February is the peak of Los Angeles's brief rainy season, and 110mm of rainfall across roughly 5 wet days makes it the city's second-wettest month after December. That sounds worse than it is. LA rain arrives as concentrated Pacific storms that dump water for a day, sometimes two, then clear out to leave blue skies and air so clean you can see the snow line on the San Gabriel Mountains from Downtown. Daytime highs sit around 20°C (67°F), with nights dropping to about 8°C (46°F). Comfortable by most standards, though Angelenos will be in puffer jackets.
The other defining feature of February is awards season. The Academy Awards ceremony typically falls in late February or early March, and the weeks before it fill Hollywood and West Hollywood with screenings, nominee luncheons, and industry parties. Frieze Los Angeles, the international contemporary art fair, also runs in mid-February and draws collectors to Santa Monica. Neither of these will change your day-to-day plans as a regular visitor, but they give the city a different charge from the beach-and-sunshine months.
If you're arriving from a Northern Hemisphere winter, February in LA still feels like an escape. The hills around Griffith Park glow green from recent rains. Early wildflowers appear along the Malibu coast near Point Mugu. Hotel rates run well below summer peaks. The honest trade-off is that you might lose a full day or two to rain, and the Pacific Ocean at Santa Monica Beach hovers around 14°C (57°F), which keeps all but wetsuit-equipped surfers out of the water.
Why visit in February
- Mild daytime temperatures around 20°C (67°F) feel like spring while much of the US and Europe sits below freezing.
- Hotel rates in Santa Monica and Hollywood run 20-30% below July and August peaks, with better last-minute availability.
- Post-rain air clarity reveals the San Gabriel Mountains and sometimes Catalina Island from Griffith Observatory, a view the summer haze usually hides.
- The hills and canyons across Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, and the Santa Monica Mountains turn bright green, the only months LA looks lush.
- Gray whale migration along the coast peaks in February, with sighting rates from Point Dume and San Pedro whale-watching boats at their highest.
Worth knowing
- At 110mm, February is LA's second-wettest month. A single storm can drop 30-50mm in 24 hours, and freeway underpasses on the 101 and 110 are prone to flooding.
- Ocean water temperature at 14°C (57°F) rules out casual swimming at Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, and other popular stretches.
- LA drivers struggle noticeably in rain. A 30-minute commute on the 405 can become 90 minutes during a storm, and accident rates spike.
- Shorter days mean sunset arrives around 5:45 PM in early February, cutting into late-afternoon outdoor plans and golden-hour photography time.
Best for
Think twice if
February sits in the middle of LA's short rainy season. Days typically start cool and often overcast with marine layer, then warm to around 20°C (67°F) by early afternoon. Nights drop to about 8°C (46°F), cool enough to need a jacket if you're walking around Silver Lake or Los Feliz after dinner. Rainfall totals about 110mm across 5 rainy days, usually arriving as distinct storms rather than prolonged drizzle. Between storms, the skies clear dramatically and the air feels washed clean. Humidity averages 61%, which feels comfortable by coastal standards.
Seasonal caution
- Mudslide and debris-flow risk rises sharply in hillside neighborhoods after heavy rain, particularly near recent wildfire burn scars in the Santa Monica Mountains and San Gabriel foothills. Avoid hiking within 24 hours of a major storm in canyon areas.
- Flash flooding can occur in low-lying sections of Downtown LA and the LA River channel during intense storms. Several freeway underpasses on the 101 and 110 are prone to flooding and may close without much warning.
- Winter surf swells from the North Pacific produce larger waves and stronger rip currents at beaches like Zuma and El Porto. Even experienced swimmers should check lifeguard reports before entering the water.
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
Academy Awards (Oscars)
Late February to early March (date varies annually)
The film industry's biggest night, held at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. The ceremony itself is invite-only, but the weeks leading up to it fill Hollywood and West Hollywood with public screenings, pop-up exhibits, and the red-carpet setup that draws thousands of spectators. The entire awards-season atmosphere, from nominee luncheons to after-parties across the city, is unique to LA in February.
Best things to do in February
Gray Whale Watching from San Pedro
natureThe gray whale migration route passes within a few miles of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Boats depart from San Pedro's Ports O'Call area and from the Redondo Beach harbor, running 2 to 3 hour trips. You'll likely see spouts and tail flukes, and the occasional full breach. Bring a warm layer for the open water, where the wind chill drops noticeably below the land temperature.
February is the statistical peak of the southbound gray whale migration, with the highest daily sighting counts of any month along the LA coast.Booking tipWeekend trips fill up days in advance. Weekday morning departures tend to have smaller groups and calmer seas.
Hiking Eaton Canyon Falls
hikingThe 3.5-mile round-trip trail to Eaton Canyon Falls in Pasadena leads to a 12-meter waterfall that only flows with real force during and after the rainy season. The trail is mostly flat with some stream crossings that will get your shoes wet. The falls pool at the bottom is cold but swimmable for the committed. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to find parking in the nature center lot.
Winter rains feed the waterfall, which can slow to a trickle or stop entirely by May. February typically has the strongest flow.Booking tipNo booking needed, but the parking lot at Eaton Canyon Nature Center fills by mid-morning on weekends. Consider rideshare.
Exploring the Getty Center on a Clear Post-Storm Day
cultureThe Getty Center sits at 270 meters elevation in the Brentwood hills, and on a post-rain February day, the views from the garden terraces extend from the Pacific to the San Gabriel range. The travertine courtyards take on a warm glow in the low winter sun. The permanent collection is always strong, but the winter special exhibitions tend to draw smaller crowds than summer shows. The tram ride up from the parking structure is part of the experience.
Post-storm February days offer the clearest air LA gets all year, making the Getty's panoramic setting visually striking in a way summer haze prevents.Booking tipTimed entry reservations are required. Same-day availability opens up on weekday mornings.
Walking the Venice Canals
sightseeingThe Venice Canal Historic District, 3 blocks inland from the Venice Beach boardwalk, is a set of 6 residential canals originally dug in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. February's low tourist traffic means you can walk the footbridges and narrow paths without the summer crowds. The gardens along the canal banks are green from rain, and ducks and herons tend to be more active in winter. The neighborhood feels genuinely quiet, which is not something Venice offers in July.
Low crowds and green landscaping make February the most pleasant month to walk the canals without the summer tourist density.Booking tipNo booking needed. Street parking on Dell Avenue fills on weekends but is usually open on weekday afternoons.
Visiting LACMA's Urban Light Installation at Dusk
cultureChris Burden's 202 restored cast-iron streetlamps on Wilshire Boulevard outside LACMA are one of LA's most photographed spots. February's earlier sunset, around 5:45 PM, means the lamps light up while you might still be in the museum area. The warm glow against a post-rain sky with pink and purple streaks over the Miracle Mile makes for a scene that's hard to replicate in summer's later, hazier sunsets.
The earlier February sunset and post-rain sky clarity create a better lighting window for the installation than the hazy, late-setting summer sun.Booking tipNo booking needed for the outdoor installation. LACMA galleries require timed tickets.
Browsing the Smorgasburg LA Market
foodSmorgasburg LA sets up at ROW DTLA every Sunday with 50-plus food vendors and a rotating roster of artisan goods. February's lower attendance means shorter lines at popular stalls. The open-air layout stays comfortable at 20°C, and the industrial architecture of the ROW complex keeps things shaded if the sun comes out strong after a storm clears.
February's lower attendance means shorter waits at the most popular vendors compared to the packed summer Sundays.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before noon for the best selection from vendors that tend to sell out.
Surfing Winter Swells at El Porto
sportEl Porto Beach in Manhattan Beach picks up the North Pacific winter swells that peak in February. The waves are bigger and more consistent than summer's typical 1-2 foot days, regularly reaching 4-6 feet on a good swell. The water is cold at 14°C, so a 4/3mm wetsuit is non-negotiable. The beach break is relatively forgiving compared to reef breaks further south, making it one of the better spots for intermediate surfers in winter conditions.
February's North Pacific storm systems generate the most consistent and largest swells of the year along this stretch of coast.Booking tipRental shops along Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach carry winter-weight wetsuits. No booking needed for the beach.
What to eat in February
In season: fruit
California Navel Oranges
February is peak season for the state's signature citrus. You'll find them piled high at the Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Hollywood Farmers Market, often from groves in Riverside County about 60 miles east. The cool February nights concentrate the sugars, and the flavor difference from supermarket oranges shipped cross-country is noticeable.
Blood Oranges
Moro and Tarocco varieties from the Central Valley hit peak sweetness in February. Grand Central Market vendors and farmers market stalls sell them loose, and several Downtown juice bars press them fresh. The deep red flesh signals high anthocyanin content, and the flavor runs tart-sweet with a berry undertone you won't get from navels.
Meyer Lemons
These sweeter, thinner-skinned lemons peak in California from December through February. You'll spot them at the Hollywood Farmers Market and at Sqirl in Silver Lake, where they tend to show up in preserves and baked goods. The fragrance is floral, closer to mandarin than standard Eureka lemons.
Avocados
The Hass avocado crop from groves in Ventura and San Diego counties enters its early season in February. Farmers market stalls in Santa Monica and Mar Vista sell them at sizes and ripeness levels you won't see in chain grocery stores. The texture is notably creamier than imports from Mexico or Chile at this time of year.
On menus now
Dungeness Crab
The West Coast Dungeness season runs through February, and seafood counters at Santa Monica Seafood and spots along the San Pedro waterfront still carry fresh whole crabs. The meat is sweet and briny, best eaten cracked with drawn butter. Season typically winds down by mid-March.
Regular events in February
Frieze Los Angeles
International contemporary art fair held at Santa Monica Airport, drawing major galleries from New York, London, and Berlin. The 4-day event includes site-specific installations and a curated program of talks. It typically draws 30,000-plus visitors.
Mid-February (Thursday through Sunday)Chinese New Year Celebrations in ChinatownFree
LA's Chinatown on North Broadway hosts a parade, lion dances, firecrackers, and food stalls for Lunar New Year. The date shifts annually with the lunar calendar but often falls in late January or February. The Golden Dragon parade runs along Broadway and Hill Street, and the festival fills Central Plaza.
Late January to mid-February (varies with lunar calendar)Dine LA Restaurant Week
A citywide dining event where participating restaurants across LA offer prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at set tiers. Hundreds of restaurants take part, from Koreatown to the Westside. It typically runs for 2 weeks and is one of the better times to try higher-end spots at reduced rates.
Varies, often late January into FebruaryLA Phil at Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Los Angeles Philharmonic's winter season at Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall in Downtown includes 6-8 performances in February. The building's stainless steel exterior reflects the winter light differently than in summer, and the Founders Room pre-concert wine service has a view north toward the San Gabriels.
Multiple dates throughout FebruaryBest places this February
Griffith Observatory
attractionThe Art Deco observatory above Los Feliz offers free telescope viewing on clear nights and a planetarium show. February's post-rain air makes the telescope views of Jupiter and the Orion Nebula noticeably sharper than summer's hazy nights. The view south toward Downtown and the Pacific is at its clearest this month.
Los FelizThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
gardenThe 120-acre estate in San Marino features a camellia collection with over 1,200 varieties that peak in February. The Japanese Garden's wisteria isn't out yet, but the Chinese Garden's winter-blooming plum trees carry a faint, sweet scent you'll notice on the pathways. The library galleries are climate-controlled and rarely crowded on weekday mornings.
San MarinoGrand Central Market
foodLA's oldest public market, open since 1917 on South Broadway in Downtown, houses around 40 food vendors under one roof. February is a good time to wander without the summer lunch-rush crush. The neon signs, tiled counters, and the smell of fresh tortillas from Villa Moreliana give the place a texture that food halls elsewhere tend to lack.
DowntownSanta Monica Pier and Beach
beachThe pier's Pacific Park rides and the view south toward the Palos Verdes Peninsula are still there in February, minus the summer crowds. The beach itself is quiet enough for long walks. You'll want a windbreaker for the late-afternoon onshore breeze, and swimming is off the table at 14°C, but the light on the water in the low winter sun has a warm quality that photographs well.
Santa MonicaThe Broad
museumThe contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown holds over 2,000 works, including pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kara Walker, and Jeff Koons. February weekday visits tend to have shorter wait times for the Infinity Mirrored Room. The building's honeycomb exterior design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro is worth a look from Grand Park across the street.
DowntownRunyon Canyon Park
hikingThe 65-hectare park above Hollywood Boulevard has 3 main trail loops ranging from 1.5 to 5 kilometers. February turns the scrub-covered hillsides green, and the cooler temperatures make midday hikes comfortable rather than punishing. The top-of-canyon viewpoint looks south over Hollywood, the Wilshire corridor, and on clear days, all the way to the ocean and Catalina Island.
HollywoodPoint Dume State Beach
natureThe headland at Point Dume in Malibu offers a short trail to a blufftop viewpoint that's one of the best land-based whale-watching spots in LA County. Gray whales pass close to shore here in February, and you can sometimes see spouts without binoculars. The beach below the point is sheltered and mostly empty on winter weekdays.
Malibu
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Insider tips
The Santa Monica Farmers Market on Wednesday mornings (Arizona Avenue and 2nd Street) is the one where LA's well-known chefs shop. February brings the best citrus selection of the year, and you'll see varieties like Cara Cara and Oro Blanco that rarely appear in stores.
After a heavy rain, drive Mulholland Drive from the 405 to the Hollywood Bowl overlook. The air clarity can reveal the Channel Islands on the horizon, over 100 kilometers away. This view is effectively invisible in summer.
The Griffith Observatory parking lot fills by 10 AM on clear weekends. Take the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station instead. It runs every 20 minutes and drops you at the front door.
If a rainstorm cancels your outdoor plans, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Broad, and the Natural History Museum in Exposition Park are all within a 15-minute drive of each other. A single rain day can cover all three.
The rooftop pool and bar scene at hotels along the Sunset Strip stays active in February because the daytime temperature is still comfortable. You'll share the space with far fewer people than in August.
Avoid these mistakes
- Assuming it won't rain. February averages 5 wet days, and visitors who pack for the 'always sunny' LA stereotype end up buying overpriced rain gear on Hollywood Boulevard.
- Booking a beachfront hotel expecting to swim. The Pacific at 14°C is wetsuit-only territory in February, and the marine layer can keep the coast overcast while inland neighborhoods like Pasadena sit in full sun.
- Driving through canyon roads during or right after a storm. Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Malibu Canyon Road are prone to rockfall and mudslide closures, and rental car insurance rarely covers debris damage without a specific add-on.
- Underestimating LA distances. The Getty Center, Venice Beach, and Griffith Observatory form a triangle that covers 40 kilometers. Without traffic, that's 45 minutes per leg. In February rain, double it.
- Skipping the inland neighborhoods. Visitors stick to Santa Monica and Hollywood, but the best food and street life in February is in Koreatown, Silver Lake, and Highland Park, all of which sit further from the marine layer and tend to get more sun.
Practical tips for February
February's weather in LA calls for flexibility. Check the 10-day forecast before packing, and build at least one 'indoor day' into your itinerary in case a Pacific storm hits. The Metro B Line (Red) connects Hollywood to Downtown and avoids the worst freeway congestion during rain. Restaurants along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, and in the Arts District tend to have walk-in availability that disappears by March. If you're renting a car, avoid the 405 freeway during any rain event. The surface streets through Beverly Hills and West LA (Olympic Boulevard, Pico Boulevard) are slower in miles but often faster in minutes during storms. Sunset happens around 5:45 PM in early February and closer to 6:10 PM by month's end, so plan outdoor activities for the morning and early afternoon.
FAQ
Is February a good time to visit Los Angeles?
February is a solid shoulder-season month. You'll get mild temperatures around 20°C, lower hotel rates, green hillsides, and far fewer tourists than summer. The trade-off is 4-5 days of rain and an ocean too cold for swimming without a wetsuit. If you're comfortable with that exchange, it's genuinely one of the more pleasant times to experience LA without the crowds.
How much rain does Los Angeles get in February?
About 110mm across roughly 5 rainy days. The rain tends to arrive in distinct storms that last 1-2 days, then clears completely. You might get 3-4 consecutive clear days between storms. It's not the kind of month where it drizzles constantly.
Can you swim in the ocean in Los Angeles in February?
Not comfortably. The Pacific water temperature at Santa Monica and Venice hovers around 14°C (57°F) in February. Surfers wear 4/3mm wetsuits. Casual beachgoers can walk the sand and enjoy the views, but the water is a cold shock for swimmers used to summer conditions.
What should I wear in Los Angeles in February?
Layers work best. Mornings start cool around 10-12°C with marine layer cloud cover. By early afternoon, temperatures reach 18-20°C and you'll want short sleeves if the sun is out. Bring a waterproof jacket for storm days and a light sweater for evenings, especially if you're eating outdoors.
Are the Hollywood attractions less crowded in February?
Noticeably so. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, and Universal Studios Hollywood all see lower foot traffic in February compared to June through August. You'll still encounter tourists, but lines are shorter and parking is easier. The exception is the week around the Academy Awards, when Hollywood Boulevard gets busier with red-carpet setup and spectators.
Is it worth visiting the beaches in February?
The beaches are still worth visiting for walks, photography, and scenery. Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu's Zuma Beach are quiet and photogenic in February light. You won't be swimming or sunbathing, but the low winter sun creates warm tones on the sand and water that summer's harsh midday light doesn't produce. Point Dume is particularly good for whale watching from shore.
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