Planning
The best month to get married in Southern California
Couples ask us this all the time, and the honest answer is that it depends on where in Southern California you are getting married. A cliffside ceremony in Laguna and a desert wedding in Palm Springs live in completely different climates, even though they are a couple of hours apart. Below is how we think about each season for the coast and for inland and desert venues, based on what we have seen over ten years of weddings across the region.
Start with your setting, not the calendar
Southern California has three broad wedding climates. The coast is mild year round but has a cloudy stretch in late spring and early summer. Inland valleys and foothills, like the Temecula area or the canyons behind Orange County, swing hotter in summer and cooler at night. The desert, from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree, is extremely hot in summer and very pleasant in the cooler months.
Once you know which of those you are planning for, the best months narrow down quickly.
Month by month at a glance
| Month | Coast | Inland and desert |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cool, often clear, early sunsets, chance of rain | Desert is mild and popular, cold nights |
| February | Similar to January, green hills after rain | Desert comfortable, cool nights |
| March | Mild, changeable, greener landscape | Desert warming, prime season |
| April | Pleasant, longer days, marine layer starting | Desert getting warm, still workable |
| May | May Gray, soft overcast light | Desert hot; inland warm |
| June | June Gloom, cool and gray at the beach | Desert very hot; inland hot |
| July | Clearing skies, peak beach crowds | Desert extreme heat |
| August | Warm, busy beaches, sunny | Desert extreme heat |
| September | Warm water, clear skies, still busy | Desert still very hot |
| October | Often clear and warm, possible Santa Ana winds | Desert cooling, season starting |
| November | Mild, earlier sunsets, possible winds | Desert comfortable and popular |
| December | Cool, crisp light, holiday conflicts | Desert mild days, cold nights |
Winter: December through February
Winter is our quiet favorite for coastal portraits. The sun sits lower in the sky all day, so the light is warmer and softer for longer. After rain, the air is clear and the hills turn green. Sunset comes early, which means a ceremony in the middle of the afternoon to keep golden hour for portraits.
The trade-offs: most of the region's rain falls in winter, so you need a covered backup. Holiday weekends compete for guests' time and travel budgets. In the desert, days are mild but nights can get cold, so plan heaters and layers for an evening reception.
Spring: March through May
Spring is a strong season almost everywhere. Days get longer, landscapes are at their greenest and the desert is in its prime before the heat arrives. Inland vineyards and gardens look their best.
On the coast, May brings the start of the marine layer. Soft overcast light is very flattering, but it is not the blue sky some couples picture. Read our guide to June Gloom and your wedding photos before you decide that is a dealbreaker.
Summer: June through August
Summer is when demand is high across most of the country, and Southern California is no exception. Popular coastal venues and vendors book early for weekends. On the coast, June often stays gray, and July and August usually clear up and warm up. Beaches are at their busiest, and parking can be a real logistical issue for guests.
Inland and in the desert, summer is hard. Palm Springs averages highs above 100°F from June through September, according to NOAA climate normals. Outdoor desert weddings in those months need very late timelines, shade and a serious plan for guest comfort. Some desert venues simply slow down for the season.
Fall: September through November
Fall is the season many locals would pick for the coast. The marine layer has usually backed off, the ocean is still warm from summer, and the summer crowds thin out after Labor Day. Skies are often clear and the light at sunset can be rich and warm. Not surprisingly, fall Saturdays book up fast.
In the desert, the season starts to turn in October and November, when average highs drop back into a comfortable range. Sunsets get earlier through the fall, especially after daylight saving time ends in November, so plan ceremony times accordingly.
Santa Ana winds and fire season
Santa Ana winds are hot, dry, gusty winds that blow from the interior toward the coast. They occur in fall, winter and spring, and tend to peak in December. On a Santa Ana day, coastal skies can be crystal clear and warm, which looks great in photos, but gusts make veils, florals, arches and hair difficult to manage.
More seriously, these winds raise wildfire risk. Fire weather can bring smoke, road closures and, in some areas, power shutoffs. For fall and winter weddings, we recommend asking your venue about its plan for high wind days and keeping an eye on local forecasts the week of.
Our honest pick
- Coast, for clear skies and warm water: September and October.
- Coast, for soft, even light: May and June.
- Coast, for the warmest winter light and fewer crowds: January and February, with a rain plan.
- Desert: October through April, with March and November as standouts.
- Inland vineyards and gardens: April, May and October.
Whatever month you choose, the photographer's job is to make it work. If you have a date or a short list in mind, check your date with us and we will tell you what to expect for light and sunset timing.
