Spring break in Laguna Beach

Weather in March and April

NOAA’s 1991–2020 normals for the Laguna Beach station put the March average high at 69°F and the average low at 48°F. April’s are 73°F and 50°F. Rain drops from 1.62 inches in March, on 3.2 days with 0.10 inch or more, to 0.80 inch in April, on 2.0 days. The monthly pages, March and April, carry the full figures.

Sunset moves late. It is 5:48 p.m. on March 1, 2027, in Pacific Standard Time. Clocks move ahead at 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March, which is March 14, 2027, and by April 30 sunset is at 7:33 p.m.

The ocean

NOAA’s San Pedro South buoy, about 23 miles west of Laguna Beach, averaged about 59°F in March and 60°F in April over 2015 to 2025. That is the water well offshore, not at a beach, and it is 10 to 13 degrees below the afternoon high on land. The city advises swimming with a buddy, and the ocean safety guide covers flags and rip currents.

Lifeguards

The city’s Marine Safety department says its lifeguards work every day of the year, on the beach, the boardwalk and in the water. It also says not every beach has a lifeguard at all times. The city advises swimming near a lifeguard. It names Main Beach, Treasure Island, Crescent Bay and Aliso Creek among its beaches with public restrooms and outdoor showers.

Beach rules that matter in spring

• Alcohol. The city does not allow alcohol on its beaches, even at 21. City code bars drinking and open containers in parks, streets and parking lots too, with listed exceptions.
• Smoking and fires. Smoking is not allowed in any public area, and fires are prohibited at all city beaches.
• Litter. Disposable plastic food ware and balloons are banned on beaches, parks and trails.
• Dogs. In spring, leashed dogs are allowed on the beach at any time of day. The summer limits begin June 15.
• Shade. Umbrellas only, except in the city’s canopy zones.
• Closing hours. Beaches north of Aliso Creek close from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m.

The beach rules page gives each rule with its source.

Events that fall in March and April

• Dana Point Festival of Whales. March 5 to 7, 2027, in Dana Point, with whale-watching excursions and conservation talks.
• Patriots Day Parade. The city says it has run annually since 1967. The 2026 parade was on March 14, and the city’s page lists no 2027 date. On parade day, portions of downtown streets close to vehicles and the weekly farmers market is cancelled.
• First Thursdays Art Walk. Free, from 6 to 9 p.m. In 2027 the first Thursdays are March 4 and April 1. See the Art Walk page.
• Sawdust Spring Fling. In 2026 it ran April 2 to 18, Friday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No 2027 dates were posted as of October 28, 2026.

The events guide lists the rest. Gray whales migrate north along the West Coast from mid-February to May, according to NOAA Fisheries, which asks you to keep at least 100 yards from large whales. The whale watching guide lists boat operators.

Crowds and parking

The city calls June 15 to September 10 its busy summer season in its beach dog rule, and it says it opens large parking lots in different parts of town in summer. March and April fall outside both. Check the parking guide for meters and lots before you drive down.

Getting around without a car

The city’s non-summer trolley schedule runs through June 25, 2027. The Coastal Route is free on Coast Highway. It runs Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Laguna Local, the on-demand service, is free too. The trolley guide has the details.

What to pack

• A light jacket: lows are 48°F to 50°F.
• Layers for a 69°F to 73°F afternoon.
• A rain shell for March.
• Waterproof shoes with grip if you plan to visit the tide pools.