April is likely the month Los Angeles was designed to show off. The rainy season that drops 85 to 132mm of water across December through March has dried to a trickle, leaving roughly 8mm of rainfall for the entire month. Daytime highs reach 24°C (74°F), nights settle near 11°C (52°F), and the sky stays clear on most days. The June Gloom marine layer that smothers Santa Monica and Venice from late May through June hasn't arrived yet. If you've seen LA in films with that golden-hour light and wide blue sky, April is when reality matches.
Coachella's two weekends in mid-to-late April pull tens of thousands of festivalgoers through LAX, and the spillover pushes hotel rates up in West Hollywood and Downtown. That said, the city itself feels calmer than July or August. You can still walk into most restaurants in Silver Lake or Los Feliz on a weeknight without a reservation. The Dodgers are in their early home stand at Dodger Stadium, outdoor patios along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice fill up but don't overflow, and the trails at Griffith Park have morning hikers without the shoulder-to-shoulder July crush.
Mind you, the Pacific is still cold. Surface temperatures off Santa Monica hover around 15°C (59°F), which works for surfers in wetsuits but feels punishing for casual swimmers. Beach days in April are for sunbathing, volleyball, and walking the strand. The real seasonal payoff is inland and elevated. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, about 130km (80 miles) north of Downtown, hits peak bloom most years in mid-to-late April, and the hillsides turn solid orange for weeks at a stretch.
Why visit in April
- Rain drops from 85-132mm in winter months to 8mm in April, giving near-guaranteed dry weather for outdoor plans from the coast to Pasadena.
- Highs around 24°C (74°F) and lows near 11°C (52°F) sit in the comfort range for walking, hiking, and spending full days outside without overheating.
- The June Gloom marine layer that blankets coastal neighborhoods from late May through June hasn't formed yet, so April delivers the clear blue skies LA is known for.
- California wildflower season peaks at the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve in mid-to-late April, with hillsides of orange poppies visible from the highway 130km north of Downtown.
- Farmers markets at the Hollywood and Santa Monica locations hit peak variety with late citrus, early stone fruit, and Oxnard strawberries overlapping in the same stalls.
Worth knowing
- Pacific Ocean temperatures sit around 15°C (59°F) off Santa Monica and Venice, too cold for comfortable swimming without a wetsuit.
- Coachella's two mid-April weekends inflate hotel rates by 30-50% in West Hollywood, Downtown, and near LAX, even though the festival itself is 200km away in Indio.
- Morning coastal fog, while lighter than June Gloom, still rolls into Santa Monica and Venice before 10am on roughly a third of April mornings, temporarily blocking the beach sun.
- Nighttime lows of 11°C (52°F) surprise visitors who packed only shorts and T-shirts for 'sunny California'. You'll want a jacket for any evening plans, especially near the coast.
Best for
Think twice if
April in Los Angeles is dry and mild with clear skies on most days. Daytime highs reach around 24°C (74°F), warm in direct sun but comfortable in shade. Nights cool to 11°C (52°F), noticeably chilly near the coast where onshore breezes strengthen after sunset. Rain is nearly absent at 8mm for the month, spread across roughly 2 days. Humidity sits around 63%, low enough that the warmth feels pleasant rather than sticky. The marine layer that defines late May and June stays offshore in April, so expect blue sky from mid-morning onward.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 | 7 | 85 |
| Feb | 20 | 8 | 110 |
| Mar | 20 | 9 | 85 |
| Apr | 24 | 11 | 8 |
| May | 25 | 13 | 7 |
| Jun | 28 | 15 | 10 |
| Jul | 31 | 17 | 2 |
| Aug | 32 | 18 | 18 |
| Sep | 30 | 18 | 22 |
| Oct | 27 | 15 | 18 |
| Nov | 23 | 11 | 57 |
| Dec | 19 | 9 | 132 |
Headline events
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
Two weekends in mid-April, typically the second and third weekends of the month
The defining music and arts festival of the American Southwest, held in Indio about 200km east of LA. Two consecutive weekends bring 125,000+ attendees per weekend through LAX, driving up LA hotel prices and filling restaurants and bars across West Hollywood, Silver Lake, and Downtown with pre- and post-festival crowds. Even if you're not attending, Coachella shapes April in LA.
Best things to do in April
Wildflower viewing at the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
natureThe state's official poppy reserve covers 7.1 square kilometers of rolling hills about 130km (80 miles) north of Downtown LA near Lancaster. When the bloom peaks, entire hillsides turn a solid, unbroken orange that's visible from miles away. Eight miles of trails loop through the fields, and the visitor center has real-time bloom updates.
Mid-to-late April is typically peak bloom for the California state flower after winter rains. The display lasts 2-4 weeks depending on temperatures.Booking tipCheck the reserve's live webcam or call the visitor center before making the 90-minute drive. Bloom timing varies by 2-3 weeks year to year, and a midweek visit avoids the 1-2 hour weekend entrance backup.
Hiking Griffith Park to the Observatory
hikingThe trail from the Fern Dell entrance to Griffith Observatory is about 4.8km (3 miles) round trip with 150m of elevation gain. It passes through chaparral and oak woodland with views that stretch from the Hollywood Sign to Downtown on clear days. The observatory itself is free to enter and has public telescope viewing after sunset on clear nights.
April temperatures between 15-24°C make trail conditions comfortable before summer heat pushes midday readings above 32°C from July onward. The air is clearer than summer smog allows.Booking tipPark at the Fern Dell lot or take the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station. The observatory lot fills by 11am on weekends.
Exploring Grand Central Market in Downtown LA
foodOpen since 1917, Grand Central Market on South Broadway holds over 30 food stalls ranging from Salvadoran pupusas to Thai curry to fresh-pressed juices. The high-ceilinged space stays cool and the mix of office workers, tourists, and locals shifts through the day. April's dry weather means the Broadway entrance stays propped open, letting foot traffic flow in from the street.
Spring produce appears across the market's stalls in April. The fresh juice vendors start their strawberry and citrus blends, and outdoor seating on the Hill Street side becomes comfortable all day.Booking tipNo reservations needed. Weekday lunches between 11am and 1pm are the busiest. Early morning or mid-afternoon gives you shorter lines at popular counters.
Sunset picnic at Echo Park Lake
outdoorsEcho Park Lake sits at the base of the hills in Echo Park, with a view of the Downtown skyline reflected in the water at dusk. Pedal boats are available for rent, and the lotus beds along the north shore start pushing up green shoots in April. The surrounding park has palm-lined paths and a boathouse cafe.
April evenings are long enough for a post-work sunset but still mild, around 18-20°C at 7pm. The lotus beds are greening up but the summer crowds haven't arrived, so you'll find open grass.Catching a Dodgers game at Dodger Stadium
sportsDodger Stadium in Chavez Ravine holds 56,000 and sits on a hilltop with views of the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield. Early-season April games have more elbow room than the packed July and August stretch. The stadium's Elysian Park setting means you can tailgate in the parking lot with views of Downtown before first pitch.
The MLB season opens in late March or early April. Early-season games tend to have better ticket availability and shorter concession lines than the sold-out summer months.Booking tipBuy tickets at least a week ahead for weekend games. Weeknight games against non-rival teams often have same-day availability in the outfield pavilion and reserve sections.
Visiting The Getty Center gardens in Brentwood
cultureThe Getty Center sits on a hilltop in Brentwood with views from Malibu to Downtown on clear days. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, holds over 500 plant species arranged around a circular azalea maze. The museum's collection spans medieval manuscripts to Impressionist paintings, and admission is free. You pay only for parking.
The Central Garden hits peak spring bloom in mid-April, with azaleas, bougainvillea, and seasonal plantings at full color. April's clear skies give unobstructed 360-degree views that the June Gloom marine layer often blocks from late May onward.Booking tipTimed-entry reservations are required. Book online 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend visits. Weekday afternoons, especially Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have same-day availability.
Surfing spring swells at Malibu or Manhattan Beach
water sportsSurfrider Beach in Malibu offers one of Southern California's most consistent point breaks, with right-hand waves peeling along First Point. Manhattan Beach has a reliable beach break that's more accessible for intermediate surfers. Board rentals are available within walking distance of both spots.
Spring swells from the southern hemisphere start arriving in April, producing cleaner and more consistent waves than winter's heavy northwest sets. Water temperatures of 15°C (59°F) require a full wetsuit, but lineups are thinner than summer when the crowds descend.Booking tipRent wetsuits and boards early in the morning. By 10am on weekends, most surf shops near Surfrider Beach have lent out their best boards.
Day trip to Joshua Tree National Park
day tripJoshua Tree sits about 210km (130 miles) east of Downtown LA, a roughly 2.5-hour drive. The park spans two desert ecosystems with its namesake trees, massive boulder formations, and wide-open stargazing. The Cholla Cactus Garden trail is 400m of boardwalk through a dense field of teddy-bear chollas that glow gold in late-afternoon light.
April daytime temperatures in the park average around 27°C (80°F), warm enough to enjoy the trails but well below the 40°C+ (104°F+) summer heat that makes midday hiking dangerous. Some desert wildflowers may still be blooming in early April.Booking tipEnter through the West Entrance off Highway 62 to avoid the longer queue at the North Entrance on weekends. Bring at least 3 liters of water per person. There is no water available inside the park beyond the visitor centers.
What to eat in April
In season: fruit
Oxnard strawberries
Ventura County's strawberry fields hit peak harvest in April. Every farmers market in the city, from Hollywood to Santa Monica, overflows with flats of deep-red berries that are noticeably sweeter and more fragrant than the year-round supermarket variety. The smell of a fresh Oxnard flat is sharp and almost wine-like.
California Hass avocados
Local Hass avocados from groves in Fallbrook and Carpinteria reach their spring peak in April. The flesh tends to be creamier and richer than the Mexican imports that fill shelves the rest of the year, and they show up at farmers markets and taco stands across the city.
Street food peaks
Halibut tacos
Spring brings fresh California halibut to the fish counters and taco stands along the coast. The flesh of the day-catch fish in a battered or grilled taco is noticeably firmer and cleaner-tasting than frozen imports. Venice and Santa Monica taco spots tend to feature it as a seasonal special in April and May.
What to drink
Strawberry agua fresca
Street vendors and taquerias from Boyle Heights to East Hollywood blend peak-season strawberries into agua fresca that tastes nothing like the bottled kind. The color, deep pink rather than pale, tells you it's real fruit. April berries give it a sweetness you won't find in January.
In markets
Globe artichokes
Castroville, about 450km (280 miles) north on the Central Coast, ships peak-season globe artichokes to LA markets and restaurants in April. You'll find them grilled with lemon at Grand Central Market stalls and stuffed at Italian spots across the city.
Regular events in April
LA Times Festival of BooksFree
One of the largest book festivals in the country, held on the University of Southern California campus in Exposition Park. Over 150,000 attendees browse hundreds of author panels, book signings, food trucks, and exhibitor booths across two days. Authors range from debut novelists to Pulitzer winners.
Mid-April weekend, typically Saturday and SundayFiesta BroadwayFree
Billed as the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in the world, Fiesta Broadway takes over 36 blocks of Broadway in Downtown LA with live Latin music stages, food vendors, and cultural performances. The event draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and shuts down vehicle traffic on Broadway from 1st Street to Olympic Boulevard.
Late April, typically the last Sunday of the monthThai New Year (Songkran) celebration in Thai TownFree
The Thai Town stretch of Hollywood Boulevard between Normandie and Western hosts a Songkran street festival with traditional water blessings, Thai food vendors, classical dance performances, and temple ceremonies. It's smaller than Bangkok's version but draws LA's Thai community and curious locals from across the city.
Weekend closest to April 13-15Dodgers home games at Dodger Stadium
The Dodgers play 12-15 home games through April, with early-season matchups that tend to have better ticket availability and a more relaxed atmosphere than the packed summer schedule. Friday night fireworks shows start in April.
Throughout April, typically 3-4 home seriesDescanso Gardens Flower Festival
Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge holds spring bloom events in April featuring their camellia forest, lilac collection, and California native plant gardens. The 150-acre property includes a Japanese garden and oak woodland trails. Peak bloom for the roses typically begins in late April.
Throughout April, with peak bloom events mid-to-late monthBest places this April
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
nature reserveThe state poppy reserve near Lancaster turns into unbroken fields of orange when the California poppy blooms in April. Eight miles of trails cross the 7.1 square kilometer reserve. The display depends on winter rainfall, but in good years it's one of the most striking wildflower shows in the western United States. The drive from Downtown takes about 90 minutes north on the 14 Freeway.
Lancaster (Antelope Valley)Descanso Gardens
gardenA 150-acre botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, about 20 minutes north of Downtown. The camellia forest holds one of the largest collections in North America, and the lilac garden peaks in mid-April with a sweetness you can smell from 50 meters away. The Japanese tea garden serves matcha in a setting of koi ponds and stone lanterns.
La Cañada FlintridgeThe Getty Center
museumFree admission, perched on a Brentwood hilltop with views stretching from the Pacific to the San Gabriel Mountains. The Robert Irwin-designed Central Garden hits peak bloom in April, with azaleas, bougainvillea, and seasonal plantings at full color. The travertine-clad buildings house everything from Van Gogh's Irises to medieval illuminated manuscripts. You pay only for parking.
BrentwoodGriffith Observatory
observatoryFree to enter, sitting at 350m elevation in Griffith Park with a clear-day view from the Hollywood Sign to Catalina Island. April's pre-smog air makes this the month when those 50-mile views are most likely. Public telescope viewing happens on clear evenings, and the Samuel Oschin Planetarium runs shows throughout the day.
Los FelizRunyon Canyon Park
hikingA 65-hectare urban park in the Hollywood Hills with three main trails ranging from 1.5 to 5.5km. The upper ridgeline gives 360-degree views of Hollywood, Downtown, and the San Fernando Valley. April mornings are cool enough for a comfortable hike, and the trails are less dusty than summer after the last of the spring moisture.
Hollywood HillsVenice Beach and Abbot Kinney Boulevard
beach and neighborhoodThe Venice Boardwalk runs 2.5km along the sand with street performers, murals, and Muscle Beach outdoor gym. A 10-minute walk inland, Abbot Kinney Boulevard runs about 1.5km with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. April's dry weather and comfortable temperatures make the walk between beach and boulevard pleasant all day without summer's parking gridlock.
VeniceGrand Central Market
marketA 30,000 square foot food hall on South Broadway in Downtown, open continuously since 1917. Over 30 vendors serve Oaxacan mole, egg sandwiches, bone broth, Thai iced tea, and fresh-pressed juices. The high arched ceiling and tile floors stay cool even when Broadway heats up. April brings seasonal strawberry and citrus drinks to the juice counters.
DowntownEcho Park Lake
parkA 13-hectare park centered on a lake with pedal boat rentals and views of the Downtown skyline. The north shore lotus beds start greening up in April, months before the July-August bloom. Palm-lined paths circle the water, and the surrounding Echo Park neighborhood has a concentration of coffee shops, taco stands, and independent bookstores along Sunset Boulevard.
Echo Park
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Insider tips
The Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays at Ivar Avenue and Selma Avenue is where LA chefs do their weekly shopping. April brings peak Oxnard strawberries and the first Blenheim apricots. Get there before 10am for the best selection, and look for vendors selling seconds at a steep discount.
If Coachella-weekend hotel prices spike in West Hollywood and Downtown, look at Pasadena or Culver City instead. Both are 20-30 minutes from central attractions, run significantly cheaper during festival weekends, and have their own restaurant and bar scenes worth spending time in.
Griffith Observatory is free to enter, but the parking lot fills by 11am on weekends. Take the DASH Observatory shuttle bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station. It runs every 20 minutes on weekends and drops you at the front door.
For the Antelope Valley poppy bloom, check the park's live webcam or call the visitor center before driving 90 minutes. Bloom timing varies by 2-3 weeks depending on winter rainfall totals. If you go on a weekend, arrive before 9am or expect a long queue at the entrance.
Grand Central Market gets packed at lunch on weekdays from the surrounding Downtown office crowd. Visit between 2pm and 4pm for the shortest lines at popular stalls. The counter at the south end of the market has some of the best people-watching in the city.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming you can swim comfortably at Santa Monica or Venice Beach. The Pacific is around 15°C (59°F) in April. Without a wetsuit, most people last about 5 minutes before the cold becomes unpleasant. Pack a suit for hotel pools instead.
- Booking a hotel near LAX to save money during Coachella weekends. The room rate looks appealing, but you'll spend 60-90 minutes in traffic reaching anything worth doing in Hollywood, Silver Lake, or the Westside. Stay where you want to be and pay the premium, or look at Culver City as a middle ground.
- Skipping sunscreen because 24°C doesn't feel hot. The UV index in LA in April regularly hits 8-9, which is 'very high' by WHO classification. Exposed skin burns on a Runyon Canyon hike within 20-30 minutes, and the dry air means you won't feel the heat warning you'd get from humidity.
- Planning a full outdoor day without layers for the evening. The temperature swing from 11°C at 8am to 24°C at 2pm and back to 13°C by 9pm catches visitors off guard, especially near the coast where onshore wind adds a chill after sunset.
Practical tips for April
Book any Coachella-weekend accommodation by early March if your dates overlap with the festival's two mid-April weekends. Car rentals at LAX can sell out during those periods too, so reserve 3-4 weeks ahead. Restaurants in West Hollywood and Silver Lake fill up on festival weekends, so make dinner reservations by Wednesday. The Metro B Line connects Hollywood to Downtown in about 20 minutes, which is often faster than driving and parking. Most major museums close on Mondays, including The Broad, LACMA, and the Getty Villa, though the Getty Center stays open. Tipping 18-20% is standard at sit-down restaurants in LA. Uber and Lyft surge pricing spikes during Coachella weekends, especially near LAX on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. If you're driving to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, fill up in Santa Clarita. Gas stations near the reserve are sparse and tend to charge more.
FAQ
Is April a good time to visit Los Angeles?
April is one of the two best months to visit LA, alongside October. The rainy season is over, temperatures sit in the comfortable 11-24°C (52-74°F) range, and the June Gloom marine layer that greys out the coast hasn't arrived yet. The only notable drawback is Coachella's impact on hotel prices during two mid-April weekends. Outside those weekends, it's hard to find a better combination of weather, crowd levels, and seasonal events in LA.
What is the weather like in Los Angeles in April?
April in LA is dry and mild. Expect average highs around 24°C (74°F), lows near 11°C (52°F), and roughly 8mm of rain across the entire month, spread over maybe 2 days. Humidity averages 63%, which feels comfortable rather than sticky. Mornings can be cool, especially near the coast, but by midday the sun is warm and direct. Pack light layers and sunscreen.
Is Los Angeles crowded in April?
Moderate crowds. April sits between the quiet rainy months (December through March) and the packed summer high season (June through August). The main crowd pressure comes from Coachella's two mid-April weekends, which fill hotels in West Hollywood and Downtown and create longer waits at popular restaurants. Outside those weekends, attractions like Griffith Observatory and The Getty Center are busy but manageable, especially on weekdays.
Can you swim in the ocean at Los Angeles beaches in April?
You can, but it's cold. Pacific surface temperatures off Santa Monica and Venice hover around 15°C (59°F) in April. Surfers wear full wetsuits and stay out for hours, but casual swimmers tend to find it uncomfortably cold after a few minutes. Pool swimming is a better bet. Comfortable open-water swimming without a wetsuit doesn't typically arrive in LA until July, when ocean temperatures climb toward 19-20°C (66-68°F).
Are the California poppies blooming in April near Los Angeles?
In most years, yes. The Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve near Lancaster, about 130km (80 miles) north of Downtown LA, typically hits peak bloom between mid-April and early May. The timing depends on winter rainfall totals, and the display can shift by 2-3 weeks in either direction. Check the reserve's live webcam or call the visitor center before making the drive. In strong bloom years, the hillsides turn a solid, continuous orange that's visible from the highway.
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