August is the hottest month in Los Angeles, and you feel it most a few miles inland from the coast. Daytime temperatures average 32°C (89°F), but the spread between neighborhoods is dramatic. Santa Monica and Venice tend to hover around 27°C (80°F) with a salt-tinged ocean breeze, while Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley regularly push past 38°C (100°F) with heat that radiates off the asphalt. Rain totals about 18mm for the entire month, often concentrated in a single brief afternoon. The real wildcard is wildfire smoke, which in some Augusts settles over the basin for days and pushes AQI readings above 150.
The month has genuine appeal if you lean toward the coast. The Hollywood Bowl runs its peak summer concert season with performances most nights. Beach communities from Manhattan Beach up to Malibu see ocean water temperatures at their yearly high, around 20-21°C (68-70°F). Farmers markets in Santa Monica and Hollywood sell stone fruit and heirloom tomatoes at their absolute peak. The tradeoff is cost. Hotel rates sit 30-50% above the annual average, flights into LAX are at their yearly high, and restaurants in West Hollywood and along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice need reservations booked further ahead than usual.
If you have flexibility, October and May are stronger months for Los Angeles in nearly every way. Both offer similar sunshine with temperatures 5-8°C cooler and prices 20-30% lower. But if August is your window, stick to the Westside and the beach cities, start outdoor plans before 10 a.m., and check AirNow.gov daily for smoke forecasts. Conditions can shift within 12 hours when Santa Ana winds change direction.
Why visit in August
- Near-zero rainfall at 18mm for the month means almost guaranteed dry weather for outdoor plans, from Griffith Park hikes to Hollywood Bowl concerts.
- Pacific Ocean water temperatures reach their yearly peak around 20-21°C (68-70°F), the warmest and most comfortable swimming conditions at beaches from Malibu to Manhattan Beach.
- The Hollywood Bowl runs its peak summer concert programming through August, with live performances under the stars most evenings of the week.
- Stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and figs hit their seasonal peak at farmers markets across the city, with the Wednesday Santa Monica market and Sunday Hollywood market offering their best selection of the year.
Worth knowing
- Inland neighborhoods regularly exceed 38°C (100°F). The San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, and much of the Eastside become genuinely uncomfortable by early afternoon.
- Wildfire smoke can settle over the LA basin without much warning. Some Augusts are perfectly clear, but others bring 2-5 days of hazy skies and unhealthy air quality readings.
- Peak summer pricing across the board. Hotel rates sit 30-50% above the annual average, flights into LAX are at their yearly high, and popular restaurants need reservations further ahead than usual.
- Freeway congestion worsens with summer tourism, particularly on the 405 and I-10. An afternoon drive from Downtown to Santa Monica can take 75-90 minutes.
Best for
Think twice if
August days in Los Angeles are dry and bright, with an average high of 32°C (89°F) and lows around 18°C (64°F). Humidity sits at 65%, which feels moderate compared to subtropical cities at similar temperatures. You might go the entire month without seeing rain. The sun is strong by 9 a.m. and does not ease until after 7 p.m., when the marine layer can push a cool breeze into coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica and El Segundo. Inland areas like Glendale and Burbank hold their heat well past sunset. Woodland Hills in the northwest Valley can reach 40°C (104°F) on peak afternoons, a full 14 degrees warmer than the beach.
Seasonal caution
- Wildfire smoke can affect the LA basin at any point in August, sometimes from fires 80-100 km away in the Angeles National Forest or Ventura County. When smoke settles, AQI readings can exceed 150 (unhealthy) for 2-5 days. Check AirNow.gov each morning and carry a KN95 mask.
- Inland heat advisories are common in August. The San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, and eastern suburbs can exceed 40°C (104°F) on peak days. The National Weather Service issues Excessive Heat Warnings several times most Augusts for these areas.
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 |
Best things to do in August
Hollywood Bowl summer concerts
entertainmentThe Hollywood Bowl seats nearly 18,000 people in a natural amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills. August nights bring a mix of classical performances by the LA Philharmonic, pop headliners, and jazz nights. The sound of music drifting through warm canyon air while you eat a picnic dinner is distinctly LA.
August is the heart of the Hollywood Bowl's summer season, with the densest schedule and the warmest evenings for outdoor seating.Booking tipBook at least 3-4 weeks ahead for popular shows. Benches in the mid-sections tend to offer the best balance of sound and sightline.
Beach swimming from Malibu to Manhattan Beach
outdoorLA's 120 km of coastline is at its most swimmable in August. Zuma Beach in Malibu has wide sand and relatively calm surf. Manhattan Beach tends to draw a younger crowd with beach volleyball courts lining the strand. El Matador Beach, also in Malibu, offers sea stacks and small coves that feel surprisingly remote for a major city.
Pacific water temperatures reach 20-21°C (68-70°F), the warmest of the year. You can swim comfortably without a wetsuit, which isn't true most other months.Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park hiking
outdoorGriffith Observatory sits at 346 meters elevation with views across the LA basin to the Pacific on clear days. The surrounding park has over 80 km of trails, including the popular hike to the Hollywood Sign. The observatory's telescopes open to the public on clear evenings.
August's dry weather and long daylight hours (sunrise around 6:15 a.m., sunset near 7:45 p.m.) give the widest window for both early-morning hikes and evening telescope viewing.Booking tipStart hikes before 8 a.m. to avoid both the heat and the parking crunch. The trail from the Greek Theatre lot tends to be less crowded than the main Griffith Observatory lot.
Farmers market tour
foodThe Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market is the largest in Southern California, stretching 3 blocks along Arizona Avenue. Chefs from restaurants across the city shop here by 8 a.m. The Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market on Ivar Avenue is smaller but similarly well-stocked. Both markets let you taste before buying, and August stone fruit samples are hard to walk past.
August is the absolute peak for California stone fruit, heirloom tomatoes, and figs. The variety and quality at these markets this month is noticeably better than any other time of year.Sunset kayaking in Marina del Rey
outdoorGuided and self-serve kayak rentals launch from the Marina del Rey harbor, the largest man-made small-craft harbor in North America. On calm August evenings, you paddle past sailboats and sea lions as the sun drops below the Pacific horizon. The water in the protected harbor stays flat even when the open ocean has chop.
August has the calmest ocean conditions and warmest water of the year, with sunset falling around 7:45 p.m. for ideal golden-hour paddling.Explore the Getty Center
cultureThe Getty Center sits on a hilltop in Brentwood with free admission and views from the Santa Monica Mountains to downtown. The campus was designed by Richard Meier and opened in 1997. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, changes with the seasons. August brings the driest conditions for the outdoor sculpture terraces.
August's reliably clear skies mean the best visibility from the Getty's hilltop terraces, sometimes stretching to Catalina Island 40 km offshore. The outdoor spaces are fully accessible with no rain risk.Venice Beach Boardwalk and canals
cultureThe Venice Boardwalk stretches about 4 km along the sand, lined with street performers, muralists, and small vendors. A 10-minute walk inland, the Venice Canals are a quiet residential neighborhood built in 1905 to mimic the Italian original. The contrast between the two is stark. You'll hear drum circles on the boardwalk and birdsong along the canals within the same afternoon.
August evenings on the boardwalk stay warm enough for comfortable walking well past 9 p.m. The street performer scene is at its most active during peak summer.Malibu wine tasting
foodSeveral wineries along Malibu Canyon Road and in the Santa Monica Mountains offer tastings with Pacific views. The area has about 50 vineyards, with most growing warm-climate varietals like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre that do well in Southern California's Mediterranean climate.
August is harvest season for early-ripening white varietals, so you might catch picking activity during your visit. The dry weather also means consistent outdoor tasting conditions.What to eat in August
In season: fruit
Stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, plums)
August is peak stone fruit season in California. The Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market and Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market overflow with white peaches, nectarines, and pluots from Central Valley farms. Flavor peaks in the first three weeks of August.
Black Mission figs
Black Mission and Kadota figs from Southern California farms hit peak ripeness in late August. They appear at farmers markets and on restaurant menus in Silver Lake and Los Feliz, often paired with burrata or honey.
Street food peaks
Elote (Mexican grilled street corn)
Street vendors across Echo Park, Boyle Heights, and MacArthur Park sell grilled corn rolled in mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime year-round, but August corn is at its sweetest. The smell of charred husks and chili follows you down the block. One of LA's most satisfying street snacks on a warm evening.
What to drink
Agua fresca
Fruit-water stands appear on sidewalks across East LA and downtown in August, selling tall cups of watermelon, horchata, tamarind, and Jamaica (hibiscus). The watermelon version, made with fresh August melon, tends to be noticeably better than the rest of the year.
In markets
Heirloom tomatoes
California heirloom tomato season peaks in August. You'll find Brandywines, Cherokee Purples, and Green Zebras at farmers markets across the city, still warm from the field. Grand Central Market vendors build their menus around them this month.
Regular events in August
Nisei Week Japanese FestivalFree
Little Tokyo's annual celebration of Japanese-American culture, running since 1934. Includes a grand parade along 1st Street, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and a car show. The Ondo street dancing on the closing weekend draws thousands of participants.
Mid-August, typically spanning 2 weekendsLong Beach Jazz Festival
A 3-day outdoor jazz festival at Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach, about 35 km south of downtown LA. The lineup mixes established jazz artists with contemporary R&B and soul acts. The waterfront setting with views of the Queen Mary adds to the atmosphere.
Mid-August weekendLA Food & Wine Festival
A multi-day food festival across several Westside venues, featuring tastings from LA restaurants and California wineries. Events range from large outdoor walk-around tastings to intimate chef-led dinners. The Grand Tasting at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica is the flagship event.
Late AugustOutFest Fusion
The LGBTQ+ film festival's complementary showcase focusing on films by and about people of color, held at venues across the city. Screenings and panel discussions run across a full weekend.
Late AugustAbbot Kinney Festival (preview season)Free
While the festival itself typically falls in late September, the Abbot Kinney Boulevard block in Venice ramps up its gallery openings, pop-up events, and First Friday programming through August in anticipation. The 1.6 km stretch of boutiques and restaurants is at its liveliest.
Ongoing through August, peaking on First FridayBest places this August
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
beachThe 1909 pier extends over the Pacific with a small amusement park, aquarium, and the endpoint of Route 66. The 5 km beach stretching south is wide, well-maintained, and served by lifeguards through August. Morning fog typically burns off by 10 a.m.
Santa MonicaThe Getty Center
museumFree-admission hilltop art museum in Brentwood designed by Richard Meier. The collection spans European paintings, sculpture, and photography. August's clear skies make the outdoor terraces and Central Garden their most photogenic.
BrentwoodGriffith Observatory
landmarkFree-admission observatory at 346 meters with views of the Hollywood Sign, downtown skyline, and on clear August days, the Pacific. Telescope viewing on clear evenings. The surrounding park has over 80 km of trails.
Los FelizGrand Central Market
foodDowntown LA's food hall since 1917, now home to about 40 vendors selling everything from Thai curry to handmade tortillas. The century-old building at 317 S Broadway keeps cool on hot August days. The produce stalls stock August-peak stone fruit and tomatoes.
DowntownVenice Canals
neighborhoodA quiet residential district built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney, with six remaining canals crossed by arched pedestrian bridges. Flowering gardens and small homes line the walkways. A 10-minute walk from the Venice Boardwalk but feels like a different city entirely.
VeniceThe Broad
museumContemporary art museum on Grand Avenue downtown, opened in 2015 with free general admission. The permanent collection includes works by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama. The Infinity Mirrored Room typically requires a separate timed reservation.
DowntownEl Matador State Beach
beachA small cove beach in Malibu accessed by a steep staircase from a clifftop parking lot. Sea stacks and rock formations make it the most photographed beach in LA. Limited parking fills early on August weekends, often by 9 a.m.
MalibuRunyon Canyon Park
hikingA 65-hectare park in the Hollywood Hills with 3 main trail loops ranging from 1.5 to 5 km. The ridgeline trail offers panoramic views of downtown, the Hollywood Sign, and the Westside. It's one of few LA hikes accessible by public transit, with the entrance 2 blocks from Hollywood Boulevard.
Hollywood
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Insider tips
The marine layer (locally called "June Gloom") occasionally lingers into early August at the coast. If you wake up to fog in Santa Monica, don't change your beach plans. It almost always burns off by 10-11 a.m., and the early cloud cover keeps the sand cool enough to walk barefoot.
If you're driving to a beach on a Saturday or Sunday, arrive before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. Parking lots at popular spots like El Matador, Zuma, and Will Rogers State Beach fill completely by mid-morning and don't turn over until late afternoon.
The Hollywood Bowl allows you to bring your own food and wine. Many regulars stop at the Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market beforehand and assemble a picnic from market vendors. The on-site food options are adequate but overpriced relative to quality.
Metro's Expo Line runs from downtown to Santa Monica in about 50 minutes, connecting you to the beach without the I-10 freeway traffic. The 7th Street/Metro Center station downtown connects to the Red Line for Hollywood and Universal City.
Grand Central Market downtown stays comfortably cool inside even on the hottest August days. It's a good midday retreat if you're exploring the DTLA arts district and need a break from the heat.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a hotel in Hollywood or Downtown and expecting an easy commute to the beach. In August traffic, the 15 km from Hollywood to Santa Monica can take over an hour each way on the 101 and I-10. Staying on the Westside saves significant daily travel time if beaches are your priority.
- Planning outdoor activities between noon and 3 p.m. without accounting for inland heat. The temperature difference between morning and early afternoon in the Valley can be 10-15°C. Shift hikes and outdoor sightseeing to before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- Assuming every day will be clear. Wildfire smoke can move into the basin overnight, and some Augusts see 3-5 smoky days that limit outdoor activities and views. Check AirNow.gov each morning and have a backup plan of indoor activities.
- Underestimating LA's distances. The city sprawls across roughly 1,200 square km. Trying to hit the Hollywood Sign, Venice Beach, and Pasadena in one day means spending most of it in the car, especially with August traffic volumes.
- Skipping sunscreen for short outings. LA's August UV is deceptively strong, even on overcast mornings. A 30-minute walk to lunch can result in a visible burn if you're fair-skinned and unprotected.
Practical tips for August
Book accommodations on the Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, or Mar Vista) if beach access matters to you, since August traffic makes cross-city drives unpredictable. Reserve Hollywood Bowl tickets and popular restaurant tables 3-4 weeks ahead. Download the AirNow app for daily air quality alerts, and keep a KN95 mask in your bag throughout August. Parking at beach lots fills early on weekends, so arrive before 9 a.m. or consider Metro's Expo Line from downtown to Santa Monica. Carry a refillable water bottle everywhere. If you're hiking Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon, start before 8 a.m. to beat both heat and crowds. Late afternoon and evening are the best times for outdoor dining in neighborhoods like Silver Lake and Los Feliz, where the temperature drops as the sun falls behind the hills.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit Los Angeles?
August is a good but not ideal month for LA. You get guaranteed dry weather, the warmest ocean temperatures of the year, and peak programming at venues like the Hollywood Bowl. The tradeoffs are higher prices (30-50% above the annual hotel average), heavy traffic from summer tourism, and the possibility of wildfire smoke settling over the basin. If you have flexibility, October and May offer similar sunshine with cooler temperatures and lower costs.
How hot does Los Angeles get in August?
It depends heavily on which part of the city you're in. Coastal neighborhoods like Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach average around 27°C (80°F) with ocean breezes. Inland areas like Pasadena and the San Fernando Valley regularly hit 38°C (100°F), and the northwest Valley around Woodland Hills can reach 40°C (104°F) on peak days. The temperature difference between the coast and inland areas can be 14°C on the same afternoon.
Can you swim in the ocean in LA in August?
Yes, August is the best month for ocean swimming in LA. Pacific water temperatures reach their yearly peak around 20-21°C (68-70°F), which is cool but comfortable without a wetsuit. Beaches from Malibu to Manhattan Beach have lifeguard coverage through August. Zuma Beach in Malibu and Santa Monica State Beach tend to have calmer surf for casual swimmers.
Is wildfire smoke a problem in August in Los Angeles?
It can be, though it varies significantly year to year. Some Augusts are perfectly clear, while others bring 2-5 days of smoky skies from fires in the Angeles National Forest, Ventura County, or further north in California. When smoke settles, AQI readings can exceed 150 (unhealthy). Check AirNow.gov daily and carry a KN95 mask as a precaution.
What should I wear in Los Angeles in August?
Light, breathable clothing in cotton or linen works for daytime. Bring a light jacket or hoodie for coastal evenings, which can drop to 18°C (64°F) after a hot day, and for heavily air-conditioned restaurants and museums. If you're visiting both the coast and inland areas in the same day, layering is useful since you might experience an 11-degree temperature swing in a single drive.
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