If you’ve lived in Los Angeles for more than a week, you already know: this city has its own rhythm. Traffic has a pattern. Neighborhoods have their own micro‑climates. And yes, there are better and worse times to move here.
I’ve helped a lot of people move across LA and the Valley — from Downtown to Los Angeles, CA, up to Woodland Hills and out toward the beach — and I can tell you: when you move matters almost as much as how you move.
Let’s walk through the best months to move in Los Angeles, what to avoid, and how to plan it so your move feels manageable instead of miserable.
How LA’s Climate Really Affects Your Move
LA doesn't do "four proper seasons," but it absolutely has weather patterns that impact moving day.
- Summer Heat: Moving a sofa up three flights of stairs in 100°F Valley heat is brutal on you, the crew, and your furniture.
- Winter Rain: January and February storms can turn loading ramps into slip-and-slides.
- The "June Gloom" & "May Gray": Great for keeping temperatures down, but summer demand starts spiking.
When I plan moves with United Prime Van Lines, I'm looking at the calendar and the forecast, because timing in LA is everything.
Month-By-Month: The Honest Breakdown
Let’s break the year down the way I’d explain it to a friend asking, “Hey, when should I actually move?”
The "Sweet Spot" Months: April, May, September, October
If I had to circle the absolute best times to move in LA, these four months win every time.
- Why they work: The weather is dry and pleasantly warm. You avoid the intense summer heat of the Valley and the unpredictable winter rain.
- The Perks: Movers aren't booked solid yet (or are cooling off from the summer rush), meaning you get better rates and flexible scheduling.
- The Catch: Late May starts to get busy with college graduations and families moving as soon as the school year ends. Book early.
The "Budget" Months: November, January, February, March
If you are looking to save money and negotiate better rental rates, winter is your friend.
- Why they work: Demand drops significantly. Landlords offer move-in specials, and movers have wide-open schedules at off-peak rates (often 10-25% cheaper than summer).
- The Perks: A much calmer, less competitive moving experience.
- The Catch: Rain. LA winter storms are unpredictable. Also, try to avoid moving the actual weeks of Thanksgiving or Christmas, as holiday traffic is a nightmare.
The "Hard Mode" Months: June, July, August
Let’s be honest—you can move in the summer, and we do it all the time. But if you have flexibility, avoid it.
- The Reality: The Valley (Woodland Hills, Northridge, Reseda) routinely hits triple digits. Moving in 105°F heat is physically exhausting.
- The Demand: This is peak season. Everyone is moving. Trucks book out weeks in advance, and prices hit their yearly peak.
- The Fix: If you must move in July or August, schedule your movers for 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM to beat the worst of the heat and the midday traffic.
Timing the Day and Week
Once you pick a month, the next big decision is the specific day and time.
Day of the Week:
- Best: Tuesday through Thursday. You usually get cheaper rates, easier street parking, and far less competition for building elevators.
- Avoid: Weekends (highest demand) and the very last 2-3 days of the month (lease turnover chaos).
Time of Day:
- Early Morning (7 AM - 9 AM): The absolute best time. It’s cool, and we get the truck on the road before the midday traffic starts.
- Avoid Afternoon Starts: Starting a move at 3 PM means you will hit the brutal LA evening rush hour with a fully loaded truck.
The Verdict: Setting Yourself Up for Success
To pull it all together:
- Best overall months: April, May, September, October.
- Best for budget: November, January, February.
- Watch out for: Peak heat and peak prices in July and August.
The "best month" is ultimately the one that fits your real life—your job, your lease, your family, and your budget—combined with smart planning for LA’s quirks.
If you want help turning that mix into a realistic plan, that’s exactly what my team at United Prime Van Lines does every day. We listen, we look at the calendar with you, and we build a move that feels as easy as Los Angeles will allow.
