12 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Los Angeles in the Winter
12 Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Los Angeles in the Winter
Visiting Los Angeles in winter can be a blast, but it’s not quite the same as those sunny summer trips. I’ve been to LA at different times of the year and I can tell you you’ll want to be prepared for the winter, especially if visiting North California but not only!
You might be surprised by some of the things you need to consider when planning your holiday. Here’s a guide to avoiding common mistakes travelers make during the cooler months in LA. This way, you can enjoy your trip without any unexpected hiccups.
1. Expecting summer weather: LA can be cooler than you think
When you think of Los Angeles, you might imagine sunshine and warm weather all year round. But winter in LA can be surprisingly cool, especially compared to the hot summer months you might be used to. Highs often hover in the mid-60s (Fahrenheit), and evenings can feel quite brisk. Make sure to pack more than just shorts and T-shirts. Bringing along some warmer clothes will definitely make your stay more comfortable whenever you step outside.
2. Not checking for rainy season closures or delays
Winter months are also when LA experiences most of its rainfall. While it’s not a monsoon season, the rain can still disrupt plans, especially if you’re hoping to visit outdoor spots like Griffith Park or the Hollywood Sign. Some outdoor attractions might even close during heavy rains. Always check the weather forecast and plan some backup indoor activities just in case.
3. Forgetting sunscreen even on cooler days
Yes, it’s cooler, but LA still gets plenty of sunshine in the winter. Sunburns can happen even on cloudy days, so keep applying sunscreen, especially if you’re going to be outside for long periods. Don’t let the cooler temperatures fool you into skipping skin protection.
4. Assuming beach days will be warm
Beaches in Los Angeles are iconic, but winter beach days are quite different from their summer counterparts. The Pacific Ocean is much chillier, and you might find it too cold for swimming. Beach days are still enjoyable, but for walking, playing on the sand, or enjoying a nice sunset rather than taking a dip.
5. Not packing a light jacket for chilly evenings
Even if the day starts off warm, temperatures in LA can drop quickly once the sun goes down. A light jacket will be your best friend on those chilly evenings. It’s something a lot of visitors wish they had packed, so make sure it’s on your list!
6. Underestimating LA traffic during the holiday season
Traffic in Los Angeles is famous for being heavy, but it gets even worse during the holiday season. Malls, shopping centers, and tourist attractions see a big uptick in visitors. Give yourself plenty of time to get around, and consider using public transportation or ride-sharing options to avoid the stress of holiday traffic.
7. Skipping indoor attractions because of cooler weather
LA has some amazing indoor attractions that are perfect for cooler or rainy days. Museums like The Getty Center, LACMA, or the California Science Center offer great opportunities to see world-class exhibits without being exposed to the weather. Don’t miss out on these just because it’s a bit chilly outside.
8. Not reserving tickets for popular tourist spots in advance
Places like Universal Studios Hollywood, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, and The Broad often require advance reservations, and they can book up quickly in winter, especially around holidays. Make sure to buy your tickets online before your trip. This saves you from missing out on some of LA’s best experiences due to sold-out days.
9. Forgetting to check the weather in different parts of the city
LA’s weather can vary dramatically from the coast to inland areas. The beach might be cool and breezy while downtown LA is sunny and warm. Check the weather forecast for the specific areas you’re planning to visit each day to dress appropriately and plan your activities accordingly.
10. Not considering the temperature difference between the beach and inland areas
Just like the weather, the temperature in Los Angeles can vary a lot depending on where you are. Coastal areas are usually cooler, so if you’re spending the day at Santa Monica or Venice Beach, you might need a sweater. In contrast, the San Fernando Valley could be much warmer.
11. Ignoring road conditions when driving to mountain destinations
If you’re planning a trip to nearby mountain areas like Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead, winter conditions can include icy roads and even snow. California might be sunny, but its mountains are true winter landscapes in the colder months. Make sure your vehicle is equipped for winter driving, and check road conditions before you head up.
12. Assuming LA doesn’t have holiday-specific events or light shows
Los Angeles might not be known for its snowy winters, but the city has plenty of holiday spirit. From Christmas light displays to holiday events at places like LA Zoo or The Grove, there’s a lot to see and do. Don’t overlook these festive attractions! They can really make your winter visit special.
15 Mistakes To Avoid In National Parks In The USA
15 Mistakes To Avoid In National Parks In The Usa
16 Mistakes To Avoid On A USA Road Trip
16 Mistakes To Avoid On A Usa Road Trip
12 Common Mistakes Visitors Make In Yellowstone National Park
12 Common Mistakes Visitors Make In Yellowstone National Park
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home.
We are Mary and Eric, the founders of Be Right Back, a blog dedicated to romance around the globe and at home. With over 10 years of experience in dating and traveling to romantic places, we share our favorite date ideas and romantic destinations to help couples level up their relationships. Having lived in and traveled through the USA, we also share our favourite things to do in the States.
With 70,000 monthly readers and 16,000 followers on social media, Be Right Back is your go-to resource for romantic trip ideas and couple activities at home and abroad.