Climate & Weather
How Elevation Affects Weather: A Complete Guide
Discover the fascinating relationship between elevation and weather patterns.
Elevation of Los Angeles, California
87 meters elevation
Sea Level (0m)Mount Everest (8,848m)
-0.6°C
Temperature Drop
100.3kPa
Air Pressure
99.0%
Oxygen Level
Quick Facts
Elevation87 meters
Everest Comparison1.0% of Everest
Altitude Risk✅ Low RiskBelow altitude sickness threshold
RegionCalifornia
Highest PointMount Lukens (1547 meters)
Notable Landmarks
Griffith Observatory
346 meterselevation
Hollywood Sign
451 meterselevation
Getty Center
268 meterselevation
Dodger Stadium
152 meterselevation
Venice Beach Boardwalk
3 meterselevation
Geographic Features
Los Angeles spans a remarkably diverse topographical range, from coastal plains to mountain peaks. The city is situated in the Los Angeles Basin, a coastal sediment-filled plain surrounded by the San Gabriel Mountains to the north, the Santa Monica Mountains to the west, the Puente Hills to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. This basin is intersected by the Los Angeles River and numerous smaller watersheds. The Santa Monica Mountains effectively divide the city into distinct valleys, including the San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin proper, creating distinct microclimates and development patterns.
Climate Impact
The varying elevations across Los Angeles create distinct climate zones within the city. The basin configuration, combined with the Pacific Ocean influence, creates an inversion layer that can trap air pollutants. Higher elevation areas, particularly in the Hollywood Hills and Angeles National Forest, experience cooler temperatures and greater precipitation than the basin floor. Coastal areas benefit from cooling sea breezes, while inland valleys at slightly higher elevations can be significantly warmer. The urban heat island effect is most pronounced in the lower-elevation areas of the basin, where temperatures can be up to 5°C higher than surrounding hills.
Historical Context
The city's development pattern has been significantly shaped by its topography. Early settlements concentrated in the flatter, lower-elevation areas near the Los Angeles River. The advent of railroads and later automobiles allowed development to spread into higher elevation areas, including the Hollywood Hills and San Fernando Valley. The construction of hillside homes, particularly in the early 20th century, required innovative engineering solutions and led to the development of specific building codes for hillside construction. Major infrastructure projects, including the Los Angeles Aqueduct, were designed to work with the region's natural elevation changes for gravity-fed water delivery.
Cities with Similar Elevation
FAQs: Los Angeles's Elevation
What is the elevation of Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has an elevation of 87 meters, which influences its climate and environment.
How does Los Angeles's elevation affect its weather?
The elevation of Los Angeles (87 meters) significantly impacts its local climate, affecting temperature ranges, precipitation patterns, and atmospheric pressure.
What are the highest points near Los Angeles?
The highest point in Los Angeles is Mount Lukens (1547 meters), providing unique perspectives of the surrounding landscape.
