melodyt13

Hi. I'm heading to Southern California the last week of June into first week of July.. Should I be concerned about gray skies?? Does the "gloom" affect Santa Monica, Hollywood and San Diego?? I am considering subbing one of these stops for Palm Springs.. HELP!!!

traveldude

the "gloom" is everywhere up the coast from san diego to santa barbara. keep in mind that it may or may not be gloomy also. i'd say at that time you have a 50/50 chance each day. palm springs will probably be in the 90's to 100's though.

Alice

I'd agree with the definite lack of gloom im Palm Springs. As far as S. CA coast, you really never know. It varies from day to day but also morning to afternoon. I would say that you have a good chance of the gloom clearing up by noon. Also, If you're willing to go poolside in PS (no beach), I'd just stay at an hotel inland maybe 10-15 minutes from the coast in S. CA. If it's gloomy on the coast, stay at your hotel pool - it won't be affected by the gloom. And if it's not, you can head out to the beach! Best of both worlds.

Big_Money_D

So Cal Native here... I'm thinking that by the end of June and into the first week of July the gloom SHOULD be gone. I can't remember a 4th of July in the recent past where I had a problem viewing fireworks?

Even if there is some, by the latter part of June the gloom is usually just a morning affair, with the fog burning off by 10 am or so for the majority of the LA basin, perhaps a bit later for the West facing beaches and Santa Monica that gets the brunt of the fog.

Even if the haze is stubborn on a particular day, you can always head inland a few miles and see sun.

From the choices on your list, Hollywood should not have much gloom, San Diego, perhaps am only, and Santa Monica (the moistest air of the LA beaches) should clear out, on average, by 2pm at the latest.

Surfergirl

At that time, like the others say, it's generally hazy/foggy until noon, then magically disappears. Interestingly, it never seems to get past Century Park East in Century City, even in the mornings -- in other words, all points east are beautiful. Unfortunately, I live just west of CPE, and get the morning fog, but it isn't anywhere near as bad as when I lived in Santa Monica. It burns off quickly, so sleep in!

melodyt13

Thanks everyone!! Sounds like my only iffy days will be in Santa Monica June 28 and 29, so I'll keep my fingers crossed!! Or else I'll just do a lot of drinking in the fog those days

Big_Money_D

You'll love Santa Monica. The coastal area is a gorgeous neighbourhood. And if you do wake to hazy grey, just remember that it is not as intimidating as it may look. Many a morning I've woken to grey haze, and by the time I get out of the shower, poof!, it was sunny outside and a beautiful day! It burns off so quickly you'll think someone flipped a switch.

So, go grab your latte on Third Street, walk down to the beach, and strap on the rollerblades! By the time you are half way down to Venice you'll be needing the sunscreen and ready to boogie on wheels to the hippie drum circles down there!