Packing List
August Packing List for Los Angeles — What to Wear & Bring
August is Los Angeles's hottest month — highs reach 85°F with absolutely no rainfall and lows staying warm at 68°F. The coast is cooler than the Valley by up to 15°F, but even Santa Monica runs hot in August. Pack exclusively light, breathable fabrics, SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, and a light layer for the relatively cooler evening hours on the coast.
Averages 68–85°F
Clothing
August is LA's hottest month at 85°F highs — natural fiber sundresses in linen or cotton are the most comfortable choice for outdoor time at the Farmers Market at The Grove, Venice Beach, or the Santa Monica Pier.
Zero rain days and 85°F heat make loose-fit breathable tops the only practical choice for August daytime in LA — moisture-wicking fabrics help significantly during outdoor exploring at exposed sites like the Griffith Observatory.
August afternoons in the San Fernando Valley and inland LA neighborhoods regularly push 90°F+ — loose linen trousers or shorts are the only comfortable bottom option for daytime activities in August.
August evenings on the LA coast cool to 68°F with a steady ocean breeze — rooftop bars in Santa Monica, the Venice canals after sunset, and outdoor Hollywood Bowl concerts all get noticeably cooler after 8 p.m.
August is peak beach season in LA and the UV index reaches 10–11 on clear afternoons — a UPF 50+ cover layer worn over a swimsuit at Santa Monica, Malibu, and Zuma Beach provides sustained protection beyond sunscreen alone.
Footwear
August is LA's peak open-toe footwear month — 85°F afternoons with zero rain make flat sandals or slides the obvious choice for all daytime activities from shopping on Melrose to walking the Venice boardwalk.
August water temperatures in Santa Monica Bay reach 70°F — the warmest of the year — and it's peak beach season; waterproof flip flops handle the constant sand-to-water-to-boardwalk transitions throughout the day.
Any LA hiking or outdoor walking in August should happen before 8 a.m. when temperatures are still around 68°F — breathable trail sneakers for the Griffith Park trails or the Malibu coast hikes prevent overheating.
August evenings in LA stay at 68°F+ until well past midnight — open-toe heeled sandals are entirely comfortable for the late-night dining culture in West Hollywood and Silver Lake that peaks in summer.
Accessories
August sun in Los Angeles delivers a UV index of 10–11, and the combination of 85°F heat and intense direct sunlight makes a wide-brim hat non-negotiable for any daytime outdoor activity lasting more than 30 minutes.
Los Angeles in August has one of the highest UV indices in the continental US — dermatologists specifically cite Southern California summer as the highest-risk period for UV skin damage, requiring SPF 50+ and reapplication every 2 hours.
August sunshine reflecting off the Pacific at Malibu, Santa Monica, and the Venice canals is intensely bright — polarized lenses reduce eye strain significantly during beach time and the driving that LA summer exploration requires.
August is the peak beach month in LA — a large, lightweight tote handles the towel, sunscreen, change of clothes, water, and snacks needed for a full day at Malibu, Hermosa Beach, or Santa Monica without weighing you down.
Gear
85°F August heat in Los Angeles is dry and relentless — dehydration is a real risk during outdoor activities, and a large insulated bottle keeps water cold through a full day on the beach or at an outdoor venue like the Hollywood Bowl.
LA's August heat is most intense at urban tourist sites — the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Universal Studios CityWalk, and outdoor shopping centers like The Grove can feel brutally hot at 85°F in direct sun without air movement.
August is the month with the highest sunburn risk in Los Angeles — even with diligent sunscreen use, extended beach and outdoor time in LA's hottest month makes after-sun recovery lotion a practical recovery item.
For full-day beach sessions at Santa Monica, Malibu, or Dockweiler Beach in August, a compact beach umbrella provides shade that sunscreen and hats alone cannot — essential for extended beach time in LA's hottest month.
Local tips for Los Angeles in August
- 1.August is LA's hottest month and the peak of tourist season simultaneously — the Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach boardwalk, and Universal Studios are at their most crowded and hottest. Arrive at all popular outdoor attractions by 9 a.m. to enjoy them before the 85°F midday heat makes outdoor exploring uncomfortable.
- 2.The Hollywood Bowl's summer season peaks in August with major concert bookings — tickets sell out months in advance. If you plan to attend, book early and arrive before the 8 p.m. shows to enjoy the picnicking tradition (bring a blanket and light layers for the 68°F evening temps).
- 3.LA's beaches have a significant micro-climate advantage in August: Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Malibu run 10–15°F cooler than the Valley due to the ocean influence — if you're not a heat-lover, plan your most active days near the water and save the Valley and inland neighborhoods for evening restaurant visits.