Best months
April, September, and October
Warmest month
September, 21°C
Wettest month
December, 119 mm
San Francisco weather by month
Average daily high and low, total rainfall and days with at least 2.5 mm of rain.
| Month | High / low | Rain | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15°C / 9°C | 94 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| February | 16°C / 9°C | 89 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| March | 16°C / 9°C | 86 mm · 7 days | Fair |
| April | 17°C / 10°C | 38 mm · 4 days | Good |
| May | 18°C / 11°C | 12 mm · 1 day | Good |
| June | 19°C / 12°C | 4 mm · 0 days | Good |
| July | 19°C / 13°C | 1 mm · 0 days | Good |
| August | 20°C / 13°C | 0 mm · 0 days | Good |
| September | 21°C / 14°C | 3 mm · 0 days | Great |
| October | 21°C / 13°C | 29 mm · 2 days | Great |
| November | 18°C / 11°C | 55 mm · 4 days | Good |
| December | 14°C / 9°C | 119 mm · 8 days | Fair |
San Francisco by season
Spring
Spring brings milder temperatures, blooming flowers in Golden Gate Park, and fewer crowds than summer. The famous fog is less persistent, offering clearer days.
- + Pleasant, mild weather
- + Wildflowers bloom
- + Less crowded than summer
- − Can still be unpredictable and windy
- − Not the warmest for beach days
Summer
Contrary to most places, summer is often cool and foggy in San Francisco, especially in western neighborhoods. This is peak tourist season.
- + Longer daylight hours
- + Major festivals and events
- + Warmest weather (though still mild)
- − Dense fog, particularly in the afternoons
- − Highest hotel prices and biggest crowds
Autumn
Widely considered the best time to visit. The fog recedes, temperatures are warm and sunny, and the summer crowds have thinned. This is 'Indian Summer.'
- + Warm, sunny, clear days
- + Fewer tourists
- + Ideal conditions for outdoor activities
- − Can be very dry
- − Popular time so still book accommodations early
Winter
Winter is the rainy season, but temperatures remain mild compared to the rest of the US. It's the low tourist season and when Dungeness crab is in peak season.
- + Lowest hotel rates
- + Fewest crowds
- + Dungeness crab season
- − Highest chance of rain
- − Shorter days
San Francisco month by month
San Francisco in January
FairIn January, San Francisco averages highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C, with about 7 rainy days and 94 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
San Francisco in February
FairIn February, San Francisco averages highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C, with about 7 rainy days and 89 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
San Francisco in March
FairIn March, San Francisco averages highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C, with about 7 rainy days and 86 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
San Francisco in April
GoodIn April, San Francisco averages highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C, with about 4 rainy days and 38 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in May
GoodIn May, San Francisco averages highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C, with about 1 rainy day and 12 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in June
GoodIn June, San Francisco averages highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C, with about 0 rainy days and 4 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in July
GoodIn July, San Francisco averages highs of 19°C and lows of 13°C, with about 0 rainy days and 1 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in August
GoodIn August, San Francisco averages highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C, with about 0 rainy days and 0 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in September
GreatIn September, San Francisco averages highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C, with about 0 rainy days and 3 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
San Francisco in October
GreatIn October, San Francisco averages highs of 21°C and lows of 13°C, with about 2 rainy days and 29 mm of rain. It is one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
San Francisco in November
GoodIn November, San Francisco averages highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C, with about 4 rainy days and 55 mm of rain. It is a good month to visit.
San Francisco in December
FairIn December, San Francisco averages highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C, with about 8 rainy days and 119 mm of rain. Expect mixed weather, with comfortable spells.
Top tours and experiences in San Francisco
The tours and tickets travellers book most, with ratings and reviews from Viator.
Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
4.34,620 reviews8h
from €150
Check availability
Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
4.94,198 reviews14h
from €217
Check availability
Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco w Pickup
4.43,626 reviews15h
from €183
Check availabilityAll things to do in San Francisco →
Tours and prices from Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Prices change with your dates. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Plan your San Francisco trip
Best time to visit San Francisco: FAQ
What is the best month to visit San Francisco?+
September is the most comfortable month on average, with highs of 21°C. October and April are close behind.
What is the rainiest month in San Francisco?+
December is the wettest month, with about 119 mm of rain.
How hot does San Francisco get?+
September is the warmest month, with average highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. The coldest nights come in January, averaging 9°C.
Averages for 2006–2025 from the SAN FRANCISCO DWTN weather station (1 km from the centre), NOAA Global Historical Climatology Network. Verdicts rate sightseeing comfort from daytime highs and rainy days.