March sits between the wet winter and the dry season. Rain is still common early in the month and tapers off toward April. Daylight saving time starts on the second Sunday of March, so evenings suddenly feel longer.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco weather by month hub. For trip planning, see the San Francisco visitors guide.
March averages, San Francisco Downtown
- Average high 62°F
- Average low 49°F
- Average rainfall 3.2 inches
- Rainy days 7 (days with at least 0.1 inch)
- Source NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals
What the weather is like
Spring is often windy. Gardens in Golden Gate Park start to bloom, and the Japanese Tea Garden is a good bet on a mild afternoon. Temperatures stay cool, with highs around the low 60s.
These averages come from the downtown station. Neighborhoods near Ocean Beach are often cooler and grayer, and the Mission and SoMa are often warmer. In March the station records about 7 days with measurable rain in an average year.
What to pack
Layers work best: a T-shirt, a sweater and a light rain shell. Keep the shell even on sunny mornings, because showers can still blow in. Our San Francisco packing list covers the basics for every season.
What is on in March
St. Patrick’s Day brings a parade downtown, and the Lunar New Year parade sometimes lands in early March. See San Francisco events in March for dates and details.
Planning around the weather
Compare March with the months either side: February and April. If you are still choosing dates, read the best time to visit San Francisco.
Official resources: NOAA U.S. climate normals, National Weather Service Bay Area forecast.
Frequently asked questions
How warm is San Francisco in March?
The average high at the downtown station is 62°F and the average low is 49°F.
Is March still rainy in San Francisco?
Yes, March averages about 3 inches of rain over roughly seven rainy days, less than in winter.
Photo credits
Featured image: Ana Raquel S. Hernandes from Sao Paulo, Brazil / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0.