Packing List
March Packing List for Los Angeles — What to Wear & Bring
March in Los Angeles is the beginning of the transition out of winter — lows are 52°F, highs reach 68°F, and there are about 5 rainy days. Rain is easing off from the January-February peak. Light layers, a versatile jacket, and waterproof footwear cover all scenarios from a rainy morning at the Farmers Market to a sunny afternoon hike in Griffith Park.
Averages 52–68°F, ~5 days of rain
Clothing
March lows of 52°F in Los Angeles are mild but the 16°F daily swing to 68°F highs still demands a jacket — a trench coat handles both the remaining rain days and the cooler mornings across LA's micro-climates.
By March, LA's rainy season is winding down but temperatures still vary significantly — a lightweight sweater is the right mid-layer for walking the Abbot Kinney corridor in Venice on a breezy morning.
March afternoons in LA regularly hit 68°F in inland neighborhoods like Los Feliz and Echo Park, making short-sleeve tops worth packing for the increasingly warm midday hours.
With 5 rain days still in the forecast for March, LA's Mediterranean climate produces brief but intense showers — mid-weight trousers or dark jeans handle both the wet and dry days without looking out of place.
March in LA regularly delivers warm, sunny afternoons that make lightweight skirts or dresses entirely appropriate — Venice Beach, the Arts District, and Runyon Canyon all see visitors in light dresses on the warmer March days.
Footwear
March averages 5 rainy days in Los Angeles — still the third-highest rain month — and waterproof boots remain the most practical footwear for navigating wet parking lots and rain-slicked sidewalks.
On March's 26 dry days, clean sneakers are perfect for the walking-intensive exploring that LA's popular neighborhoods — Silver Lake, Melrose, and the Culver City arts district — demand.
March afternoons at 68°F in downtown LA and West Hollywood are warm enough for lighter footwear on the more temperate days — a block heel or loafer works for restaurant evenings without sacrificing comfort.
The Griffith Park trails and the trails near Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades are at their most lush and green in March after winter rains — trail shoes handle the still-damp soil well.
Accessories
March is a transition month with roughly 26 sunny days in Los Angeles — the low spring sun angle creates significant glare, and LA's driving culture means you'll be behind the wheel often during daylight hours.
52°F mornings in March along the Venice Beach boardwalk and the Santa Monica promenade carry a marine chill — a light scarf adds warmth without the bulk of a full cold-weather accessory.
Los Angeles's low latitude means meaningful UV exposure even in March — with 68°F sunny afternoons increasingly common, daily SPF 30+ on exposed skin is a year-round LA essential.
March is one of LA's best months for outdoor exploring in popular neighborhoods — a compact crossbody bag handles the wallet, sunscreen, phone, and light layer without weighing you down.
Gear
March averages 5 rainy days in Los Angeles — Pacific storms can still be strong in early March — and a compact umbrella is the minimum rain protection worth packing for a week-long trip.
March showers in LA tend to be shorter but can be heavy — a packable rain jacket is worth bringing for outdoor activities at Elysian Park or the Malibu coast where umbrella use is impractical.
March in LA is warm enough by afternoon to make hydration important — a reusable water bottle is a practical carry for the Griffith Park trails or the walking-heavy Venice Beach and Santa Monica boardwalk areas.
As March days warm to 68°F and become predominantly sunny, LA's Southern California latitude delivers UV exposure year-round — a convenient sunscreen stick for reapplication is an easy carry in a day bag.
Local tips for Los Angeles in March
- 1.Los Angeles Marathon day falls in early-to-mid March and closes major roads through downtown, Hollywood, and the Westside for most of the morning — check the race date for your travel year and build it into your driving plans or consider using it as a great spectating opportunity.
- 2.March is the peak bloom season in the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, about 90 minutes northeast of downtown LA — a half-day trip to see the orange poppy fields is a quintessential LA spring experience that most tourists miss entirely.
- 3.Griffith Park's trails are at their most lush and green in March after winter rains — the hike to Griffith Observatory is significantly more scenic this month than during the dry, brown summer months, and crowds are lighter than in peak season.