Weather in San Francisco

About San Francisco

San Francisco rises in steep hills above its namesake bay, famous for the Golden Gate Bridge, historic cable cars and a patchwork of distinctive neighbourhoods from Chinatown to the Mission. Cool, foggy summers and mild winters give the city a climate all its own, best navigated with layers regardless of season. Beyond the city, Muir Woods' ancient redwoods and the wineries of Napa and Sonoma are within easy reach, making it a great base for both urban and nature days.

Country

USA

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September, October

Currency

Local

Language

Local

Things to do in San Francisco

Golden Gate Bridge walks Cable car rides Alcatraz Island tour Napa Valley wine trips Redwood forest hikes Neighbourhood food tours

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

14C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

16C

Cool, with occasional showers.

May

17C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

20C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

November

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

December

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

San Francisco crams an extraordinary range of experiences into a compact, walkable grid — fog rolling over the Golden Gate Bridge, sea lions barking at Pier 39, steep cable car climbs through Victorian neighbourhoods, and some of the best food cities in America just a short BART ride from Silicon Valley's tech campuses. Pack layers; the city's famous microclimates mean it can be sunny in one neighbourhood and foggy in the next.

Best areas to stay in San Francisco

Fisherman's Wharf & Pier 39

Touristy but fun waterfront area with sea lions, seafood stands and ferries to Alcatraz.

Mission District

Vibrant murals, taquerias and a young, creative crowd in one of the city's most diverse neighbourhoods.

Golden Gate Park & Haight-Ashbury

Vast green space with museums and gardens, next to the birthplace of 1960s counterculture.

Chinatown & North Beach

The oldest Chinatown in North America sits beside North Beach's Italian cafes and City Lights Bookstore.

Getting to San Francisco

✈

Flights

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has direct flights from major cities across Europe, Asia and the Americas.

⏱

From London

~10-11 hours direct from London.

🚕

Getting around

BART connects the airport to downtown; cable cars, buses and Muni Metro cover the city, though hills mean some walking routes are steep.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

September and October often have the warmest, clearest weather, despite being outside the conventional summer season — June to August can be surprisingly foggy and cool.

Is San Francisco walkable?

Many neighbourhoods are walkable, though the city's famous hills can be steep. Cable cars, buses and BART help cover longer distances or avoid the climbs.

What's the best way to see the Golden Gate Bridge?

Walk or cycle across it from the Presidio side, or view it from Crissy Field, Baker Beach or across the bay in Sausalito for classic photo angles.

Is Alcatraz worth visiting?

Yes — the audio tour of the former prison is widely praised, but tickets sell out days or weeks in advance, especially in summer, so book early.

What should I eat in San Francisco?

Try Mission-style burritos in the Mission District, dim sum in Chinatown, sourdough bread bowls at the wharf, and the city's strong third-wave coffee scene.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Walked across the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear, sunny day — completely different from the foggy postcard shots, and just as stunning. Alcatraz tour was excellent too.

Olivia P. · October 2024

★★★★☆

Fog rolled in most afternoons but it gave the city a moody, atmospheric feel. The Mission District's burritos and murals were a highlight, as was riding the cable cars.

Raj M. · June 2023

★★★★★

Loved how compact everything felt — Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf are all walkable from each other. Bring layers, the weather changes by the hour.

Nina B. · April 2024