The Best Time to Visit Malibu: A Quick Guide
There definitely isn’t a bad time to visit Malibu. Given coastal Southern California’s generally mild weather, whether you’re vacationing in the dead of winter or the middle of the summer, a trip to Malibu is always a good idea. That said, if I had to pick one time, the fall (particularly the early fall) is definitely the best time to visit Malibu – you get the great beach-going weather without the crazy crowds. Of course, there are still pros and cons of visiting in the fall, as well as the other seasons. Here’s my breakdown of what to consider when planning your next Malibu vacation.
The Best Time to Visit Malibu
Here is a look at what to expect when visiting Malibu during each season.
Visiting in the Winter
While you may not be able to jump in the ocean, the winter is still a pleasant time to head to Malibu. Average daytime temperatures typically reach the high 60s, which means it should still be nice enough to spend some time outside.
The one thing to be wary of, however, is that the winter is Malibu’s rainy season. There are typically three to five days of rain per month from December through March. That said, it isn’t always drab and dreary – when I spent a day in Malibu in December last year, it was sunny and in the low 70s!
One extra benefit of vacationing in Malibu during this time is that, given that it’s mostly known as a summer destination, visitors don’t tend to flock there during the winter. Visiting Malibu in winter is a great idea if you’re looking to enjoy the beautiful area without the crowds! Given that it isn’t super busy, you likely will also be able to snag a great deal on hotels and vacation rentals.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on non-beach activities to do during a winter trip, I highly recommend doing a tour of Adamson House!
Visiting in the Spring
The weather starts to warm up in the early spring, with average daytime temperatures reaching into the low 70s. That said, keep in mind that you may still experience some rain, particularly in March and April.
By May and June, the rain (typically) subsides, and the daytime temperatures continue to climb into the mid to high 70s. I really love hiking in Malibu in the mid to late spring – the weather is usually warm without being uncomfortably hot, and you typically see tons of wildflowers (especially after a good rainy season!). Just note that we see “May Gray” and “June Gloom” in Southern California during this time. While the temperatures may be pleasant, it can be cloudy!
As far as the crowds go, it definitely starts to get busier during this season, especially when students go on spring break. That said, it isn’t as chaotic as it is in the summer.
In my opinion, this all makes the later spring one of the best times to plan a trip to Malibu (with the early fall still being number one). You get great beach-worthy weather (it just might be a bit cloudy!), but won’t have to deal with crowds like you see in the summer.
Visiting in the Summer
You likely already know that the summer is a popular time for travelers to head to Malibu. Daytime temperatures typically jump into the high 80s – perfect for spending your vacation exploring Malibu’s many beautiful beaches!
Of course, the great weather means that the area gets incredibly busy during the summer. The Pacific Coast Highway (which runs up the coast, right through Malibu) is notorious for being very trafficky during this time, so you’ll need to account for this as you make your itinerary. That said, driving down the PCH on a sunny day definitely isn’t the worst thing in the world.
If you plan on visiting in the summer, you should also keep in mind that hotels and rentals can book up quickly, so you’ll want to reserve your accommodation ASAP. Of course, you’re also going to see the highest prices for accommodations during this time.
Visiting in the Fall
As I mentioned in the intro, the best time to go to Malibu is in the fall. If your priority is spending time at the beach, you’ll particularly want to shoot for planning your trip in September or early October for the best weather. The weather is still super warm during these months, with September still being in the high 80s during the day. The temperatures in Malibu in October tend to be in the low 80s – so you can still hit the beach!
By November, the daytime temperatures typically hit the mid 70s. The one thing to keep in mind is that the risk of rain gets a bit higher during November – but it’s still nothing close to what you might see in the winter and early spring.
Besides the great weather, what makes the fall such a great time for planning a leisurely getaway or a weekend trip to Malibu is the lack of crowds. The area gets a lot quieter during this time as students go back to school, which means you get to soak up the sun without having to worry about packed beaches or jacked up hotel prices!
No matter when you choose to visit, I hope you have a fun time exploring Malibu! Here are a few other local guides to help you plan your trip:
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