Weather ยท Month by month
San Francisco weather by month
Average highs, lows and rainfall for every month in San Francisco, plus what the fog means for your trip and what to pack in each season.
San Francisco weather at a glance
- Warmest months September and October, average highs near 70ยฐF
- Coolest months December and January, average highs near 58ยฐF
- Rainy season November to March
- Driest months June to September
- Summer fog Common from June to August, especially near the ocean
- Pack Layers and a windproof jacket all year
In this guide
San Francisco has a mild climate with small swings in temperature. Average highs downtown stay between the upper 50s and about 70ยฐF all year. The surprise for many visitors is summer. Fog and wind off the ocean keep June, July and August cool, while September and October are usually the warmest months.
The averages below are the official NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals for the San Francisco Downtown station. Conditions change a lot across the city. The western neighborhoods near Ocean Beach are often cooler and foggier than the Mission or downtown on the same day.
Average temperatures and rainfall by month
| Month | Average high | Average low | Average rain | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58ยฐF | 47ยฐF | 4.4 in | 8 |
| February | 60ยฐF | 48ยฐF | 4.4 in | 8 |
| March | 62ยฐF | 49ยฐF | 3.2 in | 7 |
| April | 63ยฐF | 50ยฐF | 1.6 in | 4 |
| May | 64ยฐF | 51ยฐF | 0.7 in | 2 |
| June | 67ยฐF | 53ยฐF | 0.2 in | 1 |
| July | 66ยฐF | 54ยฐF | Trace | 0 |
| August | 68ยฐF | 56ยฐF | 0.1 in | 0 |
| September | 70ยฐF | 56ยฐF | 0.1 in | 0 |
| October | 70ยฐF | 54ยฐF | 0.9 in | 2 |
| November | 64ยฐF | 51ยฐF | 2.6 in | 5 |
| December | 58ยฐF | 47ยฐF | 4.8 in | 8 |
Rainy days are days with at least 0.1 inch of rain. The city gets about 23 inches of rain in an average year.
Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, 1991 to 2020 normals, San Francisco Downtown.
Winter: December to February
Winter is cool and is the wettest time of year. Storms come and go, with clear, crisp days in between. Highs are usually in the upper 50s and low 60s. Hills turn green, crowds are smaller and hotels can be cheaper outside the holidays. Bring a rain jacket and shoes that can handle wet sidewalks.
Spring: March to May
Rain tapers off through spring. April and May bring mild days in the low to mid 60s, wildflowers in the parks and afternoon wind near the water. It is a good season for walking and hiking.
Summer: June to August
Summer is dry, with almost no rain, but it is often cool. Marine fog rolls in from the ocean, especially in the mornings and evenings, and it can cover the Golden Gate Bridge for hours. The western and northern edges of the city get the most fog. Inland neighborhoods such as the Mission are often sunnier.
Tourists in shorts buying sweatshirts at Fisherman’s Wharf is a San Francisco summer tradition. Pack a warm layer and you can skip it.
Fall: September to November
Fall is the best weather of the year. September and October often bring clear skies, little fog and the warmest days. Rain usually returns in November. Fall is also busy with festivals. See the San Francisco events guide.
What to pack
- A windproof jacket and a sweater or fleece, in every month
- Layers you can add and remove as you move between neighborhoods
- Comfortable shoes with grip for the hills
- A compact umbrella or rain jacket from November to March
- Sunscreen, since UV is strong even on cool days
Frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month in San Francisco?
September, with an average high of about 70ยฐF downtown. October is close behind.
Why is San Francisco cold in summer?
Cold ocean water and inland heat pull marine fog and wind through the Golden Gate, keeping summer days cool near the coast.
When is the rainy season in San Francisco?
Most rain falls from November through March. Summer is almost completely dry.
What is the best time to visit San Francisco for weather?
September and October usually have the warmest, clearest days.
More guides
- San Francisco visitors guide
- Rainy day things to do
- San Francisco events
- Outdoor activities in San Francisco
- Best views in San Francisco
- Best time to visit San Francisco
- What to pack for San Francisco
Photo credits
Featured image: Frank Schulenburg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.