Best Time to Visit San Francisco: Weather & Events

ByCatherine Xu Hours
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Wondering when to pack your bags for San Francisco, the city of the Golden Gate Bridge, hippie culture, and fog named Karl?

Having dated a local for a couple of years, I made trips up to San Francisco at all different times of the year. There are days I wake up to mist so white you can’t see the next building to hanging in Dolores Park under the sun on the same day.

This is a city of microclimates, it can be foggy AF downtown while being sunny and warm just across the bridge in Oakland. It’s wild.

San Francisco’s weather can be a bit of a rollercoaster ride. So, what is the best time to visit San Francisco?

  • Best Season: September to October
  • Peak Season: June to August
  • Off-Peak Season: January to March

Now, let’s peek into the details, including the top events and what each month has in store. Whether you’re planning a day trip to SF or a weekend exploration of everything from Alcatraz Island to Golden Gate Park, these insights will help you choose the best times to go to San Francisco.

the view of the Golden Gate Bridge from Crissy Field at sunset

Best Time to Visit San Francisco

Best Time of Year to Visit

The absolute best time to visit San Francisco is from September to October. The weather is simply unbeatable; you’ll enjoy warm, sunny days with little to no fog, which is a real problem for much of the year. Plus, you dodge the summer tourist rush.

Best Time for Good Weather

For the absolute best weather, again, aim for late September through early October. During this sweet spot, the city has an average temp of 70°F (21°C), with clear skies and minimal fog to cloud your adventures. Shorts and sunglasses are your go-to, perfect for waterfront walks or city explorations.

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

Mid-January to early February is one of the least visited times of the year. This time is post-holiday and before the spring break rush, plus the weather is a little chillier and rainier than people prefer.

Cheapest Time to Visit

If you’re looking to save, the months of January to March offer the cheapest hotel rates. Of course, this is the off-season considered the city’s rainy season. I’ve been here during New Year’s Eve and even with a great rooftop access, the fireworks looked like a lightning storm through the clouds.

Worst Time to Visit San Francisco

It’s crazy to say this, but I think the worst time to go to SF is in the summer, especially July and August. It’s peak tourist season and foggy season all rolled into one.

Ironically, while the rest of the country basks in sunshine, the city rolls in its famous dense fog. Plus, hotel prices are at an all-time high, and you’ll be wrestling through crowds everywhere, from Alcatraz tours to Mission District cafes.

But if events like Pride Month and Outside Lands Music Festival are on your bucket list, then the summer season might be worth it.

The dusk view of Coit Tower overlooking San Francisco

Seasons of San Francisco

Spring (March to May)

Spring in San Francisco comes alive with cherry blossoms, street fairs, and cultural festivals. This is when you’ll see cherry blossoms in Japantown and magnolias at the San Francisco Botanical Garden.

Unpredictable weather patterns can switch from sunny one moment to drizzly the next.

Temperature-wise, keep a light jacket handy. Days can warm up to a comfy 60-70°F (15-21°C), but nights are cooler. Unpredictable weather patterns can switch from sunny one moment to drizzly the next.

Pro tip! Pack layers. San Francisco’s microclimates mean you could be sunbathing in Dolores Park one minute and shivering in the Marina the next.

Key Events:

alcatraz island tour with muir woods

Summer (June to August)

If you’re expecting scorching hot days perfect for sunbathing, well, you’re in for a surprise. Welcome to the land of the endless fog, affectionately known by locals as “Fogust.”

While most of the U.S. is sweating through a heatwave, San Francisco’s summer temps hover around a cool 60-70°F (15-21°C). This phenomenon is thanks to the chilly ocean currents off the Pacific.

And while the mornings might start with a thick blanket of fog, it usually clears by the afternoon, gifting those postcard-perfect views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

But Summer in SF is still festival season! From the flamboyant and fabulous SF Pride Parade in June to the delights at the Gilroy Garlic Festival (okay, that one’s a bit of a drive, but totally worth it for garlic ice cream), there’s something happening every weekend.

Outdoor movies? Check. Shakespeare in the Park? Double check. And for the music lovers, don’t miss out on the Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park.

The best way to enjoy San Francisco summer is by exploring its vibrant neighborhoods. Each one has its unique microclimate. You might need that scarf in the Outer Sunset, but you could be soaking up the sun in Mission Dolores Park.

Key Events:

Many people soaking in the sun at Dolores Park on a sunny day

Fall (September-November)

After the quirky summer SF gets, in fall, the fog lifts, revealing clear days with comfortable temperatures and without the summer crowds. The weather is typically around 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Fall here is buzzing with events still, with the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and Fleet Week. With the harvest season in full swing, restaurants across the city whip out innovative menus. It’s also the perfect time to explore the wineries nearby since a day trip to Napa and Sonoma are just a short drive away.

Key Events:

Food at the Ferry Building in San Francisco

Winter (December-March)

SF’s winter is pretty mild. I remember just wearing a light sweater at all times, as the only things falling here are leaves, not snowflakes. Temperatures hover around 50-60°F (10-15°C).

Rain is commonplace and usually lasts from November through March. This is what makes the hills green and lush come Spring. But if you’re visiting in winter, just bring a raincoat and an umbrella.

Union Square becomes a festive hub with an ice-skating rink and towering Christmas tree. Neighborhoods like the Castro or Hayes Valley sparkle with decorations. Pop-up holiday markets and light installations like the ones at the California Academy of Sciences add that special touch of warmth to the cooler days.

Key Events:

golden gate bridge skyline view during the best time to visit San Francisco in early fall

San Francisco Weather By Month

Here is a month-by-month breakdown of the average high and low temperatures and precipitation in San Francisco:

MonthAverage High (°F)Average Low (°F)Precipitation (Days of Rain)
Jan57468.2
Feb60498.4
Mar63517.5
Apr65533.9
May67542.1
Jun69550.7
Jul70560.1
Aug70570.1
Sep72580.7
Oct70562.6
Nov63526.1
Dec57478.5
(Source: weatherspark.com)

Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?

I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.

MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES

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🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance.

🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures.

Writer

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.