Nowhere does ‘effortlessly cool’ quite like Los Angeles. With its offerings of sun, sand and SoCal spirit, the city is often associated with summer, but we’re of the opinion that September is the best time of year to visit. With fewer tourists and a deliciously warm climate, autumn in the ‘City of Angels’ allows you to experience the Californian city at its best. Whether you’re looking to showcase your surfing skills, bask in the balmy weather or just ride a rollercoaster without queueing for an eternity, there are plenty of reasons to visit Los Angeles in September – but if you still need convincing, read on for our shortlist…
For the weather
Look, we get it – those sun-soaked Instagram pics of Venice Beach made you think that LA is a summer spot. What a perfectly curated feed doesn’t tell you, however, is that the city’s summer heat can be dry and stifling, and that the early summer’s ‘June Gloom’ actually brings grey, cloudy skies and milder temperatures.
September, on the other hand, sees picture-perfect blue skies and comfortable temperatures, averaging a delightful 24ºC. September’s ten hours of sunlight call for shorts, sunnies and suncream (a far cry from England, where you might be reluctantly digging out your winter jacket).
Image by Alexey Komissarov/Pexels.
For the rooftop bars
The gorgeous weather means that September is the perfect time to explore LA’s stellar selection of rooftop bars. In Venice Beach, head to High Rooftop Lounge in Hotel Erwin, where their weekday happy hour will see you soaking in the sea view with a Moscow Mule in one hand and a golden French fry in the other.
Or, if you’re more of a night owl, take advantage of the deliciously warm evenings and make your way to Skybar at the Mondrian for some thumping beats and knockout views. Wherever you decide, just make sure you reserve a spot to avoid missing out on a table – those cocktails won’t drink themselves.
For fewer tourists
Fewer tourists are yet another reason to visit LA in September. School is no longer out for summer, and the return of youngsters to their classrooms means that September is a great time to marvel at the city’s landmarks and amble down its streets without having to contend with summer crowds.
If you’re a theme park enthusiast, you’re in luck – Los Angeles boasts some of the best, including Disneyland, and we find shorter queues and off-peak prices make Big Thunder Mountain all the more enjoyable. By September, the parks will often have their Halloween displays at the ready, so if you’re partial to a jump scare, head to Universal Studios for one of their Halloween Horror Nights.
It’s important to remember, though, that LA itself won’t be a ghost town. Los Angeles is pretty densely populated with over 7,000 people per square mile, so shops, restaurants, and attractions might still have a bit of a queue. But crowds in September will still pale compared to summer.
Image by Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images.
For the surfing
Anyone who’s seen Baywatch will know that LA’s beaches alone are a reason to visit Los Angeles. Surfing is a way of life in LA – it’s not California’s state sport for no reason – and September’s balmy weather and ideal wind conditions mean that it's one of the best months of the year to grab your board and head to the beach.
If you’re a veteran of the sport, you’ll feel right at home at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach, where crowds of surfers, swimmers and sunbathers congregate to create one big coastal community. Or, if you’re a beginner, there are numerous surf schools dotted along the shores of Manhattan Beach, with many promising to have you surfing the waves by the end of your first lesson.
If the sea isn’t your thing, no need to worry. Simply slather on some suncream, stroll to Redondo Beach and watch from the sidelines – you can still appreciate the sport while relaxing on the sun-warmed sand.
For the sightseeing
Los Angeles boasts a pretty extensive sightseeing menu, which isn’t surprising for somewhere known as the Entertainment Capital of the World. It would be mission impossible to cram it all into one trip, but against autumn’s balmy backdrop it’s certainly tempting.
If you’re a film fanatic, head to Griffith Park to live out your La La Land fantasies (you packed your dancing shoes, right?) or stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and play ‘I-Spy’ with the names on the shimmering stars. If art’s more your thing, hop on the Getty Center Tram to observe the gallery of Picassos and Monets, or take a tour of Downtown’s Arts District with a local guide to truly get a taste of LA’s eclectic amateur street art scene. Music lovers can catch a concert – the city boasts various venues, but we’d recommend the iconic Hollywood Bowl for surround-sound acoustics and spacious stands.
To finish off a perfect day of sightseeing in Los Angeles, head to Santa Monica Pier. There’s nothing like ending a warm September evening with a trip on the Ferris wheel, salty sea air and a picturesque view of California’s coastline.
Image by Jerome Galland.
Written by Emma Begley. Header image by Kate Berry.
