April in Los Angeles: Weather and Event Guide (2024)

If you go to Los Angeles in April, you can enjoy some of the best weather of the year, with mostly cloudless skies and sunshine between the winter rainy season and the onset of summer fog. Tourist attractions get a breather between spring break and summer vacations, and you can enjoy them without tackling the crowds.

Even though the days are warmer, the water temperature in the ocean around Los Angeles is still near winter lows, so you probably won't be going for a swim during a trip here in April. However, a stroll along the beach—and maybe dipping your feet in—should be perfectly enjoyable.

Los Angeles Weather in April

As with most of Southern California, the weather year-round is perpetually fantastic in Los Angeles. April in particular has great weather, as the city is emerging from its version of cold but before the typical "June Gloom" sets in for the summer, when the city is often blanketed in overcast skies.

• Average High Temperature:73 F (23 C)
• Average Low Temperature:55 F (13 C)
• Water Temperature: 60 F (16 C)
• Rainfall: 0.7 inches
• Daylight:13 hours

Rain is unlikely, but coastal cities are known for unpredictable weather. You could be hit with a surprise storm during your trip, although the rain doesn't usually last long. You also have an equally likely chance of encountering an April heatwave with temperatures high enough to lay out on the beach.

What to Pack

The weather around Los Angeles can be erratic, so you'll need to check the short-term forecast ahead of time to know exactly what to bring. In general, you'll need to pack short-sleeved shirts and lightweight pants, like jeans. It might not be warm enough yet to walk around in flipflops, so bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes as well. You'll also want a light jacket, especially if you're staying near the coast and the evening sea breeze sets in.

Even though April is likely not quite warm enough to swim in the ocean, you never know with Los Angeles. Definitely pack a swimsuit and a few other beach items—sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel—just in case it's sunny enough to spend a few hours out on the sand.

April Events in Los Angeles

In a city as big as Los Angeles, you can always find some type of event going on no matter when you visit. You can find out about upcoming events through local directories and social media, but some of the most popular April events include the bi-annual Art Walk, a race through Long Beach, and a classic film festival in the movie capital of the world.

• LA Brewery ArtWalk:In what isconsidered the world's largest art complex, resident artists hold an open studio weekend twice annually in the spring and fall. You can get a chance to speak to artists directly, purchase a fabulous new piece of art, and even grab a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant and beer garden.
• Acura Grand Prix:It's a weekend-long event and the longest-running major "street" race in North America, with the Indy-style cars racing not on a race track, but through the city streets of nearby Long Beach. Whether you're a racing fan or not, this is a sure-win event.
• Classic Film Festival:This festival features screenings of classic films in some of the city's most beautiful old movie houses.You can purchase tickets to individual shows, and might even get to see some of the historic stars in person.
• Fiesta Broadway:It's the country's largest Cinco de Mayo celebration, a holiday that has become popular in the U.S. and celebrates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War. Taking over entire streetsin downtown LA, this street fair has something for everyone: live music, carnival games, plenty of authentic food, Latino artists, and vendors. Cinco de Mayo officially happens on May 5, but the festival takes place the last Sunday in April.

April Travel Tips

• Use an app to check the weather forecast of the specific place you're going because the weather can vary drastically even as you move around the city. It might be hot and sunny in downtown Los Angeles, but by the time you get to the beach at Santa Monica just a few miles away, it could be cloudy and much cooler.
• For sports fans,baseball season opensin April for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Anaheim Angels. Check the teams' schedules before you go.
• March through August is time for something uniquely Southern California, the annual grunion run. Thousands of tiny, silver-colored fish spawn on the sand during the full moon (or the new one). At some Los Angeles beaches, "Grunion Greeters" are on hand to explain and help you get the most out of being there.
• In Los Angeles, you can see whales nearly year-round. April is a prime month for viewing gray whales as they migrate south toward Mexico from the Arctic.