If you’ve ever stood on a corner in Westwood Village clutching a light jacket while your friends in the San Fernando Valley are melting in 100-degree heat, you already know. The weather here is weird. It’s not just "Southern California sunny." It is a very specific, often moody microclimate shaped by the Pacific Ocean and the steep rise of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Basically, westwood los angeles weather is the middle child of LA geography.
It’s trapped between the chilly, salt-sprayed air of Santa Monica and the concrete-oven heat of Downtown LA. You get the best of both worlds, but honestly, you also get the most confusing morning forecasts in the county.
Why the Westwood Microclimate is Different
Most people think LA is just one giant heat lamp. That’s a mistake.
In Westwood, the elevation and distance from the coast—about five miles—create a transition zone. You’re close enough to the ocean to catch the marine layer, but far enough away that the sun actually has a chance to burn it off before 4:00 PM.
During the summer, while the Valley (just over the Sepulveda Pass) is hitting a blistering $102^\circ F$, Westwood usually hovers around a comfortable $78^\circ F$ or $82^\circ F$. That 20-degree difference is everything. It’s why UCLA students can walk to class without needing a shower immediately afterward.
The Marine Layer and "June Gloom"
You’ve heard of it. The gray, heavy "fog" that makes the morning feel like London until suddenly, at noon, it vanishes.
This isn't just rain-cloud behavior. It’s a temperature inversion. Cold air from the Pacific gets trapped under a layer of warm air. Because Westwood sits in a slight bowl below the mountains, this gloom tends to "park" itself right over the Village.
- May Gray: It starts early.
- June Gloom: The peak. Sometimes the sun doesn't peek out until 2:00 PM.
- No-Sky July: Rare, but it happens when the ocean stays extra cold.
- Fogust: Usually the transition into the real heat.
If you’re visiting in June, don’t bring just shorts. You’ll be shivering at your outdoor brunch on Broxton Ave. Bring a hoodie. You’ve been warned.
Seasonal Breakdown: What to Really Expect
Let’s get into the actual numbers because they tell a story of a place that is remarkably consistent but has some sharp edges.
Winter (December to February)
This is when Westwood actually gets "cold" by California standards. Daytime highs are usually around $65^\circ F$ to $68^\circ F$. At night? It drops. You’ll see $48^\circ F$ or $50^\circ F$ regularly. This is also our rain season. If it’s going to pour, it’s happening in February. We get about 14 to 15 inches of rain a year, and 80% of it falls in this window.
Spring (March to May)
This is arguably the best time for westwood los angeles weather. The air is crisp. The jasmine is blooming everywhere. Highs sit in the low 70s. It’s perfect. However, late May is when the "Gray" starts to creep in.
Summer (June to August)
August is actually the hottest month here, not July. While the rest of the country is humid and gross, Westwood is bone-dry. The average high is $85^\circ F$, but it feels cooler because of the sea breeze.
Fall (September to November)
Locals call this "Real Summer."
September and October are often the hottest months of the year because of the Santa Ana winds.
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The Santa Ana Winds: The Wildcard
Everything I just told you about "cool ocean breezes" goes out the window when the Santa Anas blow.
This happens when high pressure builds up in the Great Basin (Nevada/Utah) and pushes air toward the coast. As that air drops down the mountains, it compresses and heats up. Fast.
Suddenly, the wind is coming from the east, not the ocean. The humidity drops to like 5%. The air feels electric and itchy. In Westwood, this can push temperatures into the 90s in the middle of October. It’s also peak fire season. If you see a weird, orange tint to the sun and the wind feels like a hair dryer, those are the Santa Anas.
Westwood vs. The Neighbors
If you’re trying to decide where to stay or live, look at the "Temperature Gradient."
- Santa Monica: Always 5 degrees cooler than Westwood.
- Westwood: The "Goldilocks" zone.
- Beverly Hills: 3-5 degrees warmer than Westwood.
- Downtown LA: 10 degrees warmer than Westwood.
It’s a short drive, but the weather changes every few miles.
Surviving the Weather: Practical Tips
If you're living here or just passing through, there are a few "Westwood Rules" for the weather.
The Layer Strategy
Never leave the house in just a T-shirt if you’re going to be out past sunset. The moment the sun drops behind the buildings, the temperature plunges 15 degrees. It’s a desert-adjacent climate. Heat leaves the ground instantly.
Sunscreen is a Lie
Okay, not a lie, but a trap. People see the gray "June Gloom" clouds and think they won’t get burned. Wrong. Those clouds are thin. The UV rays bounce right through. I’ve seen more tourists get lobster-red on cloudy days in Westwood than on sunny ones.
The Humidity Factor
It’s basically zero. This is great for your hair, but terrible for your skin and hydration. Drink twice as much water as you think you need.
Parking Hazards
This sounds weird, but it's weather-related. During the first rain after a long dry spell (usually in November), the roads in Westwood become ice-slick. Decades of oil and dust sit on the asphalt. The first rain turns it into a literal slip-and-slide. If it’s the first rain of the year, stay off the 405.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip or a move to the area, here is how to prep for the westwood los angeles weather:
- Check the "UCLA Weather" specifically: Don't just look at "Los Angeles" on your weather app. LA is too big. Use the 90024 or 90095 zip codes for the most accurate reading of the Westwood microclimate.
- Invest in a "Mid-Weight" Hoodie: You’ll wear it more than a heavy coat or a tank top. It is the official uniform of the Westside.
- Plan Outdoor Activities for 1:00 PM: If you want the best lighting and the warmest temps, that's your window. The morning fog is usually gone, and the evening chill hasn't set in yet.
- Watch the Dew Point: If you’re a runner, Westwood is amazing because the dew point stays low. Even when it’s 80 degrees, you won’t feel "soggy."
Westwood weather isn't just a backdrop; it's a character in the neighborhood. It keeps the grass at UCLA green and the residents just a little bit cooler than everyone else in the city. Pack a sweater, keep your sunglasses in your pocket, and enjoy the breeze.