Destination
When should you visit San Francisco?
San Francisco does not follow the usual summer pattern. June to August is often cool and foggy, especially near the ocean and the Golden Gate, while September and October bring the warmest, clearest days of the year. Winter is mild but rainy. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September–October
September and October are the warmest and sunniest months in San Francisco, with less fog than summer and fewer summer tourists. October adds Fleet Week and free concerts in Golden Gate Park.
Best weather
September–October
Warm, clear days with the least fog.
Best value
November–February
Lower hotel rates outside conferences and holidays.
Best for events
October
Fleet Week and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.
Least crowded
January–February
Quieter, but the rainiest stretch.
September scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Summer fog
- Cool, gray days are common near the coast. Bring a warm layer, even in July.
- Conferences
- Big conventions can push downtown hotel prices up sharply. Check the city's events calendar before you book.
- Rainy season
- Most of the year's rain falls in these months, usually in storms that pass within a day or two.
June–August
Year-round
November–March
San Francisco travel tip
Dress in layers every month. Fog can roll in over the Golden Gate in minutes, and the Mission can be sunny while the Richmond is gray. Plan the bridge and the coast for mornings that look clear, and keep museums for foggy afternoons.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 8–14°C
- Cool and mild, with rainy spells.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet after the holidays.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value outside conferences.
Pack a rain jacket and plan indoor backups.
- Museums
- Food
- Temperature
- 9–16°C
- Cool, with rain and clear spells.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Fairly quiet.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Find a spot on the parade route early.
- Events
- Food
- Temperature
- 9–17°C
- Mild, with fewer storms.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
Walk the Lands End trail on a clear day.
- Hiking
- Parks
- Temperature
- 10–17°C
- Mild and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, building toward summer.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range rates.
Book Alcatraz tickets a few weeks ahead.
- Walking
- Food
- Temperature
- 11–18°C
- Mild and dry, with some fog.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busier.
- Prices
- $$$
- Rates rise toward summer.
Expect road closures on Bay to Breakers day.
- Events
- Walking
- Temperature
- 12–19°C
- Cool and often foggy near the coast.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy with summer visitors.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High summer rates.
Book hotels early for Pride weekend.
- Events
- Nightlife
- Temperature
- 12–19°C
- Cool and foggy, especially near the ocean.
- Crowds
- High
- Peak summer crowds.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates.
Bring a warm jacket for the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Museums
- Food
- Temperature
- 13–20°C
- Cool and foggy, with some sunny inland days.
- Crowds
- High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$$
- High rates, especially on festival weekend.
Head inland to the Mission for warmer afternoons.
- Music
- Parks
- Temperature
- 13–21°C
- Warm, sunny and the clearest month.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Fairly busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high, depending on conferences.
Walk the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear morning.
- Views
- Walking
- Temperature
- 12–21°C
- Warm and mostly dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Moderate, busier on event weekends.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-range, higher on event weekends.
Watch the Fleet Week air show from the Marina Green.
- Events
- Views
- Temperature
- 10–18°C
- Mild, with the first rains.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Visit early in the month for drier days.
- Food
- Museums
- Temperature
- 8–14°C
- Cool and rainy.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quiet, apart from the holidays.
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
Keep a museum day free for the rain.
- Holidays
- Food
Climate
San Francisco weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 112 mm | 11 |
| February | 16°C / 61°F | 9°C / 48°F | 111 mm | 11 |
| March | 17°C / 63°F | 9°C / 48°F | 80 mm | 11 |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 41 mm | 7 |
| May | 18°C / 64°F | 11°C / 52°F | 18 mm | 4 |
| June | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 5 mm | 2 |
| July | 19°C / 66°F | 12°C / 54°F | 0 mm | 1 |
| August | 20°C / 68°F | 13°C / 55°F | 2 mm | 1 |
| September | 21°C / 70°F | 13°C / 55°F | 3 mm | 1 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F | 24 mm | 4 |
| November | 18°C / 64°F | 10°C / 50°F | 66 mm | 8 |
| December | 14°C / 57°F | 8°C / 46°F | 121 mm | 12 |
Climate data: NOAA (downtown San Francisco, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
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FAQ
Planning a trip to San Francisco
What is the best month to visit San Francisco?
September and October are usually the warmest and clearest, with less fog than summer.
Is San Francisco cold in summer?
Often, yes. Fog keeps many summer days cool near the ocean and the bay, so pack a jacket.