San Francisco in May
Busy spring
- Temperature
- 11–18°C
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Prices
- $$$
+Dry, mild weather.
–Fog starts to return.
May is dry and mild, and the Bay to Breakers race fills the streets in mid-May.
San Francisco vs San Diego in May
San Diego edges it in May. San Francisco averages 11–18°C with moderate–high crowds; San Diego 16–21°C with moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
San Francisco and San Diego
The verdict for May
- WeatherVery similar7/10 vs 7/10
- CrowdsSan Diego is quieterModerate–High vs Moderate
- PricesVery similar$$$ vs $$$
- OverallSan Diego comes out ahead6/10 vs 6.5/10
San Diego in May
May Gray mornings
- Temperature
- 16–21°C
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$$
+Mild days.
–Gray mornings on the coast.
May often starts gray on the coast, with sun later in the day.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month