March in Los Angeles still belongs to the rainy season. The city averages 85mm of rain across roughly 8 days this month, which matches January but sits well below December's 132mm. Mornings near the coast often start cool and foggy, somewhere around 10°C (50°F), before clearing by late morning. Inland neighborhoods like Pasadena and Burbank typically run 2-3°C warmer than Santa Monica or Venice by afternoon. The air after a March rainstorm is notably clean, with the San Gabriel Mountains visible from as far west as La Brea, a clarity that disappears in the hazy months from June onward.
The Academy Awards ceremony, typically held in early March at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, sets the cultural tone for the month. You won't get into the show, but the red carpet setup along Hollywood Boulevard starts days beforehand, and restaurants from West Hollywood to Downtown run Oscar-themed menus and viewing parties. Outside that single weekend of spectacle, March in LA feels relatively calm compared to summer.
This is a strong month for LA's museum circuit. The Getty Center in Brentwood and LACMA on Wilshire Boulevard both see noticeably lighter foot traffic than summer, and The Broad in DTLA, which requires timed-entry reservations in peak season, often has same-day availability. Getting between them is easier than most visitors expect. The Metro B Line connects Hollywood to Downtown in about 20 minutes, and the Expo Line runs from DTLA to Santa Monica in 50. For the beaches, March is more of a walking-and-watching month than a swimming one. The Strand bike path from Santa Monica Pier south to Hermosa Beach, about 15km, is one of the best rides in the city on a clear weekday morning, with fewer cyclists and runners than the summer crowds that pack it shoulder to shoulder.
Why visit in March
- Temperatures sit at a comfortable 20°C (68°F) with humidity around 67%, making all-day walking and hiking far more pleasant than the 32°C August heat.
- Hotel rates across Hollywood, Santa Monica, and DTLA run roughly 15-20% below summer peak pricing, and last-minute availability is common.
- The hillsides from Griffith Park to Topanga State Park are bright green from winter rains, and California poppies start blooming in the Antelope Valley by late March.
- The gray whale migration passes close to the coast through March, with whale watching boats running daily from Long Beach and San Pedro.
- Crowds at major attractions like The Getty Center, The Broad, and LACMA are noticeably thinner than June through September.
Worth knowing
- Rain is real and not trivial. 85mm across 8 days means Pacific storms can wash out a planned beach day or outdoor hike with little warning.
- The Pacific Ocean temperature hovers around 14-15°C (57-59°F) in March, too cold for swimming without a wetsuit.
- Morning marine fog, especially along the coast from Malibu to Long Beach, can keep temperatures near 10°C (50°F) until noon and obscure ocean views.
- Some outdoor venues and rooftop bars operate on reduced winter schedules through March and don't shift to full summer hours until April or May.
Best for
Think twice if
March in Los Angeles feels like a mild, slightly unpredictable spring. Most days are dry and pleasant, with temperatures that start cool in the morning and warm into the low 20s by afternoon. When it rains, the storms tend to be Pacific fronts that move through over 1-2 days rather than brief tropical showers. Mornings along the coast often start with marine fog that burns off by 11 AM. Inland areas like the San Fernando Valley and Pasadena typically run 2-3°C warmer than the coast. The air after a March rainstorm is notably clean and clear, with views stretching to the San Gabriel Mountains that you rarely get in the hazy summer months.
Seasonal caution
- Hillside areas near recent wildfire burn scars, particularly parts of Malibu, Pacific Palisades, and the San Gabriel foothills, carry mudslide risk during heavy rain events. Check local advisories if hiking after storms.
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)
Early to mid-March (date varies annually, typically first or second Sunday)
The biggest night in the film industry takes over Hollywood for a full week. The ceremony itself happens at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, but the surrounding spectacle transforms the neighborhood. Restaurants in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills run special Oscar menus, and bars throughout Silver Lake and Los Feliz host watch parties. The red carpet setup begins days before the show, and crowds line Hollywood Boulevard to watch arrivals.
Best things to do in March
Whale watching from Long Beach or San Pedro
natureGray whales migrate south from Alaska to Baja California and back again between December and April. March sits in the heart of the northbound return, when mothers and calves pass within a few kilometers of the LA coastline. Boats depart daily from Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, with trips lasting about 2-3 hours.
March is peak northbound migration. The whales travel closer to shore on the return trip than on the southbound leg in December and January, making sightings more frequent.Booking tipWeekday morning departures tend to have smaller groups and calmer seas. Most operators offer a free second trip if no whales are spotted.
Hiking Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park
outdoorsRunyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills and the trails through Griffith Park are LA's most accessible hikes. The 5km Runyon loop gains about 160m of elevation and offers views across the LA basin to the Pacific on clear days. Griffith Park's trail network stretches over 80km, with routes ranging from paved paths to scrambles up to the observatory.
The hillsides are green from winter rain, temperatures stay below 22°C, and the post-rain air clarity means you can see Catalina Island from the ridgelines. By June, these same hills are brown and the haze cuts visibility to a few kilometers.Booking tipNo booking needed. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to find parking at Runyon Canyon's Fuller Avenue entrance. Griffith Park's lots near the observatory fill by 10 AM on Saturdays.
Visiting The Getty Center
cultureThe Getty Center sits on a hilltop in Brentwood with views from the Santa Monica Mountains to the ocean. The campus holds European paintings, sculptures, and rotating exhibitions across multiple pavilions. The Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, is a living artwork with over 500 plant varieties arranged in concentric circles around a pool.
March foot traffic is roughly half of what you'll encounter in July or August. The garden is at peak bloom after winter rains, and the clear post-storm air makes the terrace views across the city exceptional.Booking tipParking requires a reservation, but walk-in entry is free. The Getty closes on Mondays.
Cycling The Strand from Santa Monica to Hermosa Beach
outdoorsThe Marvin Braude Bike Trail, known as The Strand, runs about 35km along the coast from Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach. The most popular stretch connects Santa Monica Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier, roughly 15km of flat, paved path passing through Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, and Manhattan Beach. You'll ride past the Venice Beach boardwalk, the Marina del Rey harbor, and the Hermosa Beach pier.
March weekday mornings on The Strand are quiet compared to the packed summer scene. The cool 15-17°C air keeps you comfortable on a longer ride, and the post-rain visibility means you might spot dolphins from the path near El Segundo.Booking tipBike rental shops cluster near Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach. Rates vary by shop and bike type, so compare a few before committing.
Exploring the California Poppy bloom in Antelope Valley
natureThe Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve sits about 120km north of central LA, near Lancaster. In good rain years, the reserve's 7 km of trails wind through hillsides blanketed in bright orange California poppies. The bloom typically starts in late February and peaks between mid-March and mid-April, depending on winter rainfall totals.
Late March often catches the early-to-mid peak of the poppy bloom. The 2023 superbloom drew over 100,000 visitors to the reserve in a single month, though a typical March is far quieter.Booking tipCheck the reserve's bloom status reports before driving out. In low-rain years, the display can be sparse. Go on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds that form during superbloom years.
Oscar week events and screenings across LA
cultureThe week leading up to the Academy Awards fills LA with film screenings, panel discussions, and viewing parties. Independent cinemas in Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and West Hollywood run marathon screenings of nominated films. Restaurants in Beverly Hills and along Melrose Avenue create themed menus, and bars from DTLA to Santa Monica host Oscar night watch parties.
Oscar week is a once-a-year phenomenon concentrated in early to mid-March. The energy in Hollywood and surrounding neighborhoods is palpable, with industry figures and film fans converging on the city.Booking tipOscar night viewing parties at popular bars and restaurants fill up fast. Reserve a spot at least a week ahead if you want a seat at a well-known venue.
What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Blood oranges
California blood oranges hit peak season in February and March. The Wednesday Santa Monica Farmers Market and the Hollywood Farmers Market on Sundays are the best places to find Moro and Tarocco varieties from local groves. The deep crimson flesh tends to be sweeter and less acidic than navel oranges.
Strawberries from Oxnard
The strawberry fields in Oxnard and Ventura County, about 100km north of LA, begin their harvest in March. These early-season berries show up at farmers markets throughout the city and tend to be smaller and more intensely flavored than the summer crop.
Meyer lemons
Meyer lemon trees across Southern California produce heavily through March. You'll spot them at farmers markets and on neighborhood trees alike. The thin skin and floral sweetness make them distinct from standard Eureka lemons, and LA restaurants fold them into everything from cocktails to desserts this time of year.
In markets
California artichokes
Castroville, the self-proclaimed artichoke capital, sends its spring crop south in March. Grilled artichoke halves appear on menus at restaurants across the city, often served with garlic aioli. The tender inner leaves have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the char from the grill.
Regular events in March
Los Angeles MarathonFree
The LA Marathon runs a point-to-point course from Dodger Stadium through Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and along Wilshire Boulevard to the finish at Avenue of the Stars in Century City. The race draws around 25,000 runners and lines several major streets with spectators. Road closures begin early Sunday morning and affect traffic across the Westside and central LA until early afternoon.
Third Sunday in March (varies)CicLAviaFree
CicLAvia temporarily closes several kilometers of LA streets to car traffic, opening them up to cyclists, pedestrians, and skaters. The March edition typically covers a route through central or south LA neighborhoods. The event draws tens of thousands of participants and lines the route with food vendors, DJs, and community booths.
Varies (one Sunday in March, though not every year)Santa Monica Farmers Market (Wednesday)Free
The Wednesday market on Arizona Avenue in Santa Monica is considered the best farmers market in Southern California. Over 75 vendors sell produce from farms across the region, and you'll spot LA restaurant chefs picking through the stalls. March brings the first strawberries, peak citrus, and early spring greens.
Every Wednesday, year-roundFirst Fridays at the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County in Exposition Park hosts First Fridays on the first Friday of each month. The evening events include DJ sets, food trucks, and access to the museum's galleries after regular hours. The March edition often coincides with the spring wildflower exhibits.
First Friday of the monthBest places this March
Griffith Observatory
landmarkPerched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, the observatory offers free telescope viewing on clear nights and panoramic views from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific. March's post-rain air clarity makes the views noticeably sharper than summer. The planetarium runs shows throughout the day.
Los FelizThe Broad
museumEli Broad's contemporary art museum in DTLA houses works by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama, among others. March typically has same-day ticket availability, a contrast to the weeks-long waits common in summer.
Downtown LAVenice Beach Boardwalk
neighborhoodThe 2.5km boardwalk from Venice Pier north to Windward Avenue still draws street performers, muralists, and vendors. March mornings are quieter than summer, when the boardwalk gets packed by noon. The famous Muscle Beach outdoor gym sits at the south end.
VeniceGrand Central Market
foodOpen since 1917 on Broadway in DTLA, Grand Central Market holds over 30 food vendors under one roof. The mix ranges from Oaxacan mole at a long-running stall to egg sandwiches and Thai iced tea. March weekday lunches are manageable, while summer weekends bring long lines at the popular counters.
Downtown LADescanso Gardens
gardenThis 60-hectare botanical garden in La Cañada Flintridge, about 20 minutes north of DTLA, peaks in March when the camellia collection and California native plants are in full bloom. The Japanese garden and oak woodland provide shade on warmer afternoons.
La Cañada FlintridgeSanta Monica Pier
landmarkThe pier extends about 500m over the Pacific and holds a small amusement park, an aquarium, and a handful of restaurants. March afternoons are pleasant for walking the pier without the dense summer crowds. The view south along the coast to Palos Verdes is particularly clear after rain.
Santa MonicaLACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
museumThe largest art museum in the western United States sits on Wilshire Boulevard along Museum Row. The collection spans 6,000 years across multiple buildings. Chris Burden's Urban Light installation, 202 restored street lamps at the entrance, is one of LA's most photographed spots. March sees lighter gallery crowds than summer months.
Mid-Wilshire
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Insider tips
The Getty Center's garden is at its absolute best in March, after the winter rains. The Central Garden's 500+ plant species are in full bloom, and most visitors skip it entirely to head straight for the galleries. Give it at least 30 minutes.
If you're in LA during Oscar week, check independent cinemas like the New Beverly Cinema in Beverly Grove and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica for special screenings of nominated films. These tend to be less crowded than the industry events and open to the public.
The best time to visit Griffith Observatory is a weekday evening about 30 minutes before sunset. The parking lot is manageable, the telescope is open, and you'll watch the city lights come on across the basin from the observation deck.
Grand Central Market in DTLA is a different place at 9 AM versus noon. The morning crowd is sparse, the coffee is fresh, and you can actually grab a seat. By 12:30 PM on a Saturday, every counter has a line.
For whale watching, the boats departing from San Pedro tend to be less crowded than the Long Beach operators. Both cover similar territory, but San Pedro boats often reach the open water faster.
March is one of the best months to drive Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu. The hillsides are green, the roadside wildflowers are blooming, and the summer traffic congestion hasn't started. Stop at Point Dume for a short hike to the bluff overlooking the ocean.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only shorts and t-shirts. March mornings near the coast hover around 10°C (50°F), and the marine fog can keep it cool until noon. Visitors from warmer climates are often caught off guard.
- Trying to drive between attractions during rush hour. The 405 and 101 freeways are gridlocked from roughly 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM. Plan museum and neighborhood visits around those windows, or use the Metro.
- Skipping the rain jacket because the forecast shows partly cloudy. March Pacific storms can develop quickly, and a single rain day without a jacket means a wet, cold afternoon with limited indoor backup plans in beach neighborhoods.
- Booking a hotel far from public transit and expecting to drive everywhere. Parking in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and DTLA is limited and often expensive by LA standards. Staying near a Metro station saves time and frustration.
- Assuming every beach day will be warm enough for sunbathing. The water is 14°C (57°F) and the air rarely breaks 22°C (72°F). March beaches are for walking, cycling, and watching the surfers in wetsuits, not for lying on a towel in swimwear.
Practical tips for March
Book accommodations along the Metro lines if you want to avoid LA's notorious traffic. The B Line (formerly Red) connects Hollywood to DTLA in 20 minutes, and the E Line (formerly Expo) runs from DTLA to Santa Monica in about 50. Both are reliable and run frequently. For Oscar week in early March, hotels in Hollywood and West Hollywood fill up and rates climb, so book well ahead if you're visiting during that window. Restaurants in popular neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and West Hollywood are easier to get into on weekday evenings. Bring layers for every outing, as the temperature difference between the coast and inland valleys can reach 5-8°C on the same afternoon. Check wildflower bloom reports before planning a trip to the Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, as the display varies significantly year to year depending on winter rainfall.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit Los Angeles?
March is a solid month for LA. Temperatures sit around 20°C (68°F), hotel rates run 15-20% below summer peaks, and major attractions see lighter crowds. The trade-off is rain, with an average of 8 rainy days, so you need to be flexible with outdoor plans. If you can handle the occasional wet day, March offers better value and a more relaxed city than the packed summer months.
Can you swim in the ocean in Los Angeles in March?
The Pacific water temperature in March is around 14-15°C (57-59°F), which is too cold for most people without a wetsuit. Surfers wear full wetsuits year-round in Southern California, and March is no exception. The beaches are still worth visiting for walks, cycling The Strand, and watching the waves, but this is not a swimming month for casual visitors.
What should I wear in Los Angeles in March?
Layers are essential. Mornings near the coast start around 9-10°C (48-50°F) with frequent fog, and afternoons inland can reach 22-24°C (72-75°F). A light waterproof jacket, a hoodie or sweater, and comfortable walking shoes cover most situations. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still necessary on clear days, as the UV index runs around 5-6 even in early spring.
Does it rain a lot in Los Angeles in March?
March averages about 85mm of rainfall across roughly 8 days. When it rains, the storms tend to be Pacific fronts that move through over 1-2 days rather than brief afternoon showers. You might get a stretch of 4-5 dry days followed by 2 days of steady rain. The upside is that post-storm days are often the clearest and most beautiful of the year, with views stretching to the San Gabriel Mountains.
How do I get around Los Angeles without a car in March?
LA's Metro system is more useful than its reputation suggests. The B Line runs from North Hollywood through Hollywood to DTLA in about 20 minutes. The E Line connects DTLA to Santa Monica in 50 minutes. Rideshare apps fill the gaps between Metro stations, and areas like Santa Monica, Venice, and DTLA are walkable once you arrive. March's lighter traffic also makes rideshare trips shorter and cheaper than in summer.
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