When it's HOT, find more than 100 LA City cooling locations (Recreation & Parks facilities & pools, plus City Public Library branches) that are available for rest and hydration during all regular hours of operation, along with other nearby options using the interactive Cool Spots LA link.
City Public Library Branches are COOL, Too!
The more than 70 LA City Public Library branches around the Los Angeles are all also available for cooling and shelter during extreme heat, for their regular business hours.
Central & regional branches are ALSO Open Sundays, from 1 PM to 5 PM.
Locations: Central (Downtown), Arroyo Seco, Expo Park, Hollywood, Mid-Valley, North Hollywood, Robertson, San Pedro, West LA and West Valley.
The HEAT of summer is lingering now into the fall. Stay prepared for seasonal, often unhealthy heat and even extreme weather during the weeks ahead. Extreme heat can become dangerous -- especially for children, pets, people who work outside, and those with certain health conditions.
Register to receive NotifyLA alerts in the event of extreme weather (heat or otherwise) as well as other emergency situations.
During extended periods of excessive heat, LA City opens dedicated cooling centers and posts their locations and hours of operations here as well as on @ReadyLA social media. These dedicated centers will typically be at LA City Recreation and Parks facilities, which are also available -- whenever they are open -- as shelter from the weather even when no dedicated cooling centers have yet been opened.
Over the most recent (August 2025) extended period of extreme heat, more than 500 Angelenos found shelter at dedicated City cooling centers along with public libraries with extended Sunday hours.
In addition, all branches of the Los Angeles Public Library are available as free, quiet cool spots whenever open.
Other Los Angeles resources listed below supplement as Citywide adverse weather shelters throughout the year.
If you need to seek refuge from the heat or other adverse weather at other times, LA City also offers cooling centers that are open and available during regular hours of operation, unless otherwise noted. The Department on Disability works to provide reasonable accommodation to ensure accessibility and effective communications for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs at cooling centers.
Information regarding City and other nearby adverse weather facilities is available:
By calling 3-1-1 within LA City
By calling the LA City Recreation & Parks' general information line at (213) 202-2700
By calling the LA City Library 's Public Information Office at (213) 228-7555
Facilities in Los Angeles County and neighboring cities also provide heat-related information on their website. Call LA County 2-1-1 or visit the County website for a locations of active cooling centers.
Find other cool public buildings near where you travel, work, or live -- throughout the state.
Simple tips for staying cool
Drink plenty of cool water! Stay hydrated.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing that will keep you cool. Wear sunscreen and a hat for protection.
Check on neighbors who might be vulnerable to the heat, especially those without air conditioning.
Never leave children or pets in a car - not even for one minute. Temperatures inside a car can quickly skyrocket to deadly levels.
If you work or play outside, take frequent breaks to hydrate and cool off in the shade.
Don't forget the pets! Keep pets indoors if possible. If kept outside, give them plenty of water and shade to rest in.
Symptoms of heat-related illness include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst. If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Warmer weather can bring fun, sun, and heat! But, sometimes the heat can become dangerous, especially for children, the elderly, pets, people who work outside, and those with certain health conditions. Staying safe in high heat is important.
Avoiding Heat-Related Illness
High heat can lead to severe health problems. If you experience the following conditions, seek medical attention immediately.
Hydration Stations in LA City
