January is the middle of the rainy season. Storms move through in waves, and between them you often get cold, clear days with sharp views of the bay. It is a quiet month for tourism after the holidays, which can mean lower hotel prices.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco weather by month hub. For trip planning, see the San Francisco visitors guide.
January averages, San Francisco Downtown
- Average high 58°F
- Average low 47°F
- Average rainfall 4.4 inches
- Rainy days 8 (days with at least 0.1 inch)
- Source NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals
What the weather is like
Rain tends to arrive in bursts. A wet week can be followed by several dry, sunny days, so a January trip rarely means rain every day. Mornings are chilly and the wind off the ocean makes it feel colder than the thermometer says.
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 January the station records about 8 days with measurable rain in an average year.
What to pack
Bring a waterproof jacket with a hood, a warm layer, and shoes that keep water out. An umbrella is less useful than you would think on windy days. Our San Francisco packing list covers the basics for every season.
What is on in January
Lunar New Year celebrations sometimes begin in late January, and the Lunar New Year parade usually follows in February or early March. See San Francisco events in January for dates and details.
Planning around the weather
Compare January with the months either side: December and February. 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 January?
The average high at the downtown station is 58°F and the average low is 47°F.
Does it snow in San Francisco in January?
Snow in the city is extremely rare. You may see a dusting on the peaks around the Bay Area after a cold storm, but not on city streets.
Photo credits
Featured image: Cgbriggs19 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.