Best time to visit Santa Monica and Shutters on the Beach — month by month
The best time to visit Santa Monica and stay at Shutters on the Beach depends on what you want: for reliably warm, sunny beach days aim for late July through September; for lower hotel rates and fewer tourists consider December through February despite higher rain chances. Shoulder seasons (March–May and October–November) balance milder weather and smaller crowds, while June can feature morning overcast (‘June Gloom’) before clearing later in the day.
In this guide
Month-by-month summary
This quick month-by-month guide highlights typical weather, crowd levels, and what to expect at Shutters on the Beach and on Santa Monica State Beach.
Weather patterns and tourism vary; Santa Monica’s warm season runs roughly July 5–October 11, while the wetter season is late November–late March.
- January–February: Cooler, wetter, lower hotel rates, fewer beach days; good for quieter stays and museum daytrips.
- March–May: Milder temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, good for walking the pier and bike rides along the strand.
- June: Often affected by “June Gloom” — overcast mornings that typically clear in the afternoon; pool and beach access are available.
- July–September: Warmest and clearest stretch; best for full beach days and outdoor dining but expect higher hotel demand.
- October–November: Warm fall weather, lower chance of rain, and lighter crowds than peak summer — a strong shoulder-season choice.
- December: Cooler with increased rain chance and lower rates; quieter hotel and holiday activity in town.
| Months | Typical weather | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jan–Feb | Cooler, some rain | Budget stays, quiet attractions |
| Jun–Sep | Warm, mostly clear (after June Gloom) | Beach days, pool, outdoor dining |
| Oct–Nov | Mild, lower crowds | Walking, late-season ocean views |
Winter (Dec–Feb): quieter, more affordable
December through February are the most affordable months to visit Santa Monica, with lower hotel rates and quieter streets, though rainfall is more likely during this period. If you prioritize lower prices and indoor activities (museums, spa, restaurants) this is a sensible time.
Shutters on the Beach remains open year-round and offers indoor options like ONE Spa, The Living Room lounge, and 1 Pico for dinner and weekend brunch; some outdoor features (pool/cabanas) may be less appealing on cooler or rainy days.
- Pros: lower rates, fewer tourists, easier restaurant reservations
- Cons: higher chance of rain, fewer guaranteed beach days
- Good for: spa treatments, museum daytrips (Getty Villa/Center), peaceful hotel experience
| Hotel services | Typical availability |
|---|---|
| ONE Spa | Open Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM |
| 1 Pico (dinner + weekend brunch) | Dinner Thu–Mon; brunch Sat–Sun 11:00 AM–3:00 PM |
| Fitness Center | Open 24 hours |
Spring (Mar–May): mild weather and fewer crowds
Spring brings milder temperatures and fewer visitors than peak summer. This is a good window for cycling the 22-mile oceanfront bike path, strolling the Third Street Promenade, and enjoying outdoor dining before the summer rush.
Hotel facilities — heated ocean-view pool, ONE Spa, Coast Beach Café & Bar, and The Living Room — are available; reservations for 1 Pico are easier than in summer but recommended for weekend brunch or dinner.
- Pros: pleasant daytime temps, lighter crowds, good value compared with summer
- Cons: occasional cooler or overcast days
- Good for: biking, pier visits, family-friendly outings (Heal the Bay Aquarium, Clayton Children's Museum)
| Activity | Why spring is good |
|---|---|
| Biking | Seasonal complimentary bike rentals via Beach Concierge; milder temps |
| Sightseeing | Short walks to Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade with fewer people |
| Dining | Easier reservations at 1 Pico and Coast |
Summer (Jun–Aug): beach season — expect June Gloom then sun
Early summer often brings local 'June Gloom' overcast mornings that usually clear by afternoon; from late July through September the warm season produces the most reliable sunny beach weather. These months are the busiest for Santa Monica and for Shutters on the Beach guests wanting full beach days and pool time.
Plan ahead: book 1 Pico reservations for dinner or weekend brunch, reserve cabanas if desired (cabanas may have a surcharge), and arrive early for pool seating since it’s first-come-first-served and reserved for registered guests.
- Pros: best beach and pool weather, longest daylight, live music and terrace dining in evenings
- Cons: highest hotel demand and crowds, earlier bookings required for restaurants and any cabanas
- Good for: families wanting seaside activities, outdoor fitness classes and bike rides along the strand
| Tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Book 1 Pico early | Dinner and weekend brunch are busy—reservations recommended |
| Expect higher occupancy | Plan transport and parking ahead (valet parking details vary) |
| Arrive early at the pool | Seating is first-come-first-served and for registered guests only |
Fall (Sep–Nov): warm weather with fewer crowds
September through November often offers warm daytime highs similar to summer but with fewer visitors and a lower chance of rain; this is one of the best shoulder-season windows for balancing weather and crowd size. Late September and October can be especially pleasant for extended beach time and dining outdoors.
Shutters on the Beach remains an active hub: Coast Beach Café & Bar runs extended hours and may host summer/fall terrace offerings; The Living Room provides ocean-view lounge seating for late-afternoon drinks.
- Pros: warm days, thinner crowds, easier access to restaurants and local attractions
- Cons: fewer late-night entertainment options than midsummer events (varies by season)
- Good for: couples and travelers who want reliable beach weather without peak-season congestion
| Ideal for | Why fall works |
|---|---|
| Outdoor dining | Milder evenings, easier restaurant reservations than peak summer |
| Beach and Pier walks | Warm days and shorter lines at popular spots |
| Day trips | Comfortable drives to Getty Villa, Malibu |
Planning and practical tips for any month
Shutters on the Beach is located at 1 Pico Blvd, directly on Santa Monica State Beach and about a 5-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier. Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 12:00 PM (noon); the reservation holder must be at least 18 years old and present a matching photo ID and credit card.
Facilities and services to note year-round: a heated ocean-view outdoor pool with a whirlpool, ONE Spa (open Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM), a 24-hour fitness center, seasonal complimentary bike rentals arranged by the Beach Concierge, and three on-site dining venues (1 Pico, Coast Beach Café & Bar, The Living Room).
- Pool: outdoor heated pool with Pacific Ocean views; seating for registered guests only and hours reported as roughly 7:00 AM–8:00 PM on some listings
- Spa: ONE Spa available to guests and outside visitors, Tue–Sun 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Transport & parking: overnight valet parking and an on-site EV charging station; shuttle and public transit options vary
| Contact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Hotel address | 1 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405 |
| BookResorts phone (agent help) | +1 (888) 605-1350 |
| Nearby | Santa Monica Pier ~5-minute walk; Third Street Promenade ~10-minute walk |
Room picks by season
If your priority is ocean views and easy beach access during sunny months, consider booking a Room, Oceanfront or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront for direct beach-facing balconies. For smaller parties who want a mix of view and value, Room, 1 King Bed, Partial Ocean View and Room, Ocean View are practical options.
Families can use connecting-room options and suites like Suite, with Sofa bed (One-Bedroom Suite) or Suite, Ocean View to add sleeping space and separate living areas. Confirm specific bedding and occupancy when booking.
- Summer: Room, Oceanfront or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront for full ocean views
- Fall/Spring: Room, Ocean View or Room, 1 King Bed, Partial Ocean View balance view and value
- Families: Suite, with Sofa bed (One-Bedroom Suite) or Suite, Ocean View for extra sleeping space
| Room type | When to choose |
|---|---|
| Room, Oceanfront | Best in summer/fall for direct beach and balcony views |
| Suite, 1 Bedroom, Oceanfront | Good for small groups wanting living space + balcony |
| Studio, with Sofa bed | Useful for couples or small families needing a sofa bed |
