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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 Maarten van den Heuvel 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 and often rainy, but can have clear days | low | low |
⚠ Occasional atmospheric rivers can cause heavy rainfall and flooding. | |
| February | 9-15°C, similar to January, improving chance of sunshine | low | low |
⚠ Still prone to winter storms, though often less intense than January. | |
| March | 10-16°C, increasingly sunny with cool breezes | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Transition month; can still experience significant rain. | |
| April | 11-17°C, mild and often sunny, but can be foggy | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Fog can roll in unexpectedly, especially in the afternoons. | |
| May | 12-18°C, variable, with 'May gray' fog common | high | high |
⚠ Known for its persistent coastal fog, especially mornings and evenings. | |
| June | 13-19°C, often cool and foggy due to marine layer | peak | peak |
⚠ June is notoriously foggy and cool in SF, often referred to as 'June gloom'. | |
| July | 13-19°C, similar to June, persistent fog | peak | peak |
⚠ The fog often lingers through July, making it feel cooler than expected. | |
| August | 14-20°C, fog begins to recede, warmer days more frequent | high | high |
⚠ The fog usually starts to lift in the latter half of the month. | |
| September | 14-21°C, often the warmest and clearest month | high | high |
⚠ This is typically San Francisco's most pleasant weather month. | |
| October | 13-20°C, still very pleasant, sunny with cool breezes | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can still experience beautiful Indian Summer weather. | |
| November | 10-17°C, crisp and cool, increasing chance of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Rainfall becomes more likely as winter approaches. | |
| December | 9-14°C, cool and often damp, but can have bright, crisp days | high | peak |
⚠ Christmas week sees a surge in crowds and prices. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Chinese New Year Festival and Parade
Vibrant celebration of Lunar New Year with a parade, food, and cultural performances.
May
Bay to Breakers
A famous, quirky footrace and street party known for its costumes and revelry.
June
San Francisco Pride Celebration
One of the largest LGBTQ+ Pride events in the world, with a parade and festival.
August
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
A major outdoor music festival held in Golden Gate Park featuring diverse genres.
October
Fleet Week
A week-long celebration of the sea services with air shows, ship tours, and concerts.
April
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)
The longest-running film festival in the United States, showcasing international cinema.
June
Union Street Festival
A popular street fair with arts, crafts, food, and live music in the Cow Hollow neighborhood.
Insider timing tips
- •San Francisco's weather is notoriously microclimatic; expect cool coastal fog, especially in summer, even when the rest of the Bay Area is warm.
- •Summer (June-August) is often foggy and cool, contrary to typical summer vacation expectations. September and October offer the warmest, clearest weather.
- •Accommodation and flight prices peak in summer and around major holidays (Christmas, New Year's), but also spike during major conventions and festivals.
- •While spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than peak summer, be aware of potential for rain, especially in early spring and late fall.
- •The city's hills mean that even on a sunny day, wind can make it feel cooler, so layers are essential year-round.
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