Best time to visit Laguna Beach

How the seasons compare

The numbers below come from NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the Laguna Beach station. Rain is nearly absent from June through September, and the warmest weather falls in August and September. For the full month-by-month table, see Laguna Beach weather.

Winter: December to February

Average highs are 67°F to 68°F and average lows are 44°F to 45°F. This is also the wet season: December averages 1.87 inches of rain, January 2.78 and February 3.39, the wettest month of the year.

• Events. Sawdust Winter Fantasy runs November 20 to December 20, 2026, on five three-day weekends, Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. See Laguna Beach events for the other winter dates.
• Whales. NOAA Fisheries says gray whales can be seen heading north along the West Coast from mid-February to May. The whale watching page lists lookouts and boat trips.
• Transit. The city’s off-season trolley routes run from September 8, 2026 to June 25, 2027. The Coastal Route follows Coast Highway every 20 to 30 minutes, and the Canyon Route runs Saturdays and Sundays from Lot 16 for $5 parking. Getting around has the hours.

Spring: March to May

Average highs rise from 69°F in March to 75°F in May. Rain drops from 1.62 inches in March to 0.80 in April and 0.20 in May. The ocean runs about 59°F to 62°F at the San Pedro South buoy (NOAA data buoy station 46253).

• Whales. The northbound gray whale window NOAA gives, mid-February to May, covers most of spring.
• Cloud. NOAA says the marine layer persists in early summer, so people in Southern California often call it May Gray or June Gloom. Check the forecast for May mornings.
• Transit. The off-season trolley schedule continues to June 25, 2027.

Summer: June to August

Average highs go from 76°F in June to 80°F in July and 81°F in August. Each month averages 0.11 inches of rain or less, and the ocean reaches about 66°F in June, 68°F in July and 70°F in August.

Festival season. The three summer art festivals sit on Laguna Canyon Road. Two organizers have posted 2027 dates:

• Festival of Arts art show: June 28 to August 27, 2027, at 650 Laguna Canyon Road. The Pageant of the Masters runs June 30 to August 28, 2027. Both are closed July 4 and 5.
• Laguna Art-A-Fair: June 25 to September 5, 2027, at 777 Laguna Canyon Road.
• Sawdust Art Festival: its Summer Festival is at 935 Laguna Canyon Road. Check the Sawdust site for 2027 dates.

Summer trolley and parking. The city’s Summer Breeze park-and-ride starts at a free lot at 16355 Laguna Canyon Road in Irvine and loops to the festivals and downtown, every 30 minutes. In 2026 it ran May 22 to September 6, Thursday to Sunday from July 2, and not on July 4. The city also says it opens large parking lots in different parts of town in summer, and that some areas have three-hour meters and very limited neighborhood parking. See parking for lots and permits.

Dogs. From June 15 to September 10, leashed dogs may be on the beach only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Fall: September to November

Average highs are 81°F in September, 77°F in October and 72°F in November. The ocean stays near 70°F in September and cools to 68°F in October and 64°F in November. Rain returns slowly: 0.16 inches in September, 0.49 in October and 1.13 in November.

• Transit. In 2026 Summer Breeze ended September 6, and the off-season routes began September 8.
• Dogs. After September 10, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day.
• Events. Sawdust Winter Fantasy opens November 20, 2026. The events guide lists the October painting week.

Low tides and tide pools

The Laguna Ocean Foundation recommends tide pooling when the low tide is below +2.0 feet, and says a negative low tide with little or no surf is best. It also advises checking the surf report and tide calendar first. Lifeguards can post a “Rocks closed” sign during high surf and high tides, and tide pooling is not allowed while it is up. Where to go and what you may touch are on the tide pools page.

Getting here at any time of year

Roads, airports and buses are covered on the getting here page.