San Diego edges it in October. San Francisco averages 12–21°C with moderate crowds; San Diego 16–24°C with low–moderate crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
San Francisco and San Diego
The verdict for October
Fleet Week and festivals
+Fleet Week and free bluegrass in the park.
–Hotels fill on big weekends.
October is warm and lively, with Fleet Week's air shows and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park.
Warm and easy
+Warm and quiet.
–Hot Santa Ana winds on some days.
October is still warm, with quieter beaches and better rates.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month