LAist senior editor Suzanne Levy argues that Los Angeles does have seasons, but they often feel “confused,” a claim she explores through vivid personal observations of the city’s winter weather.
Seasonal paradox in Los Angeles
Levy notes that winter mornings can feel chilly while the sun blazes hot enough for an iced latte alongside a hot‑chocolate. Outdoor dining coexists with wood‑fire smoke in the evenings, and residents may find themselves half‑in‑the‑sun and half‑in‑the‑shade at the same time.
She points to the sight of maroon‑leaved trees standing next to iconic palm trees as visual proof that “someone picked up all the seasons and threw them up in the air.”
Newcomer confusion
Levy recounts moving to Los Angeles in January after leaving a cold, rainy East Coast. On the first beach visit, a warm day left her five‑year‑old daughter startled by the empty shoreline, prompting the child’s remark, “Mommy, we mustn’t be here, there’s nobody here!”
She compares the experience to UK summers, where windbreaks and brisk breezes are common, and laments the apparent lack of “character‑building” beach walks when temperatures dip below 70 °F.
Indoor temperature anomalies
After a decade in the city, Levy describes winter indoor spaces that feel colder than outside. Thermostats may read 71 °F while her feet feel like “iceblocks,” leading her to wear a puffer coat even beside a heater.
She attributes this to many Los Angeles homes lacking insulation built in the early 20th century, with floors often resting on a “massive hole in the ground.” Despite the chilly interiors, the city avoids harsh wind, ice, and snow that plague places like New York or Chicago.
Looking ahead, the ongoing climate quirks could influence how real‑estate developers market homes, possibly emphasizing upgraded insulation or flexible indoor‑outdoor living spaces. City planners might also consider public awareness campaigns to better prepare newcomers for the local weather’s idiosyncrasies. Additionally, local businesses could capitalize on the mild winter by promoting year‑round outdoor activities and markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Los Angeles winters actually feel cold?
Levy describes the air as cold while the sun remains hot, creating situations where both hot chocolate and iced latte are enjoyed simultaneously.
Why do indoor thermostats seem inaccurate in Los Angeles homes?
Many houses lack insulation installed in the early 1900s, leaving floors over empty ground, which can make indoor spaces feel colder than the thermostat’s reading.
How do newcomers typically react to Los Angeles’s seasonal patterns?
New arrivals may find the mix of warm sunshine and low beach attendance confusing, as illustrated by Levy’s daughter’s reaction to an empty, warm beach.
How has the “confused” nature of Los Angeles seasons affected your daily routine?
