✓ Updated March 2026

Weather data and travel information verified current

Best Time to Visit Long Beach, USA: Jan or Feb 2026

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Quick Answer:

For an elegant coastal escape, the sweet spot for visiting Long Beach, USA, is undoubtedly late spring through early fall, specifically from May to October. During these months, the ocean breeze carries the scent of salt and possibility, and the skies often boast brilliant, golden sunsets that paint the horizon with an elegant flair. You'll find the city alive with outdoor festivals and the waterfront bustling with activity, all under the gentle warmth of the California sun, making it a truly delightful time to explore its attractions and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Best Months to Visit:

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Airport Code

LGB

Coordinates

33.77°, -118.19°

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Top Things to Do

Aquarium of the Pacific: Twilight Dive

Experience the vibrant marine life of the Aquarium of the Pacific as the crowds thin and the lights dim for a more intimate viewing. Look for the bioluminescent creatures in the 'Spark of Life' exhibit, which truly come alive in the softer light. It's a magical way to connect with the ocean's wonders.

Belmont Shore's Second Saturdays Art Walk

Stroll down Belmont Shore's charming 2nd Street on the second Saturday of each month, where local boutiques and galleries spill out onto the sidewalks, showcasing art, live music, and delicious food samples. It's a fantastic opportunity to discover local artists and enjoy a lively, community-focused evening.

Kayaking the Naples Canals

Rent a kayak and paddle through the serene Naples Canals, a hidden gem reminiscent of Venice. Glide past charming waterfront homes and lush gardens, enjoying a peaceful perspective of the city away from the bustling waterfront. Early mornings offer the calmest waters and the best light for photography.

Shoreline Village: Sunset Stroll & Seafood Bites

Wander through the colorful, boardwalk-style Shoreline Village as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues. Grab some fresh seafood from one of the casual eateries and enjoy it with a view of the harbor and the Queen Mary. It's a quintessential Long Beach experience that feels both relaxed and picturesque.

See all 7 things to do →

💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.

Essential Travel Tips

transport

Skip the rental car if you're staying downtown or near the waterfront. Long Beach has a decent public transit system, including the free Long Beach Transit 'Passport' buses that circle popular tourist areas like the Aquarium and Shoreline Village. For longer distances, the Metro Blue Line connects you to LA County.

food

Don't miss the incredible taco scene! Head to the historic Zaferia District for authentic, no-frills taco stands and trucks that are a local favorite. Try 'Tacos La Guera' or 'Leo's Tacos Truck' for a true taste of Long Beach without breaking the bank.

culture

Embrace the arts and culture scene, especially around the East Village Arts District. On the second Saturday of each month, galleries open their doors for a free art walk, often with live music and food trucks – it's a fantastic way to experience local creativity.

money

Look for happy hour deals along the waterfront, especially on weekdays. Many restaurants and bars in areas like Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue offer significantly discounted drinks and appetizers from around 3-6 PM, making it easy to enjoy the views without overspending.

packing

Pack layers, even in summer! Long Beach can get surprisingly breezy, especially near the coast in the evenings. A light jacket or sweater is a must for enjoying outdoor dining or strolling along the beach after sunset.

safety

Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. While generally safe, like any city, petty theft can occur. Keep valuables secure and avoid leaving anything unattended on the beach.

💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.

Weather Details

Jan

6 days

Feb

6 days

Mar

5 days

Apr

3 days

May

2 days

Jun

1 day

Jul

0 days

Aug

0 days

Sep

1 day

Oct

3 days

Nov

4 days

Dec

5 days

Monthly Weather Data Table

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	High (°F)	Low (°F)	Rainfall (mm)	Rain Days	Daylight (h)
Jan	17°C	9°C	63°F	48°F	51mm	6 days	10.1h
Feb	17°C	9°C	63°F	48°F	51mm	6 days	10.9h
Mar	18°C	10°C	64°F	50°F	41mm	5 days	12h
Apr	19°C	11°C	66°F	52°F	20mm	3 days	13h
May	20°C	12°C	68°F	54°F	10mm	2 days	13.8h
Jun	22°C	14°C	72°F	57°F	3mm	1 day	14.3h
Jul	23°C	15°C	73°F	59°F	0mm	0 days	14.2h
Aug	24°C	16°C	75°F	61°F	0mm	0 days	13.6h
Sep	23°C	15°C	73°F	59°F	8mm	1 day	12.7h
Oct	21°C	13°C	70°F	55°F	25mm	3 days	11.7h
Nov	19°C	11°C	66°F	52°F	36mm	4 days	10.7h
Dec	17°C	9°C	63°F	48°F	41mm	5 days	9.8h

Long Beach, USA Month by Month: Complete Guide

Planning your trip to Long Beach, USA? Here's what to expect each month:

Jan in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

17°C°C / 63°F°F

6 days rainy days • 51mmmm

What to Expect

Winter season with cooler temperatures. Fewer tourists but some attractions may have limited hours.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Jan is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Feb in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

17°C°C / 63°F°F

6 days rainy days • 51mmmm

What to Expect

Late winter, beginning to warm up. Good for budget travelers seeking lower prices.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Feb is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Mar in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

18°C°C / 64°F°F

5 days rainy days • 41mmmm

What to Expect

Spring begins, mild weather. Shoulder season with moderate crowds.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Mar is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Apr in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

19°C°C / 66°F°F

3 days rainy days • 20mmmm

What to Expect

Spring in full bloom. Pleasant temperatures and growing tourist activity.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Apr is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

May in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

20°C°C / 68°F°F

2 days rainy days • 10mmmm

What to Expect

Late spring, excellent weather. One of the best times to visit for most travelers.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: May is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Jun in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

22°C°C / 72°F°F

1 day rainy days • 3mmmm

What to Expect

Early summer, warm and sunny. Peak season begins, book accommodations early.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Jun is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Jul in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

23°C°C / 73°F°F

0 days rainy days • 0mmmm

What to Expect

Peak summer season. Hot weather and highest tourist crowds. Most expensive time.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Jul is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Aug in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

24°C°C / 75°F°F

0 days rainy days • 0mmmm

What to Expect

Peak summer continues. Very crowded but great weather for outdoor activities.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Aug is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Sep in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

23°C°C / 73°F°F

1 day rainy days • 8mmmm

What to Expect

Early fall, shoulder season. Weather still good, crowds decreasing. Great value.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Sep is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Oct in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

21°C°C / 70°F°F

3 days rainy days • 25mmmm

What to Expect

Fall season, mild temperatures. Lower crowds and good prices. Comfortable for sightseeing.

Crowd Level

🟡 Moderate - Comfortable crowds, good availability

Quick Tip: Oct is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Nov in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

19°C°C / 66°F°F

4 days rainy days • 36mmmm

What to Expect

Late fall, cooler weather. Off-season begins, significant discounts available.

Crowd Level

🟢 Low - Quiet season, easy to find accommodation

Quick Tip: Nov is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

Dec in Long Beach, USA

⭐ Best Time

Weather

17°C°C / 63°F°F

5 days rainy days • 41mmmm

What to Expect

Winter season, holiday atmosphere. Festive but can be cold. Mixed crowds.

Crowd Level

🔴 High - Peak tourist season, book early

Quick Tip: Dec is one of the best times to visit with ideal weather conditions.

All Things to Do in Long Beach, USA

Aquarium of the Pacific: Twilight Dive

attraction

Best time: year-round, but weekdays offer fewer crowds

Belmont Shore's Second Saturdays Art Walk

cultural

Best time: March-November

Kayaking the Naples Canals

activity

Best time: April-October

Shoreline Village: Sunset Stroll & Seafood Bites

food

Best time: year-round, but summer evenings are particularly pleasant

The Queen Mary: Ghostly Encounters Tour

attraction

Step aboard the historic Queen Mary and delve into its storied past, including its rumored hauntings. The 'Ghosts and Legends of the Queen Mary' tour offers a spine-chilling glimpse into the ship's darker tales, making for a unique and atmospheric evening. Best experienced on a cooler, clear night.

Best time: October for Halloween theme, but available year-round

El Dorado Nature Center: Urban Oasis Exploration

nature

Escape the city bustle in the tranquil El Dorado Nature Center, a sprawling urban park with walking trails winding through forests and alongside lakes. Keep an eye out for local bird species and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. It's a perfect spot for a quiet morning walk or an afternoon picnic.

Best time: Spring for blooming flora, Fall for foliage

Retro Row: Vintage Finds & Coffee Culture

shopping

Explore 4th Street's 'Retro Row,' a vibrant stretch brimming with eclectic vintage clothing stores, antique shops, and quirky boutiques. Grab a locally roasted coffee from a charming cafe and spend the afternoon hunting for unique treasures and soaking in the neighborhood's bohemian vibe.

Best time: year-round, but weekends are livelier

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Getting Around Long Beach, USA

Long Beach Transit Bus System

The primary public bus system in Long Beach, connecting most neighborhoods and key attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary. It's a reliable way to get around if you have some time and want to experience the city like a local.

Cost:$1.25 per ride, with day passes available.

Tip:Download the 'Transit' app for real-time tracking and fare payment. Avoid peak commute hours (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM) if possible, as buses can get crowded and run behind schedule. Don't be afraid to ask the driver for directions if you're unsure; they're usually happy to help.

Pacific Surfliner Train

While not strictly within Long Beach, the Pacific Surfliner offers a fantastic way to arrive or depart, connecting San Diego to San Luis Obispo with a stop at the Long Beach Transit Gallery. It's a comfortable and scenic option for longer distances.

Cost:Varies by distance, but round-trip tickets from LA can be around $30-$40.

Tip:Book tickets in advance, especially for weekend travel, via the Amtrak app or website. Consider the 'Pacific Class' for a more premium experience with included meals. Travelers often forget to factor in the short shuttle or ride-share needed from the station to their final destination.

Ride-Sharing Services (Uber/Lyft)

Ubiquitous in Long Beach, these services offer door-to-door convenience for getting to specific locations quickly, especially if you're on a tighter schedule or traveling with luggage.

Cost:Varies by demand and distance, typically starting around $8-$15 for short trips within the city.

Tip:Always double-check the license plate and driver photo in the app before getting into the car. Surge pricing can significantly increase costs during major events or holidays; check alternative options if prices seem unusually high. Many visitors make the mistake of not comparing prices between Uber and Lyft before booking.

Long Beach Bike Share

A network of rental bikes scattered throughout the city, perfect for exploring the waterfront, downtown, and nearby neighborhoods at your own pace. It's an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to see the sights.

Cost:Starts at $0.15 per minute, with various daily and monthly passes available.

Tip:Download the 'PBSC' app to locate and unlock bikes. Be aware of bike lanes and pedestrian traffic, and always lock the bike securely at a designated station to avoid extra charges. A common mistake is assuming you can park anywhere; always check the app for valid parking zones.

Shoreline Cruise Line Ferries

These ferries connect popular waterfront attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary. It's a charming and practical way to hop between these key tourist spots without needing a car.

Cost:Around $5-$10 per ride, with day passes often available.

Tip:Check the schedule in advance, as service can be limited on weekdays or during off-season. These are not high-speed ferries, so enjoy the leisurely pace and views. Travelers sometimes miss these because they're focused on land-based transport, but they offer a unique perspective of the harbor.

💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When's the absolute best time to visit Long Beach if I want to enjoy the waterfront and outdoor activities without the biggest crowds?

For a sweet spot balancing great weather and fewer crowds, aim for late spring (May to early June) or early fall (September to October). The summer months, while warm and lively, bring the largest influx of visitors, especially during school holidays. You'll find the ocean breeze is still pleasant, and you can enjoy the Pike, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary without feeling too rushed.

I'm planning to explore Long Beach without a car. Is it manageable, and what are the best ways to get around?

Absolutely! Long Beach is surprisingly walkable in many areas, especially around the downtown core, the Pike, and the waterfront. The Long Beach Transit bus system is quite efficient for covering longer distances, and ride-sharing services are readily available. Don't forget to check out the Long Beach Bike Share program if you enjoy cycling; it's a fantastic way to see the coastline.

Beyond the main attractions like the Aquarium and the Queen Mary, what's a local favorite spot or experience in Long Beach that most tourists miss?

You absolutely must explore the Naples Canals on the east side of town. It's a charming, picturesque neighborhood with charming bridges and gondola rides (yes, really!). It feels like a little slice of Italy right here in Southern California, and it's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a romantic evening walk.

Are there any specific local events or festivals in Long Beach that are worth timing a trip around?

If you can swing it, the Long Beach Jazz Festival in August is a fantastic experience, drawing incredible talent to the waterfront. Also, keep an eye out for the Long Beach Pride Parade in the spring, which is a vibrant and inclusive celebration. For something more laid-back, the monthly First Fridays art walks in the East Village Arts District are a great way to discover local artists and enjoy live music.

I've heard about the 'Long Beach Smoothie' – is that a real thing, and where can I find an authentic one?

Ah, the 'Long Beach Smoothie' is more of a local legend than a specific menu item! It generally refers to the relaxed, beachy vibe and the abundance of fresh, healthy options available. You'll find fantastic smoothie shops all over, but for a truly local feel, try a spot in Belmont Shore or near Retro Row – they often have unique, locally inspired concoctions that capture the spirit of the city.

How many days do you need in Long Beach, USA?

We recommend spending 3-5 days in Long Beach, USA to see the main attractions without feeling rushed. This gives you time to explore the top sights, experience local culture, and take a day trip if desired. Budget travelers might do 2-3 days, while those wanting a deeper experience should plan for a week.

Is Long Beach, USA expensive to visit?

Long Beach, USA can be enjoyed on various budgets. Daily costs typically range from $50-80 for budget travelers, $100-200 for mid-range visitors, and $250+ for luxury experiences. Prices are highest during Jan and lowest during off-season months. Book accommodations early to secure better rates.

What is Long Beach, USA famous for?

Long Beach, USA is famous for its unique attractions, rich culture, and memorable experiences. The destination is best known for its architectural landmarks, local cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere. Visit during Jan or Feb for the best experience.

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