Best Time To Visit San Francisco

Hello, there… Greetings from the Cool Gray City of Love, San Francisco!

While it’s true that “If you’re alive, you can’t be bored in San Francisco. If you’re not alive, San Francisco will bring you to life” as William Saroyan said. However, when is the best time to visit San Francisco to enjoy it more, is still highly questionable.

If you have flexible travel plans, you can arrive whenever it is most convenient for you, based on your personal preferences.

The wonderful thing about San Francisco is that the weather is pleasant all year. This suggests that a vacation here at any time of year is an excellent idea. Another good news is that there are lots of excellent things to do and stunning places to see in San Francisco at any time of year.

There are a few times of the year, though, that are especially noteworthy. Continue reading this travel guide to learn more about each one so you can decide which is the best time for you.

To choose the best time to visit based on your priorities, review our travel guide information to consider and select the ones that are most important to you.

And Then, based on this information, decide which season and month will provide you with the ideal experience.

Is there ever a time when you should not come or take some extra measures? We can also help you with that in this guide!

ALERT
Vaccinate Yourself. Get a Boost. Put on a Mask. Take a Test. And Travel Well!

Please check the most recent travel restrictions before arranging any trip during COVID-19, and always follow San Francisco government Covid-19 health advice. Things may alter.

When Is The Best Time To Go To San Francisco?

Each season in the city offers something new to explore and enjoy. To be honest, Traveling to San Francisco at any time of year is a fantastic idea.

The months of May, June, September, and October are ideal months to travel to San Francisco since the weather is often clear and temperate, and the tourist season is not yet at its peak. Winter visits to San Francisco guarantee chilly, rainy weather, and summer trips in June, July, and August guarantee higher rates and larger crowds.

However, you can see a schedule of events for the entire year below to help you choose the venue and activities for each month and season.

	Best Time Of Year To Visit San Francisco (A Year in Review)
The Best Time Of Year To Visit San Francisco - Ideal Weather	The months of September to November are ideal for visiting San Francisco. Fall, believe it or not, has some of the city's best weather all year, with fewer crowds than summer.
Best Time to Visit San Francisco for Sightseeing	From the weekend after Labor Day to the end of September, and sometimes even into October.
Best Time to Walk the Golden Gate Bridge	The ideal time to visit San Francisco is in September or October if you want to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.
Cheapest Time To Go To San Francisco	Plan your trip in the spring for the ideal combination of low rates and pleasant weather.
Best Times To Go To San Francisco For Avoiding Crowds	The least crowded season is winter, especially when the wind blows, and the temperature rarely drops below 6°C.

About San Francisco, California - The Cool Gray City of Love

The city has a fascinating history, having grown from a little village to a major city almost overnight due to the 1849 Gold Rush. The scenic beauty, cultural attractions, diverse populations, and world-class food have earned San Francisco the distinction of “Everybody’s Favorite City.”

Foggy views of the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay create a beautiful atmosphere in this most European of American towns.

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Attractions	The Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz The United States' largest Chinatown Union Square North Beach Fisherman's Wharf
Home To World-Class Theater	Opera Symphony Ballet Groups Debuts Of Broadway- Bound Plays Culture-Changing Performing Arts
Best Dining City Of The United States	The city's numerous cultural influences, proximity to the best ingredients, and chefs' competitive innovation combine to create exceptional eating experiences.
Best Lodging	San Francisco has approximately 32,000 hotel rooms to choose from, ranging from first-class hotels and ultra-chic boutique hotels to well-known hotel brands and economical inns.

San Francisco - Travel Seasons

San Francisco has three travel seasons based on crowd and activities. Read the detail given below to find which season suits you more to plan a trip to San Francisco.

High Season (Mid-May to early September)	Summertime, from June to Labor Day weekend, is the high season. The skies aren't always clear, and they're often accompanied by chilly winds and fog. In high season, experience a variety of fairs and festivals, the city comes alive, and so do the accommodation rates! This is when you'll see the most people, and with so many tourists filling the hotels, it's also when hotel costs skyrocket, even if the weather isn't always ideal. Morning fog provides a chill to the air throughout much of the summer, with days usually cloudy and chilly. However, the fog begins to disperse in August or early September, bringing warmer weather that often lasts through November. ALERT: High Crowd & High Prices
Shoulder Season (March through mid-May, & mid-September through November)	During March through May, springtime brings pleasant days and clear skies. Get to the bay area before the crowds arrive and while hotel prices are still cheap. Hotel prices aren’t at their peak and the tourist rush has yet to hit. While not soaking up the sunshine on the beach, it’s a good time to explore the city’s sights. The early fall season may be the best time to travel to San Francisco all year long, as the sun makes an appearance more often and it’s warmer now than it is in the summer. Plus, with kids back in school, the big crowds of tourists have mostly exited so hotel rates drop too. ALERT: Less Crowd
Low Season (December through February)	Winters, from December to February, are the greatest months to visit if you want to see the Golden Gate city because accommodation prices are at their lowest! Except for Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving weekend, as well as the days leading up to Christmas and New Year's Day, winter is the least crowded season. While it can get cold, especially when the wind blows, temperatures rarely fall below 6°C. Temperatures will vary from 10°C to 13°C, but the fog and bitter winds will make it feel even colder. If you're ready to bundle up and endure the rain on occasion, this is usually when you'll find the finest hotel deals of the year. ALERT: If you can brave the harsh winds and dress warm enough to go sightseeing on foot, San Francisco offers some excellent deals to its visitors. & Just remember to bring an umbrella with you, as these are the months when the city sees the most rain.

Weather Based San Francisco Seasonal Guide

San Francisco is a year-round destination with pleasant weather and a diverse range of activities. There’s something fresh to uncover in every season. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of when the best time to visit San Francisco is based on your priorities.

San Francisco has four weather seasons.

	Fall (August To October) Days of sunshine and street festivals Unlike the foggy chill that often greets visitors in the early summer months, the late summer and early fall are some of the greatest times to get outside and stretch your legs on San Francisco's notoriously mountainous streets and natural areas.
Advantages Of Visiting In The Fall	Warm weather, street festivals, and the best of California's farm-fresh cuisine can be found in August, September, and October. This is the best time of year to go to San Francisco to practice your photography and capture fog-free photos from vantage points such as Corona Heights Park, Coit Tower, or gazing back at the skyline from Alcatraz.

	Winter (December To March) Winter is the best time for the fewer crowds. The winters in San Francisco can be wet, chilly, and windy. Temperatures typically reach the low- to mid-fifties, and days can be brightly sunny or endlessly cloudy. Temperatures can drop into the low 40s at night, but they rarely fall below freezing. Winter storms can bring heavy rainfall, but it is rarely cold enough for snow to fall.
Keep In Mind While Visiting In The Winter	Even if the daytime temperatures are often cold and the winds are strong, you may still enjoy many of San Francisco's outdoor attractions if you bundle up and dress in layers. If you plan to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz or Angel Island, or explore the city's various and lively districts, you should dress warmly. Still, a solid rule of thumb is to take advantage of any bright days you get throughout the San Francisco winter.

Winter
(December To March)
Winter is the best time for the fewer crowds.
The winters in San Francisco can be wet, chilly, and windy. Temperatures typically reach the low- to mid-fifties, and days can be brightly sunny or endlessly cloudy. Temperatures can drop into the low 40s at night, but they rarely fall below freezing. Winter storms can bring heavy rainfall, but it is rarely cold enough for snow to fall.

Keep In Mind While Visiting In The Winter

Even if the daytime temperatures are often cold and the winds are strong, you may still enjoy many of San Francisco's outdoor attractions if you bundle up and dress in layers. If you plan to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz or Angel Island, or explore the city's various and lively districts, you should dress warmly.
Still, a solid rule of thumb is to take advantage of any bright days you get throughout the San Francisco winter.

	Spring (April & May) The best time to avoid the crowds and interact with the locals is around the holidays. Springtime offers a unique combination of weather and prices. Although it is not yet time to dive into the Pacific, the lovely weather and reasonable prices encourage walking around San Francisco's many sights.
Keep in mind While Visiting In The Spring	The month of April is the sunniest of the year. Less Crowds Presence - Best Time to avoid huge Gathering.
Spring Holidays	March - Cherry Blossom Festival in March April - The San Francisco International Film Festival May - Bay to Breakers; Cinco de Mayo festival

	Summer (June To July) Lower temps and occupancy rates are higher. Goodbye, inhibitions, and welcome to San Francisco! Summer brings the most visitors to San Francisco (and thus higher hotel rates), but it also brings the most inclement weather. Take your coat and a handful of glitter and explore a fog-filled fantasy of fabulosity.
Advantages Of Visiting In The Summer	Summer is the ideal season to enjoy San Francisco's renowned amazing food culture, small bookstores, lovely pubs, and a jam-packed calendar of must-see events both indoors and out.

San Francisco Climate- Weather Guide Month By Month

San Francisco may be cold at any time of year, but especially when the wind is howling. Even in the summer, a jacket is required. No matter what time of year you come, it’s essential to dress in layers and be prepared for any type of weather.

Regardless of when to visit San Francisco, there will be plenty of adventure and excitement in store!

September	The Hottest Month
January	The coolest Month
February	The Rainiest Month
July	The Driest Month

San Francisco’s Average Daily Sunshine Hours

Month	Hours
January	6
February	7.5
March	8.5
April	10.5
May	10.5
June	10.5
July	10
August	9.5
September	9
October	8
November	6
December	5

San Francisco Climate – Monthly Weather Forecast

Month	Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)
January	7	13.5	45	57
February	9	16	48	60
March	9	16	48	61
April	9	17.5	49	64
May	10.5	18	51	65
June	12	19.5	53	67
July	12.5	20	54	68
August	13	20	55	68
September	13	22	56	71
October	12	21	54	69
November	10	18	50	64
December	8	14	46	58

San Francisco Climate – Monthly Rainfall

Month	Rainfall (Inches)
January	2.2
February	2.1
March	2.4
April	1.1
May	0.2
June	0.4
July	0.3
August	0.3
September	0.14
October	0.5
November	1.4
December	2.4

1) January

Visiting San Francisco in January? San Francisco’s off-season reaches high in January when temperatures are typically at their lowest and residents are still recovering from the December holidays.

January Weather In San Francisco

In San Francisco, January is one of the rainiest and coldest months of the year. You will need a heavy jacket and an umbrella; a scarf can help keep you warm, especially on a windy day.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
7	13.5	45	57	2.2

January Events

SF Sketchfest Comedy Festival
SF Restaurant Week

2) February

Despite the fact that February is still chilly and rainy, it also means fewer crowds and lower prices through rates may spike during the traditional Chinese New Year festival. It’s also the month when the decorative cherry trees in San Francisco begin to bloom.

February Weather In San Francisco

February is still chilly and rainy, however, the rainfall drops to 97mm, and the average temperature climbs a degree to 11°C. When the sun comes out, it may seem a little too warm if you’re bundled up, so prepare to wear in layers with easily removable clothing that you can take off or put on as needed.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
9	16	48	60	2.1

February Events

Noise Pop
Lunar New Year Parade

3) March

Is it worth visiting San Francisco in march? Winter rains persist, and days can be rather windy. However, temperatures generally increase, and flowers such as trumpet honeysuckle and sunflowers begin to add some color.

Room rates are also starting to rise.

March Weather In San Francisco

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
9	16	48	61	2.4

March Events

San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade
Macy’s Flower Show

4) April

Visiting San Francisco in April? Before the inevitable fog sets in, the weather begins to warm, wet days become fewer, and the city begins to spring to life. Expect rates to rise even more, but now is still an excellent time to travel.

April Weather In San Francisco

In April, the rainy winter season came to an end, with only 38mm of rain falling on average over six days. This month, the sun will shine more often and for longer, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine each day and sunsets lasting until 8 p.m. on April 30.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
9	17.5	49	64	1.1

April Events

San Francisco International Film Festival
International Beer Festival

5) May

Visiting San Francisco in May? The weather is still moderate, with temperatures averaging in the mid-sixties, but the days are drier and clearer. The city’s infamous “Karl the Fog” has been known to make an appearance in May, sometimes staying for days at a time.

May Weather In San Francisco

May is nearly identical to April, except there is even less possibility of rain. May can be on the cool side, with winds blowing off the bay making it feel much colder, so you’ll enjoy having a fleece jacket or something similar to keep you warm.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
10.5	18	51	65	0.2

May Events

Carnaval San Francisco
Bay to Breakers

6) June

In any case, June isn’t your normal summer. Street fairs are still going strong, and families are flocking to the city to take advantage of their children’s school vacations. As a result, hotel rates climb.

June Weather In San Francisco

In June, fog is a typical occurrence, and it can be quite cool when it arrives. The wind is common at many of the famous tourist attractions, such as the Golden Gate Bridge and any location near the water, so bring a fleece-lined nylon shell windbreaker with you now.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
12	19.5	53	67	0.4

June Events

North Beach Festival
San Francisco Pride

7) July

The fog has descended upon the city, bringing with it low temperatures and conditions that can range from mild to very cold in an instant.

July Weather In San Francisco

Weather changes quickly. Keep in mind that San Francisco is a city full of microclimates. Bring layers, and be prepared for crowds despite the chill.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
12.5	20	54	68	0.3

July Events

Fillmore Street Jazz Festival
The San Francisco Marathon

8) August

San Franciscans have had enough of the apparently never-ending fog, which continues to disappear late and reappear early. It provides only a narrow window of opportunity for endless warmer temperatures and sun. Summer throngs are still present.

August Weather In San Francisco

San Francisco begins to warm up as the month goes, with more summer-like weather. The evenings will be cool, so include a few sweatshirts, as well as long-sleeved shirts and jeans, in your luggage.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
13	20	55	68	0.3

August Events

Outside Lands Festival
Eat Drink SF
Nihonmachi Street Fair
Stern Grove Festival

9) September

September is one of the best months to visit San Francisco because “Karl the Fog” begins to dissipate and the sun shines, bringing higher temperatures and the start of the “Indian Summer” in the city.

September Weather In San Francisco

Weatherwise, this is undoubtedly the ideal season to visit San Francisco, with the dense crowds of tourists thinned as children return to school and the fog receding, allowing for milder days suitable for beach activities.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
13	22	56	71	0.14

September Events

Fringe Festival
Autumn Moon Festival
Dragon Boat Festival
Folsom Street Fair
Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival

10) October

With its beautiful weather and a variety of fun activities and events, October is the best month to visit San Francisco. Even lodgings are inexpensive, and the native spirit is contagious.

October Weather In San Francisco

It’s known for its dry, sunny days, and chances are you’ll get plenty of them this month. However, the days get shorter as the month progresses, with sunset around 7 p.m. on October 1st and just after 6 p.m. by the end of the month.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
12	21	54	69	0.5

October Events

Italian Heritage Parade
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Sand Castle Classic
Fleet Week

11) November

In November, rain begins to fall and temperatures fall, while prices stay low. As even San Francisco residents leave town for the start of the holiday season, crowds thin down, freeing up attractions and making the month a great time to visit.

November Weather In San Francisco

November brings in the rainy season, with at least some precipitation more expected this month, with an average of 64mm falling over eight days. Although the rain is expected to be mild or moderate, it may get heavy at times, so carry an umbrella with you now.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
10	18	50	64	1.5

November Events

Dickens Fair
Christmas Events

12) December

Visiting San Francisco in December? The holiday season is in full flow, and travelers are flocking to the city to see the lights, ice skate, and shop.

December Weather In San Francisco

Temperatures are continuing to decrease, and San Francisco is becoming dangerously chilly. As the holidays approach, prices are projected to rise.

Min (°C)	Max (°C)	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Precipitation (Inches)
8	14	46	58	2.4

December Events

Dickens Fair
Run Wild
Santa’s Skivvies Run

FAQs - Know Everything Before Traveling To San Francisco

How To Visit San Francisco On A Budget?

The following suggestions can help you visit San Francisco, have a good time, and stay within your budget.

Go When Prices are Lowest
Lower Your Airfare
Do Fun Things for Free
Find an Affordable Place to Stay
Get Discounts on Admission Fees
Get Around Cheap
Eat-in San Francisco for Less
Be An Early Bird Planner

Is It Safe To Visit San Francisco?

San Francisco is a highly safe city to visit. Even though it can be dangerous at times, and the abundance of homeless people and drug addicts on the streets may make you feel apprehensive, criminal activity occurs only in risky areas of the city that are rarely visited by visitors.

Takeaway - Best Times To Visit San Francisco

San Francisco offers a wide range of events throughout the year. You have complete control over when it comes to choosing the perfect time to visit San Francisco.

Every season, on the other hand, has its own set of attractions. We’ve explained each season, month, and event in this travel guide. As a consequence, selecting the best option for you and properly planning your holiday will be simple.

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