You’ve probably seen the postcards. Palm trees, convertible tops down, and a sun that never seems to quit. People think Los Angeles is a perpetual summer, but if you show up in March expecting 85-degree pool weather, you're in for a bit of a shock.
Honestly, March is a transition month. It's the tug-of-war between the end of the rainy winter and the first real gasps of spring.
The Temperature Reality Check
Most days, the los angeles weather in march is actually quite pleasant, but it’s definitely "light jacket" weather, not "bikini and board shorts" weather. Daytime highs usually hover around 68°F (20°C). On a lucky day, you might see it hit the mid-70s, but don't count on it.
The real kicker? The nights.
Once the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains, the temperature plunges. We’re talking 49°F to 52°F (9°C to 11°C). If you’re at a rooftop bar in West Hollywood or walking the Santa Monica Pier at 9:00 PM, that Pacific breeze feels sharp. It’s a dry chill, but it’s real.
Will It Rain on Your Parade?
March is technically the tail end of the rainy season. Statistically, L.A. gets about 2.2 to 2.7 inches of rain across the month. That’s usually spread out over maybe 5 or 6 days.
It’s not the drizzly, misty rain you get in London or Seattle. When it rains in L.A., it usually pours for a few hours, then the clouds break, and the sky becomes the most brilliant, scrubbed-clean blue you’ve ever seen.
Expert Tip: Watch out for "March Madness" storms. Every few years, an atmospheric river decides to dump a month’s worth of rain in 48 hours. If you see "Flood Watch" on the local news (like KTLA), take it seriously. L.A. drainage isn't built for the big ones.
The Microclimate Mind-Game
L.A. isn't one climate. It's a dozen.
If you are staying in Santa Monica or Venice, expect it to be 5 to 10 degrees cooler than if you’re hanging out in Burbank or Pasadena. The "Marine Layer"—that thick, foggy blanket of clouds—often hugs the coast until noon. Locals call it "May Gray," but it starts making guest appearances in March.
You might leave your hotel in Hollywood in a t-shirt and arrive at the beach needing a hoodie. It’s basically the L.A. uniform: layers on, layers off, repeat.
Can You Actually Swim?
Short answer: No.
Long answer: Only if you have a very thick wetsuit or a high tolerance for pain. The Pacific Ocean in March is at its coldest, usually sitting between 55°F and 58°F. For context, that’s cold enough to cause "ice cream headaches" if you dive in. Surfers are all wearing 3/2mm or 4/3mm full suits with booties this time of year.
If your hotel has a heated pool, you’re golden. If you’re dreaming of a "beach day," think more "scenic walk" and less "splashing in the waves."
Why March is Secretly the Best Time to Visit
Despite the "chilly" nights and the risk of a rainstorm, March is actually my favorite time in the city.
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Why? The green.
L.A. is usually some shade of dusty brown, but after the winter rains, the Hollywood Hills look like the Scottish Highlands. They are vibrant, electric green. This is also when the wildflowers start to pop. If we’ve had a wet winter, the "Super Bloom" might start in nearby Chino Hills or Anza-Borrego, but even just hiking Griffith Park is spectacular in March.
Things to Do When the Weather is Weird
- Whale Watching: March is peak migration season for Gray Whales. Head to San Pedro or Long Beach. The water is choppy, but the sightings are frequent.
- The Flower Fields at Carlsbad: About an hour and a half south of L.A., these massive ranunculus fields open on March 1st. It’s a sea of color that literally looks fake.
- Museum Hopping: If it does rain, go to the Getty Center. The travertine stone looks incredible in the rain, and the views of the clouds moving across the city are unmatched.
- St. Patrick’s Day: L.A. doesn't do a massive parade like NYC, but the pubs in Santa Monica and the Fairfax District get rowdy.
Packing List (The "Don't Look Like a Tourist" Edition)
Basically, you need to pack for three seasons at once.
- Denim Jacket or Leather Moto: This is the L.A. evening staple.
- A Solid Hoodie: Essential for the beach or morning coffee runs.
- Sunglasses: Non-negotiable. Even when it’s 60 degrees, the glare is intense.
- Comfortable Sneakers: You'll walk more than you think (especially at places like The Grove or Universal Studios).
- An Umbrella: Just a small one. If you have it, it won't rain. If you don't, it'll pour.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are planning your trip right now, here is what you should do:
- Book a hotel with a heated pool. If you want that "vacation feel," you’ll regret not having a warm place to swim when the air is 68 degrees.
- Check the "Snow Stake." In March, you can often surf (with a wetsuit) in the morning and drive two hours to Big Bear to ski in the afternoon. It’s a cliché because it’s true.
- Download a detailed weather app. Don't just look at "Los Angeles." Look up the specific neighborhood (e.g., "Malibu" vs. "Downtown LA") to get the most accurate microclimate forecast.
- Plan outdoor hikes for the morning. The air is clearest right after the sun comes up, and you’ll beat the afternoon haze.
Los Angeles in March is beautiful, unpredictable, and surprisingly green. Just bring a sweater, and you'll be fine.