cloudy day counts).
How L.A. compares (so you can feel good about your hoodie-and-sunglasses lifestyle)
City
Mean Temp
Annual Precip
Los Angeles (Downtown)
65.8°F (18.8°C)
14.25 in (362 mm)
New York City (Central Park)
55.8°F (13.2°C)
49.52 in (1,258 mm)
London (Heathrow)
~53.1°F (11.8°C)
24.2 in (615 mm)
Tokyo (Otemachi)
60.4°F (15.8°C)
62.9 in (1,598 mm)
Sources: NYC normals (NWS/NOAA), London long‑term averages (Met Office, 1991–2020), Tokyo normals (JMA, 1991–2020).
Extra sunshine context: London averages ~1,675 sunshine hours/yr and Tokyo ~1,927 hrs/yr; Downtown L.A. is famous for abundant clear days (~186/yr).
The science behind the “always-nice” vibe
Cool Pacific = natural A/C. The California Current pulls chilly water south from higher latitudes. That cools the marine air and feeds the coastal marine layer, keeping coastal temps moderate and capping extreme summer heat.
Summer high‑pressure shield. In warm months, the subtropical high favors dry, sunny weather across coastal Southern California—classic Mediterranean pattern: dry summers, mild/wet winters.
Mountains = microclimates. Ranges around the basin block interior heat/cold and shape local winds, so you get cool beaches, warm valleys, and real “choose‑your‑weather” flexibility within an hour’s drive. (Same storm can be misty at Malibu and warm in the Valley.)
Friendly timing of rain. Most of L.A.’s rain rides in with Pacific winter storms, then steps aside for months of outdoor‑perfect weather. (That’s the “dry July” magic.)
A few real‑world caveats (because honesty > hype)
June Gloom (marine layer) can gray out late spring mornings near the coast—usually burns off by afternoon.
Occasional extremes still happen: hot Santa Ana wind events, atmospheric rivers in winter, and smoke intrusions during regional wildfires. (The ocean usually reins things back in after the spikes.)
Long‑term trend: The Pacific and the California Current are changing as the climate warms, which can nudge variability and heat waves—something scientists are tracking closely.
The upbeat bottom line
Los Angeles lives in the Goldilocks zone: warm enough for year‑round patios and beach runs, cool enough to keep nights pleasant, sunny most days, and rain that politely schedules itself for winter. Pair that with ocean breezes and microclimates, and you’ve got a city that practically customizes your forecast. That’s why L.A.’s climate isn’t just good—it’s joyfully, reliably awesome. 🌞✨