Best time to visit San Francisco (by conditions)
San Francisco, United States
When you pick dates for San Francisco, the calendar matters less than what kind of “feels like” day you can handle.
Rather than labeling months as good or bad, it’s more practical to sort conditions that fit you.
Facts only
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
Avg low 7–10°C / high 13–16°C · Rainy days: 6–12 / ~50–120 mm (year-to-year variation)
Apr · May
Avg low 9–11°C / high 16–19°C · Rainy days: 3–7 / ~15–55 mm
Jun · Jul · Aug
Avg low 12–14°C / high 18–22°C · Rainy days: 0–3 / ~0–10 mm
Sep · Oct
Avg low 12–14°C / high 20–26°C (warm spells possible) · Rainy days: 1–4 / ~5–30 mm
What it feels like
Rain changes how you move, and wind makes the same temperature feel much harsher.
Even in the same month, comfort often splits by “walking-heavy” versus “mostly indoors.”
When it tends to fit
- • If you’ll walk a lot and you’re sensitive to wind or rain, cooler/drier conditions tend to fit better.
- • For photo-and-walk trips, sunny days usually matter more than the exact temperature.
When it may not fit
- • If you struggle with humid heat, some seasons can feel tiring even when the numbers look similar.
- • In rainier periods, “walking as planned” can be harder—tight itineraries may not fit well.
What people usually wear
Not a single “correct outfit”—just common choices that cover most situations.
- • 🌫️ Key idea: San Francisco can feel cool, windy, and foggy even in summer. Packing only “summer clothes” is a common mistake.
- • 🧥 Default setup: a thin outer layer (windbreaker/hoodie/light jacket) gets used in almost every season.
- • 🌧️ Winter (Nov–Mar): rain can arrive in clusters. Windy days often favor a rain shell over an umbrella, and wet pavement makes footwear matter.
The same numbers can still feel different depending on how you travel.
Explore San Francisco
These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.