Muir Beach Weather
Beach • San Francisco Bay Area
Muir Beach is a small, quiet cove where Redwood Creek reaches the Pacific, about three miles downstream from Muir Woods. Locals favor its beach and tidal lagoon. The cove belongs to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which the National Park Service runs. A footbridge carries visitors from the parking lot over the restored creek mouth, which is habitat for coho salmon and steelhead. The Muir Beach Overlook sits on the bluffs just to the north off Highway 1. Unlike Stinson Beach, Muir Beach has no lifeguards.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Muir Beach weather today and through the year
It's 59°F at Muir Beach right now (feels like 54°F), with 12 mph wind and a comfort score of 79. Today's forecast high at Muir Beach is 61°F, close to the mid November normal of 62°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Muir Beach. In November, 23% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 10 AM to 1 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
September is the warmest month at Muir Beach, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (7.3 in.), out of about 33.5 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Muir Beach are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 1 PM to 4 PM in August.
The cove faces southwest onto the open Pacific at the mouth of Frank Valley, the lower Redwood Creek drainage. In summer, the marine layer, a sheet of fog and low cloud that forms over the cold ocean, comes ashore here with nothing to stop it. The onshore breeze then pushes it up Frank Valley toward Muir Woods. Summer mornings are often gray and cool even when Mill Valley, behind the ridge to the east, is already in sun.
Forecast updated November 15, 2026 at 4:00 AM PST. Climate figures come from NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Hourly patterns come from NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
What to expect at Muir Beach in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Muir Beach. In November, 23% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 10 AM to 1 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Muir Beach, with a 61°F high and midday comfort near 79. Today looks weakest (49).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (83%, about 0.61 in.).
Tides (San Francisco (Golden Gate))
- High 4.4 ft at 4:47 AM today
- Low 3.6 ft at 9:14 AM today
- High 4.9 ft at 2:27 PM today
- Low 0.3 ft at 9:39 PM today
Live weather map
Weather around Muir Beach right now
Overcast and 59° at Muir Beach right now.
About the live weather map for Muir Beach
The map centers on Muir Beach and stacks fog, satellite clouds, and precipitation radar on one view. Clouds come from the GOES-West satellite and rain from NOAA radar, and both show current conditions. Fog comes from our HRRR-based fog model, and the slider steps through its forecast for the next 12 hours.
Dots mark nearby places with their current temperature, colored by comfort score. Use the layer buttons to turn any layer off, or open the full map for every destination in the region.
Nearby Temperature Comparison
Conditions at nearby San Francisco Bay Area destinations
Tip: Bay Area temperatures can change by 20 to 30°F over a short distance because of microclimates.
Muir Beach vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Muir Beach, from the same NOAA HRRR hourly record. The list shows the closest places, then nearby places whose climate differs the most.
| Place | Distance | Summer afternoons | Morning fog | Afternoon wind | Compared with Muir Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Valley Beach | 1.8 mi | -2°F | 52% | 12 mph | a very similar climate |
| Muir Woods National Monument | 2.2 mi | +12°F | 24% | 9 mph | about 12°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (24% vs 49% of morning hours) |
| Rodeo Beach | 2.8 mi | -7°F | 48% | 13 mph | about 7°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Kentfield | 6.5 mi | +17°F | 17% | 7 mph | about 17°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 49% of morning hours) |
| Novato | 17.1 mi | +18°F | 17% | 9 mph | about 18°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 49% of morning hours) |
| Lafayette | 25 mi | +19°F | 13% | 9 mph | about 19°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (13% vs 49% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Muir Beach's
- Daly City (12 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Pacifica (18 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Half Moon Bay State Beach (28 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Muir Beach climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Muir Beach with the available local baseline. Temperature and year-to-date rainfall use long-term normals when available. Fog, sunshine, wind, and comfort use the matching recent or modeled baseline identified on each card.
Positive and negative differences describe how Muir Beach departs from its own usual pattern. They should not be read as a direct comparison with another city or as a forecast beyond the period shown.
Muir Beach weather by month
September is the warmest month at Muir Beach, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F. December is the wettest month (7.3 in.), out of about 33.5 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 58% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 26% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Muir Beach are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 1 PM to 4 PM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 56°F | 44°F | 6.4 in | 11 | 29% | 37% | 8 mph | 9.8 h | 28 |
| Feb | 58°F | 46°F | 6.4 in | 10 | 16% | 29% | 9 mph | 10.7 h | 39 |
| Mar | 60°F | 46°F | 4.7 in | 9 | 20% | 34% | 10 mph | 11.9 h | 58 |
| Apr | 62°F | 48°F | 2.2 in | 6 | 21% | 32% | 12 mph | 13.2 h | 59 |
| May | 64°F | 50°F | 1.0 in | 4 | 27% | 36% | 13 mph | 14.2 h | 63 |
| Jun | 68°F | 52°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 39% | 34% | 13 mph | 14.8 h | 71 |
| Jul | 69°F | 53°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 58% | 44% | 11 mph | 14.5 h | 71 |
| Aug | 71°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 52% | 42% | 11 mph | 13.6 h | 77 |
| Sep | 71°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 37% | 33% | 10 mph | 12.3 h | 83 |
| Oct | 69°F | 52°F | 1.5 in | 5 | 26% | 27% | 9 mph | 11.1 h | 79 |
| Nov | 62°F | 48°F | 3.6 in | 8 | 23% | 26% | 8 mph | 10.0 h | 63 |
| Dec | 56°F | 45°F | 7.3 in | 11 | 32% | 39% | 8 mph | 9.5 h | 26 |
Morning fog is the share of hours from 6 to 10 AM with fog or low cloud. Midday cloud is the average from 11 AM to 3 PM, and afternoon wind is the average from 1 to 5 PM. The highlighted rows are the most comfortable months.
In summer, recent daily NOAA readings at Muir Beach average about 11°F cooler than the 1991-2020 normals. The normals average over a wider area that also covers warmer land behind the shoreline. Read the monthly highs as a rough range, and use the recent months below for what Muir Beach has actually seen.
What makes Muir Beach's weather different
When the fog burns off
3 PMwhen July fog usually thins (62% foggy at 9 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Muir Beach in 62% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (16%).
When the wind picks up
1 PMwhen afternoon wind builds, March–October
From March through October, wind at Muir Beach typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 14 mph with 43% of those hours windy, while mornings average 7 mph.
Microclimate
+17°FKentfield, 6.5 mi away, on summer afternoons
Kentfield, 6.5 miles away, runs about 17°F warmer than Muir Beach on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 17% of morning hours compared with 49%.
Daylight
9.5–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Muir Beach range from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:34 PM, and in mid-December around 4:55 PM.
Seasons at Muir Beach
- Warm seasonJul 6 – Oct 5 · highs 69°F+
The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 6 to Oct 5, when the average high is 69°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 71°F.
- Cool seasonDec 1 – Feb 26 · highs 59°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 1 to Feb 26, when the average high is 59°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 44°F.
- Rainy seasonOct 27 – Apr 18 · 89% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Oct 27 to Apr 18, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 89% of the year's rain.
The dark line marks today. Season dates come from the smoothed daily NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Counting from Oct. 1, a typical year has its first inch of rain by Oct 21 and half of its annual total by Jan 22.
Days per year and extremes (Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026)
This record runs from Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026. Over this record, Muir Beach averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 20 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 10 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 179 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Oct 16, 2026 (71°F) and the coldest night was Feb 20, 2026 (43°F). The wettest day was Nov 23, 2024 (2.76 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 46 mph on Mar 12, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 20days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 10afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 179mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day71°FOct 16, 2026
- Coldest night43°FFeb 20, 2026
- Wettest day2.76 inNov 23, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust46 mphMar 12, 2025
What shapes Muir Beach's weather
Afternoon sea breezes blow onshore at Muir Beach on most summer days. The sand sits low between bluffs, while the overlook picnic area on the headland to the north is fully exposed. The beach and the overlook can feel like different places on the same afternoon. Bring a layer for the overlook even on a clear day.
As the summer sea-breeze pattern weakens in September and October, fog days thin out and the cove gets its clearest, warmest afternoons. Winter is the rainy season. Pacific storms bring the year's biggest surf. Heavy rain swells Redwood Creek until it breaks through the sandbar at the beach, which opens the way for spawning salmon.
Tips for visiting Muir Beach
Watch the waves at an unguarded beach
There are no lifeguards at Muir Beach. The Park Service advises always keeping an eye on the waves.
Stay out of the lagoon
The Redwood Creek lagoon is closed to all access because it is critical habitat for coho salmon and red-legged frogs.
Leash dogs on the trails
Dogs may be leashed or under voice control on the main beach, but they must be leashed on Kaashi Way and the Coastal Trail.
Pack layers for the overlook
The overlook picnic site on the bluff is known for wind, so bring a warm layer even on a sunny day.
Keep fires in the rings
Fires are allowed only in the provided fire rings starting at 9 a.m., and you must put them out with water. Groups must leave the beach within an hour after sunset.
Check the tides before a long walk
The nearest NOAA prediction station is at the Golden Gate. Low tide leaves more sand to walk in the cove.
Muir Beach through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Rain tapers off and northwest winds strengthen. The marine layer starts returning by May, so clear mornings get rarer as the season goes on.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is peak fog season. The cove is often gray in the morning and cool all day, even when towns a few miles inland are warm.
- Fall (September–November)
- September and October usually bring the clearest, warmest afternoons of the year. Monarch butterflies arrive to spend the autumn and winter in the Monterey pines at the beach.
- Winter (December–February)
- Winter is storm season, with the year's biggest surf. Heavy late-fall and winter rains breach the sandbar at Muir Beach, which starts the coho salmon and steelhead spawning run up Redwood Creek.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Picnics and beach walks: Best on clear fall afternoons. Summer fog and the onshore breeze keep the sand chilly even at midday.
- Whale watching from the overlook: Whales pass during their winter migrations. Pick a clear, calm day, because wind and fog on the bluff make spotting hard.
- Monarch viewing: Monarchs arrive in autumn and can sometimes be found clustered in the small grove of Monterey pines in winter. Look on mild, calm afternoons, when the butterflies are most active.
- Hiking the Coastal Trail: The bluffs are windy on summer afternoons, and fog can linger past midday. Fall and clear winter days give the long views up the coast.
Official sources and current conditions
- NPS: Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook
- Parks Conservancy: Muir Beach
- NPS: Muir Woods and Muir Beach operating hours
- NOAA tide predictions: San Francisco (Golden Gate)
Numbers on this page come from NOAA data. The text draws on the official sources linked above.
Historical Climate Data
Long-term weather patterns and climate data
Data sources: Recent temperatures come from NOAA URMA and recent precipitation from NOAA Stage IV. Fog, cloud, wind, humidity, and sunshine come from NOAA HRRR, and long-term baselines from NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals.
Climate Overview
Based on NOAA 30-year temperature/rain normals (1991-2020) with recent fog/sun baseline
🌟 Best Months to Visit
⚠️ Challenging Months
Monthly Breakdown
| Month | Comfort | High/Low | ☀️ Sun | 🌫️ Fog | 💧 Rain | Perfect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | 73 | 56.7° / 51.9° | 6.1h | 8d | 6.39" | 14 |
| December 2024 | 65 | 55.5° / 51.1° | 4.4h | 14d | 8.81" | 9 |
| January 2025 | 79 | 55.9° / 50° | 6.9h | 6d | 0.26" | 18 |
| February 2025 | 69 | 54.3° / 49.3° | 6.3h | 7d | 9.43" | 11 |
| March 2025 | 74 | 53.9° / 48.8° | 7.5h | 7d | 2.66" | 12 |
| April 2025 | 74 | 53.4° / 49.4° | 8h | 13d | 0.36" | 8 |
| May 2025 | 80 | 54.7° / 50.2° | 11.1h | 10d | 0.16" | 19 |
| June 2025 | 71 | 54.5° / 50.6° | 8.4h | 22d | 0" | 6 |
| July 2025 | 68 | 56.5° / 53° | 6.8h | 27d | 0" | 3 |
| August 2025 | 77 | 59.5° / 54.7° | 9.2h | 18d | 0" | 12 |
| September 2025 | 78 | 62.4° / 57.4° | 7.2h | 17d | 0.1" | 16 |
| October 2025 | 80 | 62° / 56.4° | 7.1h | 8d | 0.88" | 17 |
| November 2025 | 73 | 58.5° / 52.8° | 6.1h | 10d | 3.9" | 9 |
| December 2025 | 64 | 54.5° / 49° | 4.7h | 11d | 5.92" | 4 |
| January 2026 | 75 | 58.3° / 52.3° | 6.5h | 5d | 5.65" | 18 |
| February 2026 | 71 | 57.8° / 52.1° | 6h | 4d | 6.67" | 10 |
| March 2026 | 86 | 59.4° / 53° | 9.4h | 5d | 0.05" | 23 |
| April 2026 | 78 | 57.2° / 52.7° | 8.8h | 7d | 4.07" | 16 |
| May 2026 | 76 | 55.8° / 51.2° | 9.7h | 16d | 0.72" | 13 |
| June 2026 | 74 | 56.9° / 53.1° | 8h | 14d | 0.01" | 12 |
| July 2026 | 78 | 58.2° / 53.8° | 9.8h | 16d | 0" | 15 |
| August 2026 | 70 | 59.1° / 54.7° | 6.4h | 28d | 0" | 3 |
| September 2026 | 80 | 61.2° / 56.2° | 8.3h | 9d | 0.22" | 18 |
| October 2026 | 86 | 62.2° / 56.9° | 8.2h | 8d | 0.26" | 25 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Muir Beach climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Muir Beach, showing both the seasonal cycle and the typical day-to-night range. The comfort chart summarizes how often the combined weather pattern is favorable rather than judging temperature alone.
Precipitation shows the total recorded or modeled rainfall for each month at Muir Beach. Sunshine compares average bright-sky hours with the daylight available, while fog shows the average number of morning fog or low-cloud hours per day. Switch between the chart tabs to compare the same months across each measure.
Hourly Temperature, Fog, Wind, Cloud Cover, and Solar Radiation Patterns
Average local hour by month from 2014-09-30 to 2026-04-30
- Temperature: At Muir Beach, the warmest typical hour is 4 PM in September (67°F). The coldest is 6 AM in February (48°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Muir Beach in 62% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (16%).
- Wind: From March through October, wind at Muir Beach typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 14 mph with 43% of those hours windy, while mornings average 7 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Muir Beach (26% average cloud cover), and July middays are the cloudiest (44%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Muir Beach comes at 2 PM in June, averaging 808 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Muir Beach
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Muir Beach changes by hour and month. Read left to right for the seasons and top to bottom for the time of day. Warmer colors mark the usual afternoon peaks, and cooler colors show overnight and winter lows.
This heatmap shows when fog or low cloud is most likely at Muir Beach. Darker cells mark the months and hours when fog has been most common. They help separate overnight or morning fog from cloud that tends to linger into the afternoon.
This heatmap shows the typical hourly wind pattern at Muir Beach through the year. It makes recurring afternoon wind, calmer overnight periods, and seasonal changes easier to compare than a single daily wind value.
This heatmap shows average cloud cover at Muir Beach for every month and hour. Use it to see whether cloudiness is mainly an overnight and morning pattern or commonly persists during the part of the day you plan to visit.
This heatmap shows the average solar radiation reaching Muir Beach by month and hour. Brighter cells indicate the strongest typical sun, while muted cells can reflect nighttime, shorter winter days, cloud cover, smoke, or terrain shading.
Each cell combines one month with one local hour. Hover over or focus on a cell for its value and sample coverage. The red marker shows the current month and hour.
How recent months compared at Muir Beach
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Muir Beach averaged a high of 62°F, about the same as October 2025 (62°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 28.1 in. of rain to Muir Beach, 84% of the 33.5 in. normal.
Location Details
Muir Beach weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Muir Beach
What is the weather like at Muir Beach today?
It's 59°F at Muir Beach right now, with a comfort score of 79 (great). Today's forecast high at Muir Beach is 61°F, close to the mid November normal of 62°F. The best window today is 10 AM to 1 PM, at about 53°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 57).
What is the best month to visit Muir Beach?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Muir Beach are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 3 PM to 6 PM in October, and 1 PM to 4 PM in August. The warm season lasts about 3 months, from Jul 6 to Oct 5, when the average high is 69°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 71°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Muir Beach?
September is the warmest month at Muir Beach, with an average high of 71°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 44°F.
When does the fog burn off at Muir Beach?
Fog or low cloud covers Muir Beach in 62% of 9 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 3 PM, but 24% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (16%).
When is it windiest at Muir Beach?
From March through October, wind at Muir Beach typically builds after 1 PM. In June it peaks around 5 PM, averaging 14 mph with 43% of those hours windy, while mornings average 7 mph.
How much rain does Muir Beach get?
December is the wettest month (7.3 in.), out of about 33.5 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Oct 27 to Apr 18, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 89% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 28.1 in. of rain to Muir Beach, 84% of the 33.5 in. normal.
How does Muir Beach weather compare with Kentfield?
Kentfield, 6.5 miles away, runs about 17°F warmer than Muir Beach on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 17% of morning hours compared with 49%.
What kind of place is Muir Beach?
Muir Beach is a small, quiet cove where Redwood Creek reaches the Pacific, about three miles downstream from Muir Woods. Locals favor its beach and tidal lagoon. The cove belongs to Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which the National Park Service runs. A footbridge carries visitors from the parking lot over the restored creek mouth, which is habitat for coho salmon and steelhead. The Muir Beach Overlook sits on the bluffs just to the north off Highway 1. Unlike Stinson Beach, Muir Beach has no lifeguards.
What is Muir Beach weather like in November?
November at Muir Beach averages a high of 62°F and a low of 48°F, with 3.6 in. of rain over about 8 rainy days. About 23% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 8 mph.
More about Muir Beach weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
Data sources and methods
- Monthly temperatures and precipitation: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
- Fog, cloud, wind, sun, and comfort by hour and month: NOAA's HRRR hourly analysis from September 2014 to April 2026.
- Daily records and recent months: NOAA URMA and HRRR analyses, plus NOAA Stage IV precipitation.
- Nearby comparisons and regional rankings use the same hourly HRRR summaries for every destination in the region.
- Alerts: National Weather Service. Tides and ocean temperature: NOAA CO-OPS, where shown.
- All statements on this page are computed from these datasets, apart from the “What shapes the weather” guide, which cites its sources inline.
- National Park Service, Muir Beach and Muir Beach Overlook (updated Nov 27, 2023) (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Muir Beach (accessed 2026-10-27)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Muir Woods National Monument (accessed 2026-10-27)
- NOAA CO-OPS tide predictions, San Francisco (9414290) (accessed 2026-10-27)
Rendered 2026-11-15T12:04:18.777Z.