November in Los Angeles is defined by one thing above all else. The Santa Ana winds. These hot, dry gusts blow in from the inland deserts, sometimes pushing temperatures past 30°C (86°F) for a day or two before the air snaps back to a mild 23°C (74°F). The winds also bring wildfire risk, and in bad years the sky over neighborhoods like Pasadena or Malibu can turn hazy with smoke. That said, most November days are clear, dry, and genuinely comfortable. You'll likely see daytime highs around 23°C (74°F) and lows near 11°C (51°F), with about 57mm of rain spread across 3 days for the entire month. The brutal summer heat is gone. June Gloom is months away. The air tends to feel lighter than in August, and the light itself shifts toward something warmer and lower, which is why cinematographers have always loved this city in autumn.
November also sits in a pricing sweet spot. Summer tourist season ended weeks ago, and the December holiday rush has not started yet. Hotel rates in neighborhoods like Santa Monica and West Hollywood drop noticeably from their July peaks. The exception is Thanksgiving week, when domestic travel fills hotels and restaurants across the city. If you time your visit for the first two weeks of November, you'll find shorter lines at The Broad, easier reservations along Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, and rental car rates that reflect a city between its busy seasons.
The cultural calendar picks up, too. AFI Fest screens films across Hollywood in mid-November. Día de los Muertos celebrations spill through Olvera Street and Hollywood Forever Cemetery in the first days of the month. The LA Auto Show opens at the Convention Center toward month's end. None of these alone would justify a transatlantic flight, but together they give the city a texture that the summer beach-and-theme-park months lack.
Why visit in November
- Daytime temperatures sit around 23°C (74°F) with low humidity at 56%, making it comfortable for walking neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Los Feliz, and Highland Park without the oppressive summer heat.
- Hotel rates drop 20-30% from summer peaks during the first three weeks of November, and restaurants that require 2-week reservations in July often have same-day availability.
- The Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park, and Runyon Canyon trails are pleasant to hike without the 32°C-plus (90°F-plus) temperatures that make summer hikes punishing.
- AFI Fest, Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and the opening of awards-season screenings give the city a cultural density that the beach months lack.
- Air quality is typically better than in August and September, when summer smog and inland heat create persistent haze over the basin.
Worth knowing
- Santa Ana wind events, which peak in October and November, can push temperatures above 30°C (86°F) for 2-3 days at a time and raise wildfire risk across hillside neighborhoods from Pacific Palisades to Altadena. Smoke from nearby fires can degrade air quality with little warning.
- Thanksgiving week (the last full week of November) sees a sharp spike in domestic tourists, hotel prices, and traffic on the 405 and 101 freeways. LAX becomes one of the busiest airports in the country.
- Rain becomes a real possibility for the first time since spring. 57mm across 3 days is not a monsoon, but LA drivers are notoriously bad in wet conditions, and surface streets flood in low-lying areas near the LA River.
- Sunset drops to around 4:50 PM by month's end, cutting outdoor sightseeing time short, particularly at places like the Getty Center where the gardens lose light early.
Best for
Think twice if
November marks the start of LA's mild wet season, though 'wet' is relative. Expect about 57mm of rain spread across roughly 3 days. Most of the month is dry and clear, with warm afternoons and cool evenings. Mornings along the coast from Santa Monica to Long Beach can start overcast, typically clearing by 11 AM. Humidity sits at a comfortable 56%. The real wildcard is Santa Ana winds, which blow hot, dry air from the desert and can temporarily push highs past 30°C (86°F) before dropping back to the low 20s within a day or two. Nighttime temperatures around 10.6°C (51°F) can feel genuinely cold if you are coming from a tropical climate.
Seasonal caution
- Santa Ana winds typically produce 2-4 events in November, each lasting 1-3 days. During these events, relative humidity can drop below 10%, temperatures spike, and fire danger reaches critical levels. Monitor local fire alerts from the LA County Fire Department, especially if staying near hillside areas in Malibu, the Hollywood Hills, or the San Gabriel foothills.
- LA's first significant rains of the season often arrive in November. After months of dry weather, oil buildup on roads makes the first rain day especially dangerous for driving. Locals call this phenomenon and the resulting accidents a predictable pattern on the 10, 110, and 405 freeways.
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
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Early November, usually November 1-2
The largest Día de los Muertos celebration in Southern California fills Hollywood Forever Cemetery with altars, live music, Aztec dance performances, face painting, and tens of thousands of attendees. It has grown from a small community gathering into one of LA's most visually striking annual events. The smell of copal incense and marigolds hangs thick in the air, and the sound of traditional son jarocho bands carries across the grounds. Tickets tend to sell out, so buying in advance is worth the effort.
AFI Fest
Mid-November, typically spanning 5-6 days
The American Film Institute's annual festival screens dozens of films across Hollywood venues, with a focus on independent and international cinema alongside major studio premieres. November's AFI Fest has historically served as a launchpad for awards-season contenders, and Q&A sessions with directors and actors are a regular feature. Some screenings are free on a first-come basis, while others require passes purchased in advance.
Best things to do in November
Hiking Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon
outdoorGriffith Park's 4,310 acres offer trails from easy (the Fern Dell path) to moderate (the hike to the Griffith Observatory). Runyon Canyon in the Hollywood Hills is shorter but steeper, with views stretching from the Hollywood Sign to the Pacific on clear days. November's cooler temperatures and lower humidity make both far more pleasant than in summer.
Temperatures around 23°C (74°F) replace the 35°C-plus summer days that make midday hiking dangerous. Trails are less crowded than on summer weekends.Booking tipArrive before 9 AM on weekends to get parking at Griffith Park. The Vermont Avenue entrance fills up first.
Exploring the Getty Center Gardens
cultureThe Getty Center's 134,000-square-foot Central Garden, designed by Robert Irwin, shifts into autumn tones in November. The azalea maze still holds green, but the surrounding trees along the 0.75-mile garden path show golds and reds that are rare in LA's mostly evergreen landscape. The low November sun hits the travertine walls with a warm light that's noticeably different from the flat brightness of summer.
Autumn light and cooler temperatures make the outdoor gardens comfortable for extended visits. Fewer tourists mean shorter tram waits from the parking structure.Booking tipParking reservations are required and tend to fill up for weekends. Book online at least a few days ahead.
Catching Awards-Season Screenings
cultureNovember is when studios begin screening their awards contenders in LA theaters. Venues like the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, the DGA Theater Complex on Sunset, and various screening rooms in West Hollywood host early showings, often followed by Q&As with directors and cast. Some are open to the public through AFI Fest or individual studio promotions.
Awards-season screening schedules run from November through February, but November is when the first wave of contenders appears and the Q&A circuit is freshest.Booking tipFollow individual venue social media accounts for last-minute public screening announcements. AFI Fest passes grant access to a wider selection.
Surfing at County Line or El Porto
outdoorWater temperatures around 17°C (63°F) require a full wetsuit, but November surf at spots like County Line (on the Ventura County border) and El Porto in Manhattan Beach tends to be more consistent than summer's flat spells. South swells fade, but early northwest swells begin arriving, and the crowds thin out considerably compared to the July-August peak.
Northwest swell season begins, bringing more consistent waves to west-facing breaks. Fewer weekend surfers in the lineup at popular spots like Malibu First Point.Booking tipWetsuit rental shops along PCH in Malibu and on Highland Avenue in Manhattan Beach carry 3/2mm suits appropriate for November water temperatures.
Browsing the Melrose Trading Post
shoppingThe Melrose Trading Post flea market takes over the Fairfax High School parking lot every Sunday. November's comfortable temperatures make this a far more pleasant browse than the sweltering summer editions. Vendors sell vintage clothing, mid-century furniture, vinyl records, and local art, and the crowd skews younger and more local than the Rose Bowl Flea.
Temperatures in the low 20s°C make outdoor browsing comfortable for hours, unlike summer when the asphalt radiates heat. The pre-holiday weeks bring vendors stocking gift-worthy items.Booking tipArrive by 10 AM for the best selection. The market runs from 9 AM to 5 PM.
Visiting LACMA's Outdoor Installations
cultureThe Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Wilshire Boulevard is home to Chris Burden's Urban Light installation (202 restored street lamps from the 1920s and 1930s) and Michael Heizer's Levitated Mass (a 340-ton boulder). Both are outdoor and free to visit at any hour. November evenings, when the lamps glow against a clear sky and temperatures hover around 15°C (59°F), are arguably the best time to see Urban Light without summer's crowds of photographers queuing for the same shot.
Cooler evening temperatures and thinner crowds make the outdoor installations more accessible. Sunset around 4:50 PM means you can see Urban Light illuminated before dinner.Booking tipUrban Light is free and open 24 hours. The museum galleries require timed entry, available online.
Day Trip to the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Country
food_and_drinkThe wine region around Los Olivos and Solvang, about 2 hours north of LA on the 101, is in its post-harvest quiet season by November. Tasting rooms are less crowded than in the summer and fall crush periods, and the rolling hills start to green up after early rains. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from producers along Foxen Canyon Road benefit from the region's cool-climate growing conditions.
Post-harvest means shorter tasting room waits and a calmer pace. The landscape transitions from dry gold to early green after November rains.Booking tipMost tasting rooms in Los Olivos and along Foxen Canyon Road accept walk-ins on weekdays but may require reservations on weekends.
What to eat in November
In season: fruit
Hachiya and Fuyu Persimmons
November is peak persimmon season in Southern California. The Santa Monica Farmers Market and Hollywood Farmers Market overflow with Hachiya (astringent, best when fully soft) and Fuyu (crisp, eaten like an apple) varieties from local farms in the San Joaquin Valley.
Pomegranates
California-grown pomegranates from the Central Valley hit their peak in November. You'll find them at every farmers market in the city, and many restaurants incorporate the seeds into seasonal salads and cocktails.
Citrus Season Opener
November marks the start of California's citrus season. Early-harvest navel oranges and satsuma mandarins from Ojai and the Inland Empire begin appearing at the Santa Monica Wednesday market and the Sunday Hollywood market.
On menus now
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab season typically opens in mid-November along the California coast. Restaurants in Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, and the San Pedro Fish Market start featuring it on menus within days of the season opener.
Street food peaks
Thanksgiving Tamales
In many Mexican-American households across East LA, Boyle Heights, and the San Gabriel Valley, tamale-making is a multi-day Thanksgiving tradition. Tamale vendors at Grand Central Market and along Broadway in DTLA see their busiest weeks of the year leading up to the holiday.
Regular events in November
LA Auto Show
The LA Auto Show takes over the Los Angeles Convention Center in late November, showcasing new vehicle debuts, concept cars, and test-drive experiences. It tends to draw a large local crowd on opening weekend.
Late November through early DecemberHollywood Christmas ParadeFree
The Hollywood Christmas Parade marches down Hollywood Boulevard on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, with floats, marching bands, and celebrity appearances. It has run since 1928 and draws spectators who line the boulevard from Orange Drive to Vine Street.
Sunday after ThanksgivingDine LA Restaurant Week
Dine LA typically runs a fall edition in late October or early November, with participating restaurants across the city offering prix fixe lunch and dinner menus at set price tiers. Neighborhoods like DTLA, Beverly Hills, and West Hollywood see the highest concentration of participants.
Late October to early NovemberGriffith Observatory Public Star PartiesFree
The Los Angeles Astronomical Society hosts free public star parties on the lawn of Griffith Observatory, typically on a Saturday evening each month. November's earlier sunsets and often clear skies make for good viewing conditions. Volunteers set up telescopes pointed at planets, star clusters, and the moon.
One Saturday evening per monthBest places this November
Griffith Observatory
landmarkFree admission, perched on the south slope of Mount Hollywood with panoramic views of the LA basin, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean on clear days. November's early sunsets mean you can watch the city lights come on before 6 PM.
Los FelizThe Getty Center
museumRichard Meier's hilltop campus in the Santa Monica Mountains houses European paintings, photography, and the Robert Irwin-designed Central Garden. November brings autumn color to the gardens and fewer visitors than summer months. Admission is free, though parking requires a reservation.
BrentwoodGrand Central Market
foodOpen since 1917, this DTLA food hall on South Broadway houses vendors ranging from Sari Sari Store's Filipino dishes to Tacos Tumbras a Tomas's Michoacán-style carnitas. November's tamale season adds a seasonal layer, and the market stays busy but navigable on weekday afternoons.
Downtown LAThe Broad
museumEli Broad's contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in DTLA holds works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and Yayoi Kusama. The Kusama Infinity Mirror Rooms require separate timed tickets. November weekday mornings tend to have the shortest general admission waits.
Downtown LAOlvera Street
historicLA's oldest street, part of El Pueblo de Los Ángeles Historical Monument, is lined with Mexican craft vendors, restaurants, and the Avila Adobe (built in 1818). The Día de los Muertos altars installed in late October often remain into the first week of November.
Downtown LASanta Monica Pier and Beach
landmarkThe pier, with its 1922 carousel and Pacific Park amusement rides, draws fewer crowds in November than in summer. Water temperature sits around 17°C (63°F), so swimming is for the committed, but the beach walk from the pier south toward Venice is pleasant in the afternoon light.
Santa MonicaRunyon Canyon Park
outdoorA 160-acre park in the Hollywood Hills with 3 main trails ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 miles. The Fuller Avenue entrance on the east side tends to be less crowded than the main entrance off Mulholland Drive. Views reach from the Hollywood Sign to Century City.
Hollywood HillsTemescal Gateway Park
outdoorA quieter alternative to Runyon Canyon, this Pacific Palisades trailhead leads to a 4-mile loop with ocean views from the ridge. November's mild temperatures make the exposed ridge section comfortable, unlike summer when the lack of shade can be punishing.
Pacific Palisades
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Insider tips
The Getty Center's gardens are at their most photogenic in the hour before closing, when the low November sun catches the travertine and the crowds have largely left. The last tram up runs about 30 minutes before the museum closes.
If Santa Ana winds hit during your visit, check the South Coast Air Quality Management District site (aqmd.gov) before planning outdoor activities. Air quality can flip from clear to unhealthy within hours as fires start upwind.
Thanksgiving morning is one of the quietest times in LA. Traffic essentially vanishes, and popular spots like the Venice Boardwalk, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier are nearly empty until late afternoon.
The Sunday Hollywood Farmers Market on Ivar Avenue, running year-round from 8 AM to 1 PM, is where many LA chefs shop. November brings peak persimmons, pomegranates, and the season's first satsumas from Ojai groves.
Skip the 405 freeway between the Westside and the Valley entirely in November. Surface streets through Laurel Canyon (Laurel Canyon Boulevard) or Coldwater Canyon are almost always faster, and the canyon drive itself is worth the trip.
For awards-season screenings, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on Wilshire and Fairfax often hosts members-only events, but their public programming also increases in November with filmmaker conversations and retrospective screenings.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only summer clothes. November evenings in LA regularly drop to 11°C (51°F), and the marine layer can make coastal mornings feel genuinely cold. Visitors in shorts and flip-flops at 7 PM on the Santa Monica Pier tend to look miserable.
- Booking a hotel for Thanksgiving week at shoulder-season rates. Prices spike to near-summer levels from about November 22 onward, and availability at popular properties near the coast tightens weeks in advance.
- Underestimating LA distances and traffic. A 15-mile drive from Santa Monica to DTLA can take 20 minutes on a Sunday morning or 90 minutes on a Wednesday at 5 PM. Plan activities by neighborhood rather than criss-crossing the city.
- Ignoring Santa Ana wind advisories. These events can close trails, degrade air quality, and create fire evacuations with little notice. Check the National Weather Service Los Angeles forecast each morning.
- Assuming the ocean is swimmable. Water at 17°C (63°F) is cold enough to cause discomfort within minutes without a wetsuit. Locals in November are mostly walking, running, or surfing in full neoprene.
Practical tips for November
Book hotels in the first two weeks of November for the best combination of mild weather, lower rates, and thinner crowds. Thanksgiving week reverses all three of those advantages. For getting around, a rental car remains the most practical option for the Westside, Valley, and beach communities, though the Metro E Line (Expo) connects DTLA to Santa Monica in about 50 minutes and avoids the 10 freeway entirely. If you are arriving at LAX, the LAX/Metro Transit Center shuttle connects to the C Line (Green), which links to the wider Metro system. November sunset around 4:50 PM means you should front-load outdoor activities and save museums and indoor dining for late afternoon and evening. Reservations at popular restaurants in neighborhoods like Silver Lake, West Hollywood, and Venice are easier to get than in summer, but Friday and Saturday nights still fill up. Book 2-3 days ahead for dinner at sought-after spots.
FAQ
Is November a good time to visit Los Angeles beaches?
You can still enjoy the beaches, but swimming is a cold proposition. Water temperatures hover around 17°C (63°F), and most people at Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, or Zuma Beach in November are walking, jogging, or surfing in wetsuits. The beach atmosphere shifts from summer's crowded energy to something quieter and more local. Sunbathing is pleasant on clear afternoons when air temperatures reach 23°C (74°F).
How likely are wildfires to affect my trip in November?
Santa Ana wind events, which typically produce 2-4 episodes in November, are the primary fire risk factor. Most years, fires stay in remote hillside areas and don't directly affect tourist activities, but smoke can drift over the LA basin and reduce air quality across the city. There is no way to predict specific fire events more than about a week out. Monitoring the LA County Fire Department and Cal Fire websites during your visit is the practical approach.
What should I expect during Thanksgiving week in Los Angeles?
Thanksgiving week is the busiest travel period in the US. LAX handles some of its highest passenger volumes of the year, freeways like the 405 and 101 see significantly increased congestion starting the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and hotel rates rise to near-summer levels. Restaurants are divided between those that close for the holiday (typically Thursday only) and those that offer Thanksgiving prix fixe dinners that book up weeks in advance.
Do I need a car to get around Los Angeles in November?
A car is still the most flexible option, especially if you want to reach the beaches, hiking trailheads, or the Valley. That said, the Metro system connects DTLA to Hollywood (B Line), Koreatown (D Line), and Santa Monica (E Line), and rideshare services cover most tourist-relevant areas. November's lower tourist volume means rideshare wait times are typically shorter than in summer. Parking at attractions like the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, and The Broad fills up on weekends regardless of season.
Is November rainy enough to disrupt outdoor plans?
Typically not. November averages about 57mm of rain spread across roughly 3 days. Most of the month is dry and clear. When rain does arrive, it tends to be a day-long event rather than a persistent drizzle, so you can usually plan around it. The bigger disruption is if rain coincides with a Santa Ana wind event that precedes it, which can trigger mudslides in fire-scarred hillside areas like those above Malibu and in the San Gabriel foothills.
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