Southern California has some of the best weather in the United States; however, the summer months still attract a large number of visitors when both schools and colleges are closed for the season and the majority of people traditionally take vacations. Therefore, visiting the beach towns of southern California in winter has a number of advantages; not only is the weather still good, there are usually less crowds, better hotel deals and a variety of winter festivals and exhibitions to visit.
Number of Winter Visitors to Southern California
Although winter visitors to southern California's beach towns may increase over the traditional holiday season and many visitors often choose to “winter” in southern California, winter is still a time when the vast numbers of summer crowds are decreased. Beaches (including those that cater to dogs) are less crowded, neighborhood beach communities are full of local life and there are more opportunities for “browsing” local stores, without fighting a large crowd.
Weather in Southern California in Winter
The beach towns of southern California have an enviable, year-round Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures usually average around and above 60F. However, it is still possible to experience cold, winter storms that blow in from the Pacific ocean which may bring rain to coastal towns. Overall, southern California's beach towns enjoy many pleasant, sunny days in winter.
Winter Hotel Deals in Southern California
Many hotels offer winter deals and reduced rates throughout winter due to the reduced number of visitors that visit southern California beach towns in winter. Depending on location, it may be possible to pick up some great deals for a few days of winter beach vacation, in the form of reduced prices or room upgrades.
Winter Festivals and Exhibitions in Southern California
Although summer is the season when many festivals and exhibitions take place in southern California beach towns, it is possible to find many local winter festivals, exhibitions and events taking place in local neighborhoods, such as Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. These include traditional Christmas and New Year events. In addition some events, such as whale watching cruises, only operate in the winter months. Several permanent exhibitions in larger SoCal cities, such as San Diego, run year round. Check local listings for further details.
Winter in Southern California's Beach Towns
Southern California has many miles of coastline, with beach towns that include Santa Barbabra, Malibu, Huntington Beach, San Diego and lots of smaller beach side communities. Visiting in winter will provide you with an entirely different experience to the more crowded, traditional summer months and will perhaps give you taste of SoCal life as the locals experience it.
References:
- Harding, Maria, 2001, Weather to Travel UK: Tomorrow's Guides Ltd
- Visit California website, accessed December 1, 2010
- Author's personal experience
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
