Climate
Los Angeles enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate — moderate temperatures with low humidity year-round. Midday readings average 80 degrees from June to October and 70 degrees between November and May. In December and January, when others around the country are shivering, locals may be heading to the beach in shorts and short sleeves. The rainy season is between November and March, when a few rainy days are typically followed by many days of brilliant sunshine and clear bright skies. Summer’s warmth is often tempered by pleasant sea breezes, especially near the ocean. Evenings are cool, even in summer.
Average Temperatures
Celsius Fahrenheit
Max./Min. Max./Min.
January 19º/9º 66º/48º
February 19º/10º 67º/50º
March 21º/11º 69º/51º
April 22º/12º 71º/54º
May 23º/13º 73º/56º
June 25º/16º 77º/60º
July 28º/17º 82º/63º
August 28º/18º 83º/64º
September 28º/17º 82º/63º
October 26º/15º 78º/59º
November 23º/12º 73º/53º
December 20º/9º 68º/49º
Driving and Parking
The minimum driving age in California is 16, and drivers must possess a valid U.S. or international driver’s license.
Speed limits and traffic rules are strictly enforced. If there are no posted signs, the maximum speed is 25 miles per hour on city streets and 65 miles per hour on freeways.
California state law requires using seat belts in all private vehicles. A right turn on red after stopping is permitted unless indicated otherwise. Pedestrians have the right of way. Strict drunk driving laws are enforced in California. Anyone found driving under the influence of alcohol will be arrested.
Vehicles parked in violation of posted regulations are ticketed and towed very quickly. Before you park, be sure to read carefully all signs that state the days and times when parking restrictions are in effect.
A red curb means no parking, a green curb indicates parking for a limited time only, and a white or yellow curb indicates passenger loading and unloading. Parking is often available in garages or parking lots for a fee. Many restaurants offer valet parking for a nominal fee.
Cell phone use without a headset while driving is strictly prohibited in Los Angeles, as is texting while driving.
Gratuities
A gratuity charge is not automatically included in the bill at restaurants and other establishments unless it is noted on the check. Tipping is voluntary, but adding 15 to 20 percent for restaurant and taxi service is customary. Luggage handlers are usually tipped $1 to $2 per bag. A $1 to $2 tip is customary for parking lot attendants and valets. When tipping for maid service, $1 to $2 per day or $5 to $10 per week is a good guideline.
Important Telephone Numbers
Ambulance, Fire, Police 911
Time 213.853.1212
Weather 213.554.1212
Highway Conditions 800.427.7623
Required Documents
Most Canadian citizens and many citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries can come to the U.S. without a visa if they meet certain requirements. Visa waiver travelers from ALL 34 Visa Waiver Program countries must present a machine-readable passport at the U.S. port of entry to enter the U.S. without a visa, otherwise a U.S. visa is required. Other foreign citizens will need a nonimmigrant visa.
Nonimmigrant visas are for international travelers, (citizens of other countries), coming to the U.S. temporarily. This visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (airport, for example) and request permission of the Department of Homeland Security immigration inspector to enter the U.S. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
International travelers come to the U.S. for a wide variety of reasons, including tourism, business, medical treatment and certain types of temporary work. The type of visa needed is defined by immigration law, and relates to the principal purpose of your travel. While in the U.S., temporary visitors are restricted to the activity or reason for which their nonimmigrant visa was issued, with few exceptions. For an overview of the types of nonimmigrant visas available under immigration law, please see Nonimmigrant Visa Classifications on the USCIS Web site. The Consular Officer at your embassy or consulate will decide what kind of visa you need, when you apply. Learn more...
Customs
You must complete customs and immigrations formalities at the first point of arrival in the U.S., whether or not it's your final destination.
Travel Insurance
There is no compulsory or government plan in the U.S. You are advised to purchase travel and health insurance in case of an emergency.
Sales and Hotel Tax
A Los Angeles County sales tax of 8.25 percent is charged on all purchased items. There is no sales tax on hotel or motel rooms, but room rates in the City of Los Angeles are subject to a 14 percent hotel transient occupancy tax. In other cities within Los Angeles County, the hotel occupancy tax varies from 10 to 14 percent.
Services for the Physically Challenged
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority operates a fleet of buses equipped with driver-controlled, automatic wheelchair lifts that give individuals in wheelchairs access to the MTA's network of bus lines.
For schedule information, call 213.626.4455. Hearing-impaired persons with a TDD/TTY machine may call 800.252.9040.
The Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities provides telephone referrals and information about accessibility and services for the disabled. Call 213.974.1053. TDD users may call 213.974.1707. For information on Los Angeles County human services agencies, transportation resources and disabled services, call the nonprofit Info Line at 800.339.6993.
Smoking and Drinking
Smoking is prohibited in most buildings in Los Angeles. In restaurants within Los Angeles County, smoking is allowed in outdoor dining sections only. The minimum age for purchasing alcohol is 21. Proof of age and identification may be required. Liquor may not be served, purchased or consumed in public establishments from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
Electrical Current
The electrical current in the United States is 110 volts AC. It is recommended that you buy a converter before entering the country.
Telephones
When calling from one area code to another, dial 1, followed by the area code and the seven-digit telephone number.
Visitor Information Centers
LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau has two Visitor Information Centers located adjacent to METRO stations at:
Hollywood & Highland Center
6801 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
323.467.6412
Downtown
685 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017
213.689.8822
The No. 1 cruise passenger complex on the West Coast also maintains a Visitor Information Center:
Port of Los Angeles
Berth 93, Pacific Cruise Ship Terminal
San Pedro, CA 90731
310.514.9484
Multilingual staff answer visitors’ travel questions and provide directions and public transportation information. Visitors receive assistance with itinerary planning as well as recommendations on dining, sightseeing and cultural options. In addition to addressing walk-in and telephone inquiries, the Visitor Information Centers sell tickets to attractions and provide maps and travel guides to visitors.
Mobile Visitor Information Center
LA INC. has introduced the city’s first Mobile Visitor Information Center, a Honda Element decorated with LA icons and cityscapes that is stocked with official Los Angeles guides, neighborhood maps and information about attractions, transportation and future events. It brings travel information directly to visitors through scheduled visits to attractions, special events and festivals throughout the Los Angeles area.
Half-Price Tickets
Up to a week in advance, half-price tickets are available to more than 100 plays, operas, concerts and other performances from LA Stage Alliance at LA INC.’s Information Centers. Tickets are available for major venues, such as the Ahmanson Theatre, as well as LA’s numerous 99-seat theaters, where Hollywood hopefuls often get their start. Every Tuesday, tickets for performances through the following Tuesday are released by the venues and posted online. Ticket buyers can order, pay by credit card and print confirmations to take to the will-call window on the day or night of the performance.
