Astra-

If you're looking for weather consistency, Southern California is the way to go over Northern California. From the period of March/April-August, it will not rain or really be cloudy for one day in Southern California. Northern California is quite a bit more variable, but it's still not nearly as up and down as somewhere like East Texas.

As far as the haze is concerned, in the summer months it can get very bad in Long Beach and the entire LA basin. However, that doesn't mean you can't fly. If it's overcast (rarely happens in the summer, but sometimes in the very early morning hours), you can't fly, but haze? Go ahead. It makes it a little more difficult and rather ugly, but it won't put any hindrance on your training.

I did my training as a little bit of both. Sometimes I did multiple hours in one day (usually one to two hours flying, break for 3 hours, then another one to two hours in the air) but I always did multiple lessons a week. If I had to pick an "ideal method" of training, I would probably go with one lesson a day, 5 days a week. Realistically, you could look at getting your certificate in 1 to 2 months.

You might want to fly more than that, or less. You might also get your certificate in 60 hours instead of 40. One of the BIGGEST things about this whole process is that it greatly depends on the individual. If it's taking you longer, don't feel discouraged...that's just part of the game. I can't stress that enough.

There are a couple things to keep in mind when training in the LA area, however. One is the ridiculous cost of living. While Long Beach isn't terribly expensive for a coastal community, it still is a coastal community in California. You're looking at small one bedrooms or studios going for about $1000 a month in a decent part of town. If you're set on California, it doesn't really matter...Northern is actually worse.

Another is the difficulty of learning to fly in LA. It's kind of like learning to drive. The first time most people get in the car, they have the privilege to kind of figure out how on their dad's farm, on a small neighborhood road, or in a big school parking lot. Imagine not having that opportunity, and getting thrown on the congested interstate the first time you ever get behind the wheel. That's flying in LA. That being said, I recommend learning to fly here, because it will make you a better pilot. It may be really hard at first, but in the end you'll be happy because you know how to deal with one of the hardest places in the United States to aviate.

Hope I was of some help, and I'd be happy to answer more of your questions.