San Francisco’s climate is mild and narrow all year. Summers are cool and often foggy, the warmest and clearest weather comes in early fall, and winter is mild but wet. The city sits on a peninsula between the Pacific and the bay, which holds temperatures in a tight range, roughly the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit most days. Here is how the seasons work.
The Short Answer
September and October are the warmest and clearest months in San Francisco. Fog thins out, temperatures reach the upper 60s and 70s, and the summer crowds ease. If you can pick any time, early fall is the most reliable.
Fall (September to November)
Early fall is the warmest and sunniest stretch of the year. Locals call it the city’s real summer. September and October have the clearest skies and the least fog. November cools down and the first rains usually arrive. Crowds are lighter than summer, and hotel rates often ease after Labor Day.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is the wet season. Most of the year’s rain falls between November and March, in stretches of rain followed by clear days. Temperatures stay mild, usually in the 50s, and snow does not fall in the city. Crowds are lowest and hotel rates are at their lowest outside the holidays. Gray whales pass the coast on their migration, and whale-watching trips run in this window.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is mild and grows clearer as the rains taper off. Temperatures sit in the upper 50s and 60s. The hills turn green, and parks like the Presidio and Golden Gate Park are at their fullest. Crowds build toward summer but have not peaked. This is a balanced time to visit.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak of fog season, especially in the morning and evening and especially on the western and northern sides of the city. The Sunset, the Richmond, the Marina, and the Golden Gate Bridge are the foggiest. The Mission, Potrero Hill, and the eastern neighborhoods get more sun. Temperatures near the water rarely pass the upper 60s. This is the busiest and most expensive season because of school holidays, so book ahead. Pack a warm layer even in July.
How the Fog Works
The fog comes off the Pacific and moves east, so the closer a place is to the ocean, the foggier it is. It is thickest on summer mornings and often burns off by midday, then returns in the evening. The eastern neighborhoods stay clearer. Because of this, it helps to have a sunny-side plan and a foggy-side plan for the same day.
Events by Season
Summer brings free outdoor concerts and street fairs across the city, and Pride takes place in late June. Fall has Fleet Week and more street festivals. See our monthly guides for what is on during your dates.
What to Pack, Any Season
Layers, every month. A t-shirt, a long sleeve, and a wind-resistant jacket cover most days, plus comfortable shoes for the hills. The temperature can change fifteen to twenty degrees between neighborhoods on the same afternoon, so dress for the cool side.
For what is happening during your trip, see our monthly things-to-do guides. The free SF Guide app collects neighborhood, food, and itinerary guides for planning.
