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Best time to visit San Francisco
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Pedro Gandra on Unsplash
Best time to visit San Francisco, United States
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8-14°C, cool, often overcast with rain | low | low |
⚠ Can be quite damp and chilly. | |
| February | 9-15°C, cool and damp, increasing sunshine | low | low |
| |
| March | 10-16°C, mild with a mix of sun and showers | low | low |
| |
| April | 11-17°C, pleasant, often sunny with occasional fog | moderate | moderate |
| |
| May | 12-18°C, mild, increasing fog, especially mornings | moderate | moderate |
⚠ May Gray and June Gloom can bring persistent coastal fog. | |
| June | 13-19°C, cool and foggy, especially west of Twin Peaks | high | high |
⚠ June Gloom is typical; expect cool, overcast days until late morning. | |
| July | 14-20°C, often foggy and cool, clearing in afternoons | high | high |
⚠ Fog often lingers, making it feel cooler than inland areas. | |
| August | 14-20°C, warmest month, least fog, clear skies common | peak | peak |
| |
| September | 14-21°C, warm, sunny, and often the least foggy | peak | peak |
| |
| October | 13-20°C, crisp, sunny days with cool evenings | high | high |
| |
| November | 10-17°C, cool, crisp with increasing chance of rain | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 9-14°C, cold, damp, and rainy | moderate | high |
⚠ Rainy season is in full swing; expect chilly, wet weather. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
April
Bay to Breakers
A unique, costumed footrace from the bay to the ocean, known for its eclectic participants.
June
San Francisco Pride Celebration and Parade
One of the largest LGBTQ+ pride events in the world, featuring a vibrant parade and festival.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
Spectacular fireworks display over the San Francisco Bay.
July
Stern Grove Festival
Free summer concerts held in a beautiful outdoor amphitheater in Stern Grove Park.
September
San Francisco Jazz Festival
A renowned festival showcasing a diverse range of jazz artists at various venues.
October
Oktoberfest by the Bay
A popular celebration of Bavarian culture with beer, food, and music.
Insider timing tips
- •San Francisco's weather is notoriously microclimatic; expect cooler, foggier conditions near the coast and in western neighborhoods, while eastern areas can be warmer and sunnier.
- •The 'Indian Summer' phenomenon from September to October often brings the clearest, warmest, and most pleasant weather, making these months ideal despite peak crowds and prices.
- •Summer months (June-August) are paradoxically often cool and foggy due to the marine layer, especially in the mornings. Pack layers!
- •Winter (December-February) is the wettest season, but also offers the lowest prices and fewest crowds, making it suitable for budget travelers who don't mind the chill and potential rain.
- •Local holidays, like Thanksgiving, can see some smaller businesses close, but major attractions remain open. Book accommodations and flights well in advance for holiday periods.
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