Cheapest and Most Expensive Times To Visit California
Searching for the cheapest and most expensive times to visit California? This guide has you covered and will help you plan when to visit based on your travel budget.
Most Expensive Time to Visit California
The most expensive time to visit California is during the summer and around major holidays, when travelers flock to cities, beaches, and national parks.
Summer (June to August)
Warm weather and school vacations drive peak travel.
- Hotels in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco are at their highest rates.
- Beaches, Disneyland, Yosemite, and coastal highways are packed.
Christmas & New Year (Late December to Early January)
California shines during the holidays, from Christmas lights in Los Angeles to New Year’s Eve in San Francisco.
- Hotels and flights rise sharply in price.
- Attractions like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo are especially busy.
Spring Break (March to April)
Families and college students crowd California’s beaches and theme parks.
- Hotels along the coast and in major cities see steep price increases.
- San Diego beaches, LA’s Hollywood attractions, and San Francisco’s Golden Gate area are bustling.
Holiday Weekends (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)
Short getaways drive prices up.
- Hotels and vacation rentals in coastal areas sell out quickly.
- National and state parks across California are heavily visited.
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Cheapest Time to Visit California
The cheapest time to visit California is during the cooler months and shoulder seasons, when fewer tourists visit and rates are lower.
Winter (January to February, excluding holidays)
Tourism slows outside ski regions and holidays.
- Hotels in are at their cheapest, unless near ski resorts.
- Attractions like museums, city tours, and coastal walks are quieter.
Late Fall (October to Early December, before holidays)
This shoulder season offers mild weather and lower prices.
- Hotels across the state provide discounts.
- A great time to enjoy wine country, hiking, and city sightseeing.
Early Spring (February to Early March, before Spring Break)
A short shoulder period with fewer crowds.
- Hotels and flights are cheaper than in April.
- Parks and coastal towns are peaceful and budget-friendly.
Best Time to Visit California On a Budget
The best time to visit California if you’re on a budget is during shoulder seasons, when the weather is still pleasant but prices are lower than peak months.
Late January to Early March
- Affordable flights and hotels in San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
- Comfortable weather for city exploring, hiking, and coastal drives.
October to Early December
- Post-summer lull means fewer tourists and cheaper accommodations.
- Perfect for visiting beaches, wine regions, and California’s big cities without the crowds.
Price Summary Table for California Travel
| Time Period | Price Level | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June – Aug (Summer) | 💲💲💲 Highest | Peak travel season, beaches & theme parks |
| Late Dec – Early Jan | 💲💲💲 Very High | Christmas & New Year, major holiday events |
| March – April (Spring Break) | 💲💲💲 High | Family travel, crowded beaches & attractions |
| Holiday Weekends (May–Sept) | 💲💲💲 High | Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day travel |
| Jan – Feb (excl. holidays) | 💲 Lowest | Winter lull, cheapest hotels & flights |
| Oct – Early Dec | 💲 Low | Shoulder season, affordable accommodations |
| Feb – Early March | 💲 Low–Mid | Pre-Spring Break shoulder, budget-friendly |
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