So much has been written about the climate of Los Angeles that it is sometimes difficult to know where to begin. Untold millions have flocked to this city precisely for its agreeable and predictable climate. But owing to its size and the surrounding terrain, one must be careful to lump the entire region into one category. Even within the city limits the effects of altitude, topography and maritime influences mean that Los Angeles has a multitude of micro-climates.
Official weather records for the city are measured near downtown. Throughout the lower areas of the basin to the coast, L.A.’s Mediterranean climate can best be described as mild and semi-arid. Daytime highs are usually temperate year-round and nighttime lows rarely fall below freezing. Precipitation in Los Angeles is highly seasonal and highly variable. On average, the bulk of the city’s rain falls between December and March. Snow is extremely uncommon in the basin. Summer is exceedingly dry and consistent, usually populated with days on end of sunny, pleasant weather.
- Köppen Classification: (Csa) Mediterranean/hot summer for inland sections. (Csb) Mediterranean/cool summer along the coast.
- Current Conditions available via the National Weather Service.
- *Climate data from The Western Regional Climate Center.
Rob O’Keefe
