Please just tell me if it gets cold in LA (Santa Monica: pools, bike)

[NativeOrange]

In December through February we can get nights that can go down to low 40's and very rarely upper 30's, but usually that only lasts for a few hours in the early morning. Daytime temps during these times are usually in the 60's but whenever we get a storm system the highs may be in the upper 50's, I don't think you have anything to worry about coming from New York.

[miranda104]

Originally Posted by BRinSM

Bell is largely a working class hispanic neighborhood. If you plan on moving there, make sure you work on your spanish. Seriously though, if you're not hispanic, you will probably stick out like a sore thumb if that bothers you at all.

Yeah well my uncle has lived there for many many years like more than 20 I will only be there for weeks ends my other relatives live in Long Beach and other parts of L.A. I speak a little bit of Spanish but my cousins don't speak one word of spanish and survive but anyway thanks for the info it was helpful.

[miranda104]

Yeah heres another thing being from New York my definition of cold is different form someone who lives in California. here in NY is gets down to the teens! I can't take this horribly cold weather anymore.

[Canine*Castle]

Originally Posted by Fontucky

There's a reason L.A. was once a major citrus growing area, and that reason is: citrus doesn't like freezing temps. Hence, those temps are the exception rather than the rule.

That's a great point about which I forgot. How I loved our lemon tree when I was growing up.

[markg67]

It may not be as cold as other parts in the middle of winter but be assured it is not a tropical paradise. OK, so you may not need a ski jacket for the city but definately pack a sweater and a jacket in winter months.

That said, being ill prepared in the outdoors in southern California just 100 miles from LA can easily get you killed from freezing cold.

The Sierra Nevada mountains run out the back of the city aways and there are some high ranges running closer in - the mountain ranges and the snow are visible from the city and that cold just rolls on down - flying in and snow can cover the ground 35 minutes flight out of LAX.

Sometimes there is snow down as far as Malibu... doesnt happen often though Im told (but kind of put paid to global warming for me anyways).

P.S. The ocean is cold to very cold all year as the main current runs down the coast from the arctic... even in summer! You have to be brave to venture in for a swim - the surf riders wear thermal protective suits to give you some idea.

[UrbaneAspects]

Originally Posted by miranda104

Hmm...seems like you've gone on an emotional roller coaster ey

Dude It's, like....California...like, it cant be that bad!

[gypsystar]

Yes, it does get very cold during winter nights in L.A. I am originally from the freezing Midwest, and L.A. still get to me. I definitely prefer the winter weather in Florida (at least from Orlando down). You always have to have a jacket with you when you are out and about in L.A., as the day and night temps can change drastically. I always complain about the cold nights in L.A., but it is the desert, so what do you expect? Be sure to bring your cold weather clothing with you!!

[Charles]

The coldest winter I ever experienced (in California) was summer at Point Mugu. In July it was 58F, breezy, and foggy (meaning very humid which makes it feel colder).

It was in the 90s 20 miles east in the Conejo Valley.

[ebuch]

The ocean is literally cold all year round??

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by ebuch

The ocean is literally cold all year round??

Pretty much. The current brings water down the coast from Alaska.