Does It Snow In Los Angeles: Weather and Travel Info

We live in California and we’re here to tell you all you need to know about snow in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is known for Hollywood, Disneyland and its majestic beaches. Plus it’s a famous vacation spot because of its sunny weather. But does it snow in Los Angeles?

It doesn’t snow in Los Angeles but snowfall is common in the San Gabriel Mountains. Otherwise, snowfall in most parts of LA is uncommon because of its tropical climate.

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Average Temperatures In Los Angeles

We all know that Los Angeles has beautiful weather most of the time, where the summers are hot and dry while the winters are wet and cloudy.

With this kind of weather, the typical temperature in this city varies from 48°F to 85°F. However, it may rarely fall below 42°F and rise above 93°F in some cases.

The winter season in Los Angeles is between December and March. This season in Los Angeles is rarely freezing and just mostly rainy.

During winter, the night temperatures can drop to 32°F. If you’re looking for colder temperatures, head to the San Gabriel Mountains.

The San Gabriel mountains in Los Angeles experience snowfall annually. However, measurable snowfall in Los Angeles occurs only once every two decades.

Has It Ever Snowed In Los Angeles

Los Angeles has experienced snowfall in the past when the temperature hit a specific number for snow to form.

Its last snowfall was in 2007 in the West Los Angeles and Malibu areas. It was only a light dusting of snow but significant enough to be recorded as a year of snowfall.

And the heaviest snowfall to hit Los Angeles was in 1932 when the city received 2 inches. But due to its location and climate, Los Angeles’s winter days consist of heavy rain and storm-like winds.

Best Places For Snow Near Los Angeles

snowing on trees in a parking lot — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

The average temperature of Los Angeles is a very tropical-like place where the typical weather is humid and hot.

However, there are nearby places in Los Angeles where tourists and locals can enjoy the snow. These include the following:

Mount Baldy
Wrightwood
Idyllwild

Need a car? Here’s all you need to know about renting a car in Los Angeles.

Best Mountain Resorts Near Los Angeles

There are some of the best ski resorts that are near Los Angeles:

Bear Mountain Ski Resort

Bear Mountain Ski Resort is known for its terrain park, which many skiers and snowboarders enjoy.

The ski park consists of 14 terrains that even a newbie to skiing can try. Still, unfortunately, just 15% of its land is suitable for beginners.

If you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, checking into their cozy hotel rooms and cabins is a must. Experience many of its dining selections in Bear Mountain.

Snow Summit Ski Resort

Snow Summit is the sister resort to Bear Mountain. This ski park resort is known for being family-friendly since it has a lot of activities to offer, from skiing at night to enjoying the famous food in the ski resort.

Their pork belly sandwich and coffee are a must-have; you can enjoy them while watching the panoramic views of the nearby San Bernardino Mountains.

Mountain High Resort

This mountain ski resort is known to cater to all types of skiers and snowboarders, from beginners to advanced.

Each of its terrains is divided into three parts: the North, East, and West resorts, where skiers can be transported using the lifts offered by the resort. The Mountain High resort is one of the oldest ski resorts in America, which was first opened to the public in 1937.

Mammoth Mountain

If you are looking for an all-around resort near Los Angeles, Mammoth Mountain is for you. This ski resort has a lot to offer, from different kinds of snow activities to budget-friendly hotels.

At this ski resort, you don’t have to worry that you’ll run out of activities to do since it has a lot to offer. Since this resort is popular, expect that it gets busy during holidays or a weekend during peak season.

Tips For Driving In Snow

area filled with snow and pine trees — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Snow sometimes leads to disasters on the road. People must be careful while driving to avoid accidents. Follow these tips to keep you away from danger while driving in the snow:

1. Slow Down

Driving on snow reduces the traction of your tires. Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

2. Choose the right vehicle.

When traveling on the road in winter, try to get a vehicle with all-wheel drive and pre-collision braking to avoid any inconvenience while driving.

3. Keep in touch

Letting your family and/or friends know where you are is the best thing you can do during your trips on winter roads.

4. Know how to handle a skid

You will probably experience some slipping when driving on a snowy road. Learn beforehand what to do when your car skids and always remain calm.

5. Pack a winter weather kit

It’s best to prepare a winter kit in your car to be ready when something bad happens on the road. The kit should have a backup phone battery or charger, a blanket, some food, water, a flashlight, a rope, and a radio.

What Should I Pack For A Los Angeles Winter

Since the winter season in Los Angeles is mostly about heavy rains and winds, you should pack your things considering the rainy and windy weather during the winter season.

Jackets, sweatshirts, cardigans, pants, beanies, and a good pair of sneakers are perfect for keeping you warm in LA during the winter season.

But still, keep your sun protection stuff in your luggage while visiting LA since, even in the daytime, it might still get hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does Los Angeles get snow?

Los Angeles usually experiences hot weather every year. Therefore, having to experience snow is very rare in this city. Approximately one or two decades is the measured time frame that LA may encounter its next great amount of snowfall.

How cold does it have to be to snow in Los Angeles?

The average temperature that Los Angeles can get is not enough to form snow in this city. It has to be below 32°F or 0°C to have actual snow falling in this warm and sunny city.

Does it get cold in Los Angeles?

Yes, it does get cold in Los Angeles. However, LA’s cold weather is not freezing cold but rather windy-like weather along with heavy rain.

Why doesn’t it snow in Los Angeles?

The primary reason why snow can rarely be seen in Los Angeles is that the temperature doesn’t drop low enough to have it fall. It has to be way below the average temperature in LA to experience snowfall.

Final Thoughts

So, does it snow in Los Angeles? No, it does not but it has in the past. Like any other city in California, Los Angeles also has very sunny and humid weather.

You can enjoy mild temperatures all year round since LA’s winter isn’t intense and is just the perfect weather to roam around the city’s gorgeous tourist spots. If you’re planning to visit Los Angeles, it’s a great choice to visit during winter.