Beverly Hills Weather Explained (Simply)

Beverly Hills Weather Explained (Simply)

If you’re planning a trip to the 90210, you’re probably picturing convertible tops down and palm trees swaying under a constant, unwavering sun. For the most part, you’re right. Weather for Beverly Hills is famously stable, but there’s a nuance to it that tourists—and even some new residents—regularly trip over.

It isn't just "sunny" every single day.

Basically, the city sits in this sweet spot of a Mediterranean micro-climate. It’s tucked between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific, which means it gets just enough ocean breeze to keep from turning into a furnace like the San Fernando Valley, but enough inland heat to dodge the thick, gloomy fog that often socks in Santa Monica.

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Why the "May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real

Honestly, the biggest shock for people visiting in late spring is the marine layer. You’ll wake up at a luxury hotel, look out the window at 9:00 AM, and see a gray, oppressive sky that looks more like London than Los Angeles.

This is what locals call June Gloom.

What's happening is a classic temperature inversion. Cool, moist air from the Pacific gets trapped under a layer of warm air. It’s persistent. Sometimes the sun doesn't "burn off" the clouds until 2:00 PM. If you’re coming for a poolside vacation in June, don’t be surprised if the morning feels a bit damp and cool.

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The Heat: When it actually gets hot

August and September are the real heavy hitters. While the average high is around 79°F to 85°F, heatwaves can easily push things into the high 90s or even triple digits.

The Santa Ana winds play a massive role here.

When these dry, hot winds blow in from the desert, they literally push the ocean air back out to sea. Humidity drops to near zero. Everything feels electric and a little bit dusty. If you’re sensitive to heat, this is the time to stay near the AC.

Winter is the "Green Season"

Believe it or not, it does rain. Most of the 16 to 17 inches of annual precipitation falls between December and March.

February is usually the wettest month.

When it rains in Beverly Hills, it doesn't just drizzle; it can pour. Because of the hilly terrain, the "flats" (the residential area below Sunset Boulevard) can see some minor flooding, and the canyons get a bit slick. But the payoff? The Hollywood Hills turn a vibrant, emerald green that looks like it belongs in Ireland, not Southern California.

A Quick Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (March to May) is arguably the best time to experience the weather for Beverly Hills. Daytime highs sit comfortably in the 70s. The jacaranda trees start blooming, painting the streets with purple petals.

  1. Summer (June–August): Mornings are often cloudy (the marine layer), but afternoons are sunny and warm.
  2. Fall (September–November): Often warmer than spring. This is "fire season" due to the Santa Ana winds.
  3. Winter (December–February): Cool, crisp, and occasionally wet. Bring a jacket, because 50°F at night feels colder than you think when the humidity is high.

What most people get wrong about the temperature

People think "California weather" means shorts 24/7.

Big mistake.

The desert-adjacent geography means the diurnal temperature swing—the difference between the day’s high and the night’s low—is significant. On a clear day, it might be 75°F at 2:00 PM and drop to 52°F by 9:00 PM. If you’re out for dinner on Rodeo Drive, you’ll see locals wearing light sweaters or leather jackets. You’ve got to layer up.

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Actionable Insights for Your Visit

  • Check the Dew Point: If you’re worried about humidity, don’t bother. It’s almost always comfortable here.
  • Book the Pool for the Afternoon: In May and June, avoid the 10:00 AM swim. Wait for the sun to break through the marine layer around noon.
  • Watch the Santa Anas: If you have allergies, the dry winds in October can be brutal. Pack some saline spray.
  • Sunscreen is Non-Negotiable: Even on those "gloomy" June mornings, the UV index is high. The clouds are thin, and you'll burn before you realize the sun is even out.

The weather for Beverly Hills is about as close to "perfect" as you can get in the continental U.S., but it pays to know these local quirks. Whether you're dodging a February rainstorm or waiting for a June fog to lift, the city’s climate is part of its charm. Just don't forget that light jacket for the evening.