New York vs Los Angeles Weather
Side-by-side climate comparison for travelers
Planning a trip from New York to Los Angeles?
Weather can make or break a journey between New York and Los Angeles. This page combines a same-period monthly climate baseline with current temperature, feels-like, wind, humidity, air quality and a 5-day forecast, so you can choose a season and then check the dates that matter.
New York (USA) and Los Angeles (USA) have noticeably different climates. Use the live comparison below, pick your travel dates, and get packing suggestions tailored to conditions at your destination.
Monthly climate comparison (1991-2020)
Compare the usual temperature range and modeled precipitation before choosing travel dates. These long-term averages are climate context, not a forecast for a specific trip.
- Lowest combined modeled rainfall
- May: 93.2 mm (3.7 in) combined
- Largest average-high difference
- Jan: 15.8°C apart
| Month | New YorkAverage high / low | Los AngelesAverage high / low | New YorkMonthly precipitation | Los AngelesMonthly precipitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.2 / -3.3°C (38 / 26°F) | 19.0 / 8.3°C (66 / 47°F) | 81.6 mm (3.2 in) | 80.2 mm (3.2 in) |
| Feb | 4.5 / -2.8°C (40 / 27°F) | 19.3 / 9.0°C (67 / 48°F) | 76.9 mm (3.0 in) | 85.4 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 8.5 / 1.4°C (47 / 35°F) | 20.8 / 10.4°C (69 / 51°F) | 104.9 mm (4.1 in) | 54.8 mm (2.2 in) |
| Apr | 14.9 / 7.4°C (59 / 45°F) | 22.8 / 11.7°C (73 / 53°F) | 90.8 mm (3.6 in) | 19.2 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 20.5 / 13.0°C (69 / 55°F) | 24.5 / 13.9°C (76 / 57°F) | 85.0 mm (3.3 in) | 8.2 mm (0.3 in) |
| Jun | 25.6 / 18.4°C (78 / 65°F) | 26.9 / 15.9°C (80 / 61°F) | 100.2 mm (3.9 in) | 2.0 mm (0.1 in) |
| Jul | 28.5 / 21.6°C (83 / 71°F) | 29.9 / 18.2°C (86 / 65°F) | 102.6 mm (4.0 in) | 1.8 mm (0.1 in) |
| Aug | 27.4 / 20.8°C (81 / 69°F) | 31.1 / 18.7°C (88 / 66°F) | 101.4 mm (4.0 in) | 0.3 mm (0.0 in) |
| Sep | 23.6 / 16.9°C (74 / 62°F) | 30.0 / 17.8°C (86 / 64°F) | 93.8 mm (3.7 in) | 3.2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Oct | 17.4 / 10.5°C (63 / 51°F) | 26.7 / 14.9°C (80 / 59°F) | 96.6 mm (3.8 in) | 15.2 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 11.4 / 4.8°C (53 / 41°F) | 22.6 / 11.0°C (73 / 52°F) | 77.4 mm (3.0 in) | 19.3 mm (0.8 in) |
| Dec | 6.0 / 0.2°C (43 / 32°F) | 18.7 / 7.9°C (66 / 46°F) | 100.2 mm (3.9 in) | 51.5 mm (2.0 in) |
AnyWeather calculated both city baselines from daily ERA5 reanalysis for 1991-2020, retrieved through the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API. ERA5 combines models and observations on a grid; it is not a city-center station record. Local terrain, coastlines, elevation, urban heat, and storms can differ from these values.
New York to Los Angeles: pack for a continental change
This route crosses several climate zones. New York's humid summers and cold winters contrast with Los Angeles' strong neighborhood differences between coast, basin, valleys, and mountains. Compare the exact airport and neighborhood forecast, not only each city label.
What changes through the year
| Period | New York | Los Angeles | Decision |
|---|---|---|---|
| December-February | New York may require protection from freezing temperatures, wind, snow, or ice. | Los Angeles is often milder, but mornings, evenings, coastal areas, and mountains can still be cool. | Travel in removable layers; do not let a mild LA afternoon make you leave winter gear behind for the New York leg. |
| March-May and September-November | Large day-to-day swings, rain, and frontal wind make the hourly trend important. | Coastal cloud, inland heat, offshore wind, or fire weather can create very different local conditions. | Check both the arrival neighborhood and any inland or mountain day trip separately. |
| June-August | Heat and humidity can raise the feels-like value and warm nights may limit recovery. | The coast may be much cooler than inland valleys, while UV and wildfire smoke are separate planning signals. | Pack for humidity in New York and for sun plus location-dependent temperature in Los Angeles. |
Route-specific checks
- Airport transfer
- Compare JFK/Newark or LaGuardia conditions with LAX and your final neighborhood; airport readings do not describe every part of Los Angeles.
- Outdoor day
- Use heat index in New York and location-specific temperature, UV, and air quality in Los Angeles. Move strenuous plans when official alerts are active.
- Disruption risk
- Winter weather can affect the New York departure; fire weather, heavy rain, or strong wind can affect Los Angeles. Check both NWS offices before the flight.
How to interpret this comparison
The live values are a snapshot, not a measure of the usual difference between the coasts. The most useful decision is whether the destination requires a different layer, sun plan, or disruption check at the actual arrival time.
Official warning sources
- National Weather Service New York
Official watches, warnings, and advisories for the New York region.
- National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard
Official notices for Los Angeles, Ventura, coastal, mountain, and fire-weather hazards.
Route guidance reviewed July 16, 2026
How this comparison is produced
The live cards compare current observations and short forecasts; the monthly table uses the same ERA5 source and 1991-2020 reference period; route and packing context is maintained editorially. Weather changes quickly, so check again close to departure.
How the climates differ
New York: New York has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. Expect snow in winter and occasional hurricanes in late summer.
Los Angeles: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sunshine is abundant throughout the year.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather difference between New York and Los Angeles?
Use the monthly table for the usual temperature and rainfall difference, then use the live comparison for current temperature, feels-like, wind and humidity. Conditions change daily, so check again close to departure.
When is the best time to travel from New York to Los Angeles?
New York: April to June (spring) and September to November (fall) offer the best weather for exploring the city. Los Angeles: March to May and September to November offer pleasant temperatures without the summer heat or winter rain. Compare the 5-day forecast and comfort scores on this page to pick the best arrival day.
What should I pack when traveling from New York to Los Angeles?
Summer: Light clothing. Winter: Heavy coats, boots, hats, and gloves. Spring/Fall: Layers recommended. For Los Angeles: Light casual clothing suitable year-round. Bring layers for cooler evenings. Sunglasses and sunscreen essential. The packing recommendations below update based on live conditions at your destination.
Is this weather comparison free?
Yes. It's completely free with no signup. Enter your travel dates, compare both cities instantly, and get packing tips in your browser.