Published 16th Feb. 2026
Written by Holly Catton
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Spring in the City of Angels has had some rather downbeat descriptions over the years, with Angelinos annually bemoaning May Gray and June Gloom. April, however, retains a glowing reputation – and not just because it’s a harder rhyme. Always an exciting time, April is marked by desert-dwelling festivals, migrating marine mammals and a (slight) decline in crowds. For the lowdown on all the exciting events popping up in and around the city, read our roundup of reasons to visit Los Angeles in April...
Famed for its lovely climate, Los Angeles is never afflicted by particularly ‘bad’ weather. For this reason, visitors flock to its sun-kissed streets year-round. There are still lulls, however, and April sits on the cusp of one. In travel industry speak, this makes it ‘shoulder season’ – a great time to escape the full force of the crowds, not to mention the searing summer heat.
Thanks to the 2026 World Cup, this year also marks an even greater contrast between the city's spring and summer visitor influxes, with the matches scheduled throughout June and July sure to bring an extra dose of buzz. But those with a taste for sporting thrills can still get their fill in April. This is, after all, NBA playoffs season, giving you the chance to catch the legendary Lakers on their home turf.
Image by Sarah Van Rij
Los Angeles, or LA if we’re honouring its laid-back glamour, is synonymous with entertainment. Every year, a swathe of films, shows, podcasts and every other form of media you can think of are created – and often set – in this cultural epicentre. To share the joy and acknowledge the effort, the city hosts several fascinating festivals in April.
For lovers of the silver screen, there’s LAFM (Los Angeles Festival of Movies) and the TCM Classic Film Festival, while small-screen enthusiasts can head to PaleyFest for an inside scoop on the industry’s current crazes. Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Festival of Books hosts a two-day literary love affair. LA Beer Fest and Masters of Taste (a celebration of the region’s most talented chefs, restaurants, wineries, craft breweries and spirit brands) are also in the lineup, ensuring no stomachs are rumbling on the festival circuit.
Image by Faustine Poidevin-Gros
For an arid escape from the city, there are also two major music festivals occurring every April in nearby Indio. Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival is perhaps the better-known of the two, drawing the super-glamorous to the desert for three days of sonic thrills. A week later, Stagecoach Music Festival giddies up, eliciting yeehaws and classic country flair from all who attend.
To get your rhythmic kicks in the city itself, sync to the bustling beats of Record Store Day, which always falls on the third Saturday of April and sees a surge of special-edition vinyl on sale throughout the participating stores. If you want to really lean into the rockstar vibes, we can even arrange a private Porsche driving experience, so you can tear up the tarmac in style.
Image by Documerica / Unsplash
Of course, it wouldn’t be an exhaustive list of reasons to visit Los Angeles in April without a mention of the beach – or more specifically, the sea. While the temperatures (which tend to sit in the low 20s in spring) are unlikely to send you sweating your way into the water, there is another pull to the shore at this time of year.
At the tail end (sorry) of their record-breaking months long migration, in April grey whales can still be seen moving between their breeding grounds in balmy Baja California and their feeding grounds in the icy Arctic Ocean. Also cruising the seas around this time of year are humpback whales, orcas, minke whales and dolphins. Head down to Long Beach to catch a glimpse of these marine marvels.
Image by Sarah Van Rij
In most places, spring is a season of change. Leaves are sprouting, flowers are blooming and temperatures are increasing. But on the urban plains of Los Angeles, this isn’t quite the case. Thanks to its sub-tropical climate, the city is pleasant and verdant year-round. This doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some scenic rejuvenation, though, it just means you've got to gain some altitude first (and we’re not talking Beverly Hills).
Looming at the edge of the concrete jungle, the San Gabriel Mountains offer the perfect opportunity to take a break from the mild micro-climate and appreciate the splendour of spring in full swing. Here, you’ll witness snow melting, rivers roaring and wildlife emerging. It’s a different world, and a brilliant way to incorporate a dose of rugged adventure into your sleek city break.
Image by Pia Riverola
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