Long Beach, CA

The landscape of Southern California is vastly varied with sprawling deserts, mountain towns and oceanfront cities. A favourite year-round vacation destination among tourists, the region is home to surprising alpine getaways, beautiful weather, amazing beaches and an abundance of waterfront attractions. This region is also home to a series of famous landmarks including a host of outdoor attractions to be enjoyed the year-round. Diving, camping, kayaking and swimming are some of the main attractions for holidays in Southern California. A popular spot for birdwatchers and water sport enthusiasts, Southern California boasts mountains with majestic granite peaks, mountain lakes, deep gorges, forests and rivers, as well as campsites and picnic areas. And then there’s the canyon wilderness with an oasis, creek and waterfalls, in which fan palm trees grow in abundance to provide life and colour to the otherwise barren surroundings. Museums showcase collections of modern and contemporary art including paintings, sculpture, photography, pottery, glass and architecture.

No other state in America offers the unparalleled diversity of Southern California with its diverse places, cultures, lifestyles and outdoor activities. Even the weather and climate of this region diverges in an amazingly abrupt degree.

Often associated with a pleasant year-round climate, Southern California’s winters are mild and moderately wet, while the summers are warm. The best time to visit Southern California is between January and April when the weather is most hospitable. While the temperatures of autumn are almost as nice, unless you love the heat, it wouldn’t be wise to visit in the summertime when daily highs can reach over 40 degrees Celsius.

Winter Fests

Wintertime is the peak tourism season in the desert, offering weather that is perfect for all the pastimes that Southern California enjoys best such as hiking, golfing and pool lounging. Average January highs range from the 10 degrees to the low 22 degrees Celsius. Some key events not to miss out on during your United States tour include the Tour de Palm Springs, the Desert Classic and of course, the Palm Springs International Film Festival which has established its reputation as one of the country’s well-attended festivals.

Spring Parties

Springtime is a fun time to be in Southern California, with the rainy season over, the ocean water a bright blue and the hills the greenest they get the whole year round. April in Southern California experiences lows of 15 degrees and highs of 30 degrees Celsius. If you are taking a United States holiday in Southern California at this time, you will not want to miss out on events such as the White Party and Coachella among other fun activities.

Summer Lounging

Summer in Southern California comprises a long and very hot season. Although the cities all but empty of tourist crowds, you will still have to contend with average daytime temperatures that climb regularly above 40 degrees Celsius. Even when lounging by the poolside, this heat can make it difficult for most locals to enjoy the city. Fortunately, for most of us Brits, this is the exact weather we crave. Nonetheless, the heat slightly wanes in the evenings, so if you are a night owl who enjoys warm after-dark weather, summertime in Southern California will be perfect for a tour in the United States. Film buffs can attend the Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival.

Autumn Lights

Autumn is a pleasant season in Southern California, with these months seeing plenty of business travellers and huge conventions descending upon the cities. Still, you will find fewer tourists than you would during early spring and late winter. Temperatures are not that bad either at this time of the year, with the highs ranging from the 20 degrees Celsius to the low 30’s. Some key events to attend during this time include the Greater Palm Springs LGBT Pride and the Palm Springs Festival of Lights.