Schools are back in session, tourist crowds are easing and the beach is beckoning locals.
Labor Day marks the “unofficial” end of summer, a chance to enjoy the last bit of warm weather before the days start to cool and the season turns.
Conditions will be mildly warm and pleasant through the weekend at the shore, with each day gradually warming, said National Weather Service meteorologist Chandler Price.
“If you’re going to pick any day of the weekend to escape to the beach, I think Monday would be the day,” he said, calling it a “mild heatwave” leading up to Labor Day.
Inland temps will be in the low to mid 80s to kick off the weekend, increasing to high 80s by and into the 90s by Sunday and Monday. Beaches will stay between the mid-to-high 70s each day, Price said.
“It’s going to be a mild heatwave, but we’re not looking at any significant weather,” Price said, noting beachgoers should still remember to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen.
The days will start with patchy coastal clouds, but those should burn off mid-morning, he said.
The weekend will also feel a bit muggy from monsoonal moisture coming in from the desert region and Baja, California. There’s no significant storms expected, but a 10% chance of rain in the mountain region, Price said.
“It’s a moisture that has nowhere to go, the only impact is going to be muggier, less comfortable conditions,” he said.
Mountain regions will also have mild and pleasant weather, with Big Bear seeing temps in the mid-to-upper 70s through the holiday.
Surf will be mild as well, with small waves expected to start the weekend and a slight bump to the 2- to 4-feet range on Saturday through Monday, but nothing drastic, Price said.
Los Angeles area meteorologist Bryan Lewis called the weekend’s weather “pretty average.”
In the South Bay, Hermosa Beach for example will reach the low to mid 70s, while in the valley it will be a bit warmer into the high 80s.
“It looks pretty benign, it’s a pretty nice weekend for the holiday,” he said.
Wind will be stronger in the outer waters compared to the inner ocean areas, where it will be calm, Lewis said.
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways sent out a reminder for boaters, whether in the ocean or a lake, to remember safety tips for the holiday weekend, a popular time for recreational boating.
“Safety should always be a top priority when boating,” said Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez, in a news release. “Remember to wear your life jacket, observe waterway rules, and be mindful of other boaters. Responsible boating practices help ensure everyone can enjoy their Labor Day weekend while staying safe and having fun.”
You can hit any one of the beaches up and down the coast. Or here are a few places with special holiday weekend plans.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has a full lineup planned, starting Friday, Aug. 30, and continuing through Monday, Sept. 2, with live entertainment and tribute bands, family-fun activities, food trucks and aquatic adventures.
A “water wonderland” features extra-large inflatables, including a 17-foot slide, climbable icebergs, monkey bars, bouncers and more – cost is $20 for visitors, find out more online at newportdunes.com. Additional water activities include pedal boats, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and 21-foot electric Duffy boats that can be rented.
Tunes at the Dunes throughout the weekend will feature free concerts, featuring performers ranging from Huntington Beach musician David Rosales to Journey and Jimmy Buffet tribute bands.
Head to Hermosa Beach to check out the California Beach Volley Association tournament on the north side of the pier.
The two-day, co-ed event kicks off Saturday and attracts players of all ages to compete, find more information at cbva.com.
Those looking to avoid beach crowds might enjoy Big Bear’s Lakefest, a weekend filled with events up in the mountains.
There will be paddle and swim races and live entertainment throughout the weekend at the family-friendly event at Swim Beach.
There’s also a Music in the Mountain series for nighttime tunes under the stars; it is featuring Petty Party, a tribute to Tom Petty, and Gypsy Dream, a tribute to Fleetwood Mac.
On Sunday evening, there will be a drone show and a Boat Parade of Lights launching from the Pineknot Marina. Find more information at bigbear.com/events/big-bear-lakefest.
