Contrary to popular and incorrect belief, yes, Los Angeles does experience a form of winter, people. Although we may not receive snow, hail, tornadoes and other extreme natural temperatures changes that the rest of the nation experiences; as a Los Angeles local I can tell you that you do have to be prepared for the cold because it will subtly sneak up on you during the winter months.
California is quite a unique place, yet most people are unaware of this. The Golden State stands apart from other parts of the United States because it is a desert and has one of world’s biggest oceans, the Pacific, at its back. Because of the ocean breeze and desert environment on land, it gets really chilly here. Not very cold though, but you will find that the chilly night can be equally uncomfortable. This chilly temperature mostly occurs at night and might not even be classified as cold when you talk to someone from the east coast, but you still have to be prepared. Here are a couple tips to help you avoid letting the cold get you down from a local who has lived in southern California for the majority of his adult and adolescence life.
For starters, you’re going to need a windbreaker. While it might not get very cold at night (the worse you’ll experience is low 40's), the wind factor will make it feel as though its low 30’s degree Farenheit. That’s why its important to have a windbreaker above all else, because even if you don't have the heaviest coat in the world, you can still last for a prolonged period of time against the chill before you probably need to get something heavier.
Secondly, I know that Californian’s are stigmatized as only owning Vans and flip flops as their singular form of footwear. But that’s not gonna cut it brah, sorry. When winter hits, especially as it has in the past few years, you're going to need some Timbaland’s or Clarks (paired with some thick socks!) to maintain feeling in your feet.
Thirdly, when exercising (go you!) outdoors it is highly advisable that you wear two shirts. Yes I said two shirts. At least in my own personal experience when I’m working out near the beach or further from there it is always either the ocean breeze or desert winds that rip through my layers and make me shiver; hence making the workout unpleasant. If you have a lot of body fat, this tip might not be applicable and more power to you for being able to resist the cold; but for everyone else who doesn’t have body fat to warm them up, like me, layer up.
Fourthly, wear a hat. Doesn't matter if its a snapback or brimmed hat, and certainly doesn't have to be a traditional “winter hat." As long as it keeps the top of your head warm, then you’ve accomplished your goal of not freezing over. You don't need to go out and buy a big wool hat with ear flaps, but just get something more common and less heavy that you could potentially borrow and lug around on your noggin.
