Compare
Los Angeles vs Miami: which is better, and when to go
Los Angeles is at its best in September and Miami in March. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Los Angeles and Miami
At a glance
| Los Angeles | Miami | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | September (10/10) | March (8/10) |
| Warmest month | August, 26°C | July, 31°C |
| Coolest month | February, 19°C | January, 23°C |
| Quietest month | January (Low) | September (Very low) |
| Busiest month | July (High) | March (Very high) |
| Cheapest month | January ($$) | September ($) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Los Angeles for
- a gentler warmest month (August highs around 26°C, against 31°C)
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Choose Miami for
- a milder coolest month (January highs around 23°C, against 19°C)
- lower prices across the year on average
Little difference between them in: crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Los Angeles | Miami | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C · Low · $$ | 23°C · High · $$$ | Los Angeles |
| February | 19°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | 24°C · Very high · $$$$ | Los Angeles |
| March | 20°C · Moderate · $$$ | 25°C · Very high · $$$$ | Close |
| April | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | 26°C · High · $$$ | Los Angeles |
| May | 21°C · Moderate · $$$ | 28°C · Moderate · $$ | Los Angeles |
| June | 23°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | 30°C · Low · $ | Los Angeles |
| July | 25°C · High · $$$$ | 31°C · Low · $ | Los Angeles |
| August | 26°C · High · $$$$ | 31°C · Low · $ | Los Angeles |
| September | 26°C · Moderate · $$$ | 31°C · Very low · $ | Los Angeles |
| October | 25°C · Moderate · $$$ | 29°C · Low · $ | Los Angeles |
| November | 22°C · Low-Moderate · $$$ | 26°C · Moderate · $$ | Los Angeles |
| December | 20°C · Moderate-High · $$$$ | 24°C · High · $$$$ | Close |
FAQ
Los Angeles or Miami?
Is Los Angeles or Miami better?
It depends on when you go. Los Angeles is at its best in September and Miami in March. The month-by-month table shows which city comes out ahead in each month.
When is the best time to visit Los Angeles and Miami?
Los Angeles: September. Miami: March–April.
Which is cheaper, Los Angeles or Miami?
Miami is cheaper on average across the year.
More comparisons