Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach

Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s guide to the best time to visit Huntington Beach, with a monthly breakdown covering weather, special events and hotel prices.

When's the Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach?

Best Time to visit Huntington Beach

There's no single perfect month, but you can enjoy sun, mild ocean breezes, and surf nearly year-round in Huntington Beach. Plan for warm, sunny summers with big events, cooler, wetter winters with occasional strong rip currents, and hotel rates that peak in summer and during festivals. This guide gives month-by-month weather (avg temps °F/°C, rainfall inches/mm, snowfall), events, and pricing to help you choose the best time for your visit.

Key Takeaways:

Best overall months: September–October for warm water, fewer crowds and moderate hotel rates.
Peak season: June–August — warmest days, biggest crowds and highest hotel prices (especially weekends and event dates).
Lowest prices and smallest crowds: January–March (wettest months but mild temperatures); ideal for budget travelers.
Plan around events: U.S. Open of Surfing (summer), Pacific Airshow (early fall) and Fourth of July — these raise crowds and rates.
Weather notes: mild Mediterranean climate, dry summers with “June gloom” mornings; no snowfall year‑round.

Huntington Beach Climate Summary

Mediterranean coastal climate — mild, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Temperatures are moderated by the Pacific, with little temperature variation. Winter is the rainy season (Nov–Mar); summer is dry and sunny but often starts with a marine layer (June gloom).

Even the Dogs Go Surfing at Huntington Beach

Best Times to Visit

Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) give you the best balance of weather, crowds, and cost: expect daytime highs around 65–78°F (18–26°C), minimal rainfall, and gentler surf. May can bring June gloom mornings, while September delivers warm water and fewer tourists.

Peak summer drives hotel rates up to about $250–$400/night, so aim for shoulder months if you want better prices and quieter beaches.

Peak Season

June through August is peak beach season, with average highs of 70–80°F (21–27°C) and lively ocean conditions ideal for surfers. Major draws include Fourth of July festivities and surf events like the US Open-style contests in July, which create heavy crowds and higher hotel prices. Expect weekend room rates to spike and limited parking near the pier, so book early if you need beachfront accommodations.

Off-Peak Season

November through February brings cooler, wetter weather—daytime highs around 55–65°F (13–18°C) and monthly rainfall typically near 1–2 in (25–50 mm)—but also the lowest hotel rates, often ranging $100–$180/night. Fewer tourists mean easier parking and more relaxed dining options; water will be too chilly for most casual swimmers, but surf conditions can be excellent for experienced riders.

For deeper off-peak planning, you can find midweek beachfront rooms under $120 in winter months and deal bundles on surf lessons and rentals. January usually records about 2 in (50 mm) of rain with no snowfall, so bring layers and check storm forecasts before scheduling outdoor plans. Local holiday events boost demand briefly, so target midweek stays for the best availability and value.

Huntington Beach

Types of Visitors and Timing

Families and Kids

You’ll find wide sandy beaches, playgrounds near the pier and family-friendly dining along Main Street; summer highs average around 75–80°F (24–27°C) with minimal rain, but watch for rip currents and crowded weekends—Bolsa Chica wetlands and seasonal kid-focused events make spring and early summer ideal for families.

Couples and Solo Travelers

Choose late spring or September for calmer crowds, pleasant sunsets from the pier and easy parking; daytime temps hover near 68–75°F (20–24°C), restaurants at Pacific City offer evening ambiance, and hotel rates drop outside the July peak.

For more intimacy or solo time, prioritize weekdays in May, June or September when you can stroll quieter stretches of beach, catch sunset views without the crowds and still enjoy warm daytime surf; nearby trails at Bolsa Chica and the walkable downtown restaurants mean you can mix outdoor activity with relaxed dining, while avoiding the high-season hotel prices and festival congestion.

This helps you match your travel style to the months that balance weather, crowds and hotel prices.

Woodys Car Show at Huntington Beach

Special Events and Festivals

Monthly Highlights

January–March brings the Surf City Marathon (February) with about 8,000–10,000 runners and lower hotel rates; April–June offers milder crowds and Surf City Nights weekly (May–Sept). July is peak: the US Open of Surfing and Fourth of July pier fireworks push hotel rates up and create heavy crowds. September–October sees shoulder-season deals but the Pacific Airshow (often October) spikes demand. December features holiday parades and festive crowds. Plan hotels 6–8 weeks ahead for big events to secure midrange prices.

Annual Events

Major annual draws include the Surf City Marathon (February), US Open of Surfing (July), Fourth of July fireworks, Pacific Airshow (October) and the December holiday parade; weekly favorites like Tuesday’s Surf City Nights run May–September. These events change the vibe: you’ll find lively boardwalks, extra vendors, and crowded parking, so adjust your itinerary and budget around dates you care about.

Expect the US Open to bring hundreds of thousands of spectators over its run, the Pacific Airshow to attract tens of thousands per day, and the marathon about 8–10k participants. Heavy traffic, road closures, and limited parking are common during these events—use public transit, bike, or arrive early; booking hotels 2–3 months ahead avoids steep rate hikes.

Huntington Beach Pier

Hotel Prices and Accommodations

Low Season Rates

During November–March, excluding holiday spikes, you’ll find the lowest room rates in Huntington Beach. Chain hotels often drop to about $100–$170 per night, with budget motels and off-peak weekday deals under $90. Expect 20–40% savings compared to summer; quieter beaches and easier parking add value. Book refundable rates 30–45 days out or watch last-minute flash sales if your dates are flexible to snag the best bargains.

High Season Rates

Peak season runs June through August and around major holidays, when standard rooms commonly list for $200–$350 per night and beachfront suites can exceed $400. Weekends and event weekends like the US Open of Surfing push rates even higher, sometimes doubling. If your trip aligns with Fourth of July or surf competitions, expect limited availability and steep premiums; reserve 60–90 days ahead to avoid inflated last-minute prices.

To trim summer costs, target midweek stays or consider staying inland—Costa Mesa and Fountain Valley often have rooms for $120–$190 with a 15–25 minute drive to the beach. Vacation rentals average $150–$300 per night and can spike during events, so splitting a rental among friends reduces per-person cost. Check cancellation policies and factor in resort fees and parking charges, which commonly add $20–$50 per day in high season.

Huntington Beach Harbour Boat Parade

Tips for Planning Your Trip

Pin your travel window around the weather and local events: shoulder months (April–May, Sept–Oct) offer milder temps and fewer crowds while summer brings surfing contests and higher hotel prices. Book midweek stays to save 15–30% and watch surf forecasts for Huntington Beach rip-current alerts if you plan to swim. Use rate trackers and flexible cancellation for peak weeks like the US Open; Any final tweak should align with crowd calendars and promo codes.

Set price alerts on sites like Kayak or Google to monitor hotel prices.
Check surf reports and lifeguard advisories for rip currents.
Plan around big draws (US Open of Surfing, Pacific Airshow) to avoid spikes.
Consider midweek or shoulder-season stays for lower crowds and better rates.

The Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach

Packing Essentials

Bring layered clothing—light tee, hoodie, and a windbreaker—for coastal breezes, plus a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen SPF 30+, and a sun hat; if you surf, pack a 3/2mm wetsuit for water temps around 58–68°F (14–20°C). Comfortable sandals and a pair of closed shoes cover beach walks and nearby trails, while a compact umbrella rarely gets used outside November–March.

Booking Strategies

Target booking 60–90 days ahead for summer peak; midweek nights often cost 15–30% less than weekends. Use flexible dates, set alerts, and compare Huntington Beach to nearby Costa Mesa or Newport for cheaper options—vacation rentals can be cheaper for families during long weekends. Avoid event weeks to keep hotel prices down.

During big events like the US Open (late June–July) or Pacific Airshow, expect room rates to climb by roughly 50–100%; secure refundable or free-cancellation rates, and join hotel loyalty programs for perks. For families, a two-bedroom vacation rental booked 3–4 months out often beats hotels on per-night cost and adds kitchen savings—use weekday check-ins and consider parking fees when comparing total costs.

FAQ

Q: When is the best overall time to visit Huntington Beach?

A: The best overall window is late spring through early fall (May–September) when temperatures are mild to warm, skies are mostly clear and beach conditions are ideal. May–June and September–early October are the best balance of warm weather, thinner crowds and more moderate hotel rates.

Peak summer (late June–August), plus major-event weekends (US Open of Surfing in late July; Great Pacific Airshow often in September), bring the largest crowds and highest hotel prices.

Q: What is Huntington Beach’s climate and a month-by-month breakdown for planning (weather, averages, events, hotel prices)?

A: Climate overview: Huntington Beach has a mild Mediterranean coastal climate—cool, wet winters and dry, temperate summers with marine influence (morning clouds/“May gray/June gloom” possible). Snow is effectively zero year-round. For a month-by-month breakdown, keep reading!

Q: When is the best time for surfing, swimming and general beach activities?

A: Surfing: Huntington Beach is surfable year-round. Winter (Nov–Mar) produces larger, more powerful swells favored by experienced surfers; summer (Jun–Sep) typically offers smaller, cleaner waves ideal for beginners and longboarders. Water temps: ~57–62°F (14–17°C) in winter/early spring, rising to ~64–68°F (18–20°C) in late summer.

Swimming/beach days: late spring through early fall (May–September) provides the warmest air and most reliable sunny conditions. Events: US Open of Surfing (late July) and local surf contests influence crowd and lodging prices. Hotel prices: expect premium weekend and event rates—plan and book early for surf-event weekends.

Q: When should I visit to avoid crowds and get lower hotel prices?

A: Best low-crowd, lower-price windows are late fall through late winter (mid-November through February) excluding holiday weekends. Early spring (March–April) and late fall (October–early November) are good shoulder seasons with pleasant weather, fewer visitors and moderate rates.

Typical price guidance: off-season midweek $120–180/night; shoulder $140–250/night; peak summer and event weekends $250–450+/night. For the best deals, target weekdays outside summer holidays and major events and book refundable rates to take advantage of last-minute deals if needed.

Best Time to Visit Huntington Beach Month-by-Month

January

Weather: cool and one of the wettest months. Avg high 64°F (18°C), low 46°F (8°C). Rain: ~3.0 in (76 mm). Snow: 0 in (0 mm).
Events: low-key winter/holiday activities; occasional surf contests.
Hotel prices: low–shoulder, typical range $120–180/night (weekday deals common). –

February

Weather: cool, still rainy at times. Avg high 66°F (19°C), low 48°F (9°C). Rain: ~3.0 in (76 mm). Snow: 0 in.
Events: Surf City Marathon & Half (usually February).
Hotel prices: low–shoulder $120–190/night.

March

Weather: mild, rain tapering. Avg high 66°F (19°C), low 50°F (10°C). Rain: ~2.0 in (51 mm).
Events: spring break pickups, local festivals.
Hotel prices: shoulder $130–200/night.

April

Weather: mild, spring blooms. Avg high 67°F (19°C), low 52°F (11°C). Rain: ~0.7 in (18 mm).
Events: Easter weekend busy, spring events.
Hotel prices: shoulder $140–220/night.

May

Weather: warming but marine layer mornings. Avg high 68°F (20°C), low 55°F (13°C). Rain: ~0.3 in (8 mm).
Events: Memorial Day weekend starts summer demand.
Hotel prices: rising shoulder $160–240/night (holiday weekends higher).

June

Weather: pleasant; mornings often cloudy, afternoons clearing. Avg high 71°F (22°C), low 58°F (14°C). Rain: ~0.1 in (3 mm).
Events: summer kickoff, concerts.
Hotel prices: early-summer $180–280/night.

July

Weather: warmest month, mostly sunny. Avg high 74°F (23°C), low 61°F (16°C). Rain: ~0.0 in (0 mm).
Events: US Open of Surfing (typically late July), Fourth of July activity.
Hotel prices: peak $250–450+/night during major events.

August

Weather: warm, peak beach season. Avg high 75°F (24°C), low 63°F (17°C). Rain: ~0.0 in (0 mm).
Events: summer festivals, heavy beach usage.
Hotel prices: peak $240–430+/night.

September

Weather: often the warmest water and some of the clearest skies (less fog). Avg high 76°F (24°C), low 62°F (17°C). Rain: ~0.2 in (5 mm).
Events: Great Pacific Airshow (often in September), Labor Day weekend busy.
Hotel prices: high to shoulder $200–350/night depending on events.

October

Weather: very pleasant, cooling gradually. Avg high 74°F (23°C), low 59°F (15°C). Rain: ~0.4 in (10 mm).
Events: fall festivals, quieter than summer.
Hotel prices: shoulder $150–250/night.

November

Weather: mild, rain increases later in month. Avg high 70°F (21°C), low 54°F (12°C). Rain: ~1.0 in (25 mm). Snow: 0 in.
Events: holiday build-up, fewer tourists.
Hotel prices: low–shoulder $120–200/night.

December

Weather: cool with some rainy days. Avg high 66°F (19°C), low 48°F (9°C). Rain: ~1.0 in (25 mm). Snow: 0 in.
Events: holiday activities, New Year visitors.
Hotel prices: low to holiday peaks $130–260/night (holiday weekends higher).

Notes

Water temperatures range roughly 57–68°F (14–20°C) — cold without a wetsuit outside late summer. Expect crowded beaches and premium rates during summer and major event weekends; booking early is recommended for those periods.

Our Pick of the California Guides

Other Huntington Beach Pages

Huntington Beach Shuttle Bus
Visit Huntington Beach Relaunches Complimentary Shuttle Program with New Routes and Special Event Service
Huntington Beach
The Pacific Coast Highway goes right through Huntington Beach, otherwise known as Surf City USA and a busy beach resort town between Los Angeles and San Diego.