Long Beach is weird.
If you look at a weather app for "Los Angeles," you're basically getting a lie. Most of those readings come from a sensor at USC or downtown, miles away from the water. In Long Beach, the Pacific Ocean isn't just a view; it's the literal engine behind every temperature swing, every foggy morning, and that specific "chilly-but-sunny" vibe that catches tourists off guard.
Honestly, the weather in long beach is less about seasons and more about how far you are from the sand.
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The Marine Layer: Long Beach’s natural air conditioner
You've probably heard of "May Gray" or "June Gloom." Locals live by these phrases. While the rest of Southern California is starting to bake in late spring, Long Beach often stays trapped under a thick, gray blanket of low-level clouds. This isn't a storm. It’s a temperature inversion where cool, moist air from the Pacific gets squashed under a layer of warmer air above.
It feels like living inside a Tupperware container.
Most days in June, you won’t see the sun until 1:00 PM. Then, like magic, the "burn off" happens. The clouds retreat to the horizon, and suddenly it’s 75 degrees and perfect. If you’re planning a morning photoshoot at the Queen Mary, be ready for flat, gray light.
Winter is a different beast entirely
January and February in Long Beach aren't "winter" in the East Coast sense. We don't do snow. We barely do frost. But 2026 has been interesting so far. According to recent data from the Los Angeles Almanac, we’re looking at a season that's slightly warmer than the historical average of 67°F for January, but with a few heavy rain "events" scattered in between.
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The rain here is dramatic.
When a storm hits the coast, it’s rarely a drizzle. It’s a deluge that floods the 710 and turns the LA River into a rushing torrent. But then, two days later, it’s 72°F and everyone is out at Rosie’s Dog Beach like nothing happened.
Why the water is always colder than you think
Don't let the palm trees fool you. The water temperature in Long Beach rarely cracks 70 degrees, even in the dead of summer. The California Current brings water straight down from Alaska. It’s cold.
If you’re heading out for a harbor cruise or a whale-watching trip, bring a hoodie. Seriously. The temperature on the water is often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than it is at the Pike Outlets just a few blocks away.
Summer and the Santa Ana anomaly
August and September are the hottest months. This is when the sea breeze occasionally loses the fight against the "Santa Ana" winds. These are hot, dry winds that blow from the desert toward the ocean.
When this happens, the coastal "buffer" breaks.
Suddenly, Long Beach can hit 95 or even 100 degrees. It’s a dry, parching heat that makes the air feel electric. These are the days when the beaches are packed because the ocean breeze is the only thing keeping the city breathable.
A Quick Breakdown of Monthly Expectations
- January – March: The "Wet" Season. Highs around 67°F. Expect about 5-6 days of rain a month.
- April – June: The "Gloom" Season. Highs in the low 70s. Mornings are gray; afternoons are blue.
- July – September: Peak Summer. Highs between 78°F and 84°F. This is the best time for the beach.
- October – December: The Wildcard. It can be 85°F on Thanksgiving or 60°F and raining.
What most people get wrong about visiting
Most people pack for a tropical vacation. Big mistake. Long Beach is a Mediterranean climate, which means the moment the sun goes down, the temperature drops fast. You’ll be wearing shorts at 3:00 PM and a light puffer jacket by 7:00 PM.
Also, the "East Long Beach" vs. "Coastal Long Beach" divide is real. If you’re hanging out near El Dorado Park, it’s going to be significantly hotter in the summer than if you’re down on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore. Proximity to the water is everything.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of the weather in Long Beach, you need to be prepared for the microclimates.
- Download a hyper-local app: Use something like Weather Underground and look for stations in "Belmont Shore" or "Downtown Long Beach" specifically.
- The Layering Rule: Always carry a windbreaker or denim jacket. The ocean breeze kicks up around 4:00 PM every single day.
- Timing the Sun: If you want a beach day in June, don't show up at 9:00 AM. You’ll be sitting in the fog. Aim for 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM for maximum vitamin D.
- Check Water Quality: After it rains, stay out of the ocean for at least 72 hours. The runoff from the LA River makes the water pretty gross near the breakwater.
Long Beach is one of the few places where you can experience three different "seasons" in a single 24-hour cycle. Embrace the fog, respect the sun, and always, always bring a sweater to the beach.