Month-by-Month Guide
Best Time to Visit San Francisco
United States · Updated for 2026
Quick Answer
April - October
December - January can be rainy (Seattle) or foggy (San Francisco)
September and October offer the warmest and clearest weather with summer crowds gone.
15-18 degrees C (59-64 F) year-round with mild summers
San Francisco Month by Month
Weather, crowds, prices, and events for every month of the year.
January
$$Quiet and mild in San Francisco. Some rain is expected but temperatures rarely dip below pleasant. Museum visits, gallery hopping, and excellent dining without queues.
Events: New Year events, local festivals
February
$$Still winter-grey in parts of San Francisco but cherry blossoms begin early in some areas. Valentine's weekend brings a brief spike. Otherwise excellent value.
Events: Valentine's Day, arts events
March
$$Spring arrives in San Francisco with blooming trees and longer days. Weather is mild and uncrowded. A lovely month for hiking, farmers markets, and city exploration.
Events: Spring events, local festivals
April
$$$Spring in full swing in San Francisco. Warm days invite outdoor activities and coastal drives. Crowds are building but the city still feels spacious and manageable.
Events: Spring outdoor events, local events
May
$$$One of the best months to visit San Francisco. Comfortably warm without summer fog or heat. Outdoor events, farmers markets, and al fresco dining are excellent.
Events: Cinco de Mayo, spring festivals
June
$$$Summer begins in San Francisco. Coastal fog is common in San Francisco mornings (June Gloom) but burns off. Warm days and vibrant street life elsewhere.
Events: Pride events, summer outdoor season
July
$$$$Peak summer in San Francisco. Sunny, dry weather and maximum visitor numbers. Book accommodation early. July 4th brings spectacular celebrations across the USA.
Events: Fourth of July, summer peak events
August
$$$$Hottest month in San Francisco (especially Southern California). Beaches and parks are packed. Peak prices but outstanding weather for outdoor exploration.
Events: Summer outdoor events, concerts
September
$$$Often the finest month in San Francisco. Summer crowds thin, fog dissipates in San Francisco, and warm clear days are reliably beautiful. An excellent time to visit.
Events: Harvest festivals, outdoor events
October
$$$Golden autumn light and comfortable temperatures make San Francisco particularly beautiful. Harvest festivals, wine country visits, and outdoor adventures all beckon.
Events: Halloween events, autumn festivals
November
$$Quiet autumn in San Francisco. Rain returns occasionally but temperatures remain mild. Excellent for food tours, gallery visits, and exploring the city's neighbourhoods at a leisurely pace.
Events: Thanksgiving events, local festivals
December
$$$Festive season in San Francisco with mild temperatures and holiday spirit. Christmas events and markets bring warmth to the cooler months. New Year parties are legendary.
Events: Christmas events, New Year celebrations
Insider Tips for San Francisco
- 1September and October are often the best months: warmest, clearest, and post-summer-crowd quiet.
- 2Farmers markets and food halls are central to local culture — seek them out.
- 3Uber/Lyft or public transit is usually better than renting a car in city centres.
- 4Fog in San Francisco and Seattle can persist into the afternoon, especially in June-July.
- 5Weekend accommodation prices often exceed weekday rates — mid-week stays save money.
Where to Stay in San Francisco
Walkable neighbourhood stays suit explorers; beachfront properties are worth the premium in coastal cities. Avoid areas requiring a car for every trip.
Browse San Francisco hotel guides