Pacifica Weather
Town • San Francisco Bay Area
Pacifica strings together a row of small coastal valleys along Highway 1. They run from the Sharp Park and Rockaway bluffs south to Linda Mar's crescent of surf beach under Pedro Point. Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Ridge, and Montara Mountain close in on the east side. Golden Gate National Recreation Area manages Mori Point on the coast and Sweeney Ridge above it. San Mateo County manages San Pedro Valley Park and the Devil's Slide Trail, the old Highway 1 roadbed on the cliffs south of town.
Plan your week
10-Day Forecast
Hour by hour
Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Pacifica weather today and through the year
It's 56°F at Pacifica right now (feels like 53°F), with 8 mph wind and a comfort score of 79. Monday's forecast high at Pacifica is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. No fog in the forecast for today at Pacifica. In November, 12% of morning hours here are foggy on average. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 55°F with a 10 mph wind (comfort 55).
September is the warmest month at Pacifica, with an average high of 70°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (5.6 in.), out of about 27.1 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pacifica are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August.
Pacifica takes the marine layer, the sheet of fog and low cloud that forms over the cold ocean, head on. Every neighborhood faces the open Pacific with no bay to soften it. In summer, fog forms over cold water that rises from the deep offshore, and it moves straight up the valleys. It often fills Linda Mar and the San Pedro Valley to the back wall of hills. South San Francisco and San Bruno, on the bay side of Sweeney Ridge, are only partly cloudy at the same time.
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 Pacifica in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- High Surf Warning until Sun 4:00 AM
- High Surf Advisory until Tue 4:00 AM
Fog
No fog in the forecast for today at Pacifica. In November, 12% of morning hours here are foggy on average.
Best time to go
The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 55°F with a 10 mph wind (comfort 55).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Pacifica, with a 61°F high and midday comfort near 80. Today looks weakest (45).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (75%, about 0.50 in.).
Ocean water
65°F at the Offshore San Francisco (18 nautical miles west) NOAA station. NOAA data
Tides (Pillar Point Harbor (Half Moon Bay))
- High 3.9 ft at 4:11 AM today
- Low 3.5 ft at 7:41 AM today
- High 4.7 ft at 1:15 PM today
- Low 0.4 ft at 9:12 PM today
Live weather map
Weather around Pacifica right now
Overcast and 56° at Pacifica right now.
About the live weather map for Pacifica
The map centers on Pacifica 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.
Pacifica vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Pacifica, 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 Pacifica |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bruno | 4.3 mi | +15°F | 15% | 11 mph | less summer morning fog (15% vs 56% of morning hours) and about 15°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| South San Francisco | 5.2 mi | +13°F | 20% | 13 mph | less summer morning fog (20% vs 56% of morning hours) and about 13°F warmer on summer afternoons |
| Montara | 5.2 mi | +1°F | 60% | 8 mph | a very similar climate |
| Woodside | 18 mi | +24°F | 17% | 8 mph | about 24°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 56% of morning hours) |
| Kentfield | 23.7 mi | +24°F | 17% | 7 mph | about 24°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 56% of morning hours) |
| Ross | 24.3 mi | +24°F | 17% | 7 mph | about 24°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (17% vs 56% of morning hours) |
Places with a climate like Pacifica's
- Pescadero (26 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Tennessee Valley Beach (16 mi away): nearly the same temperatures every month
- Muir Beach (18 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Pacifica climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Pacifica 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 Pacifica 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.
Pacifica weather by month
September is the warmest month at Pacifica, with an average high of 70°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (5.6 in.), out of about 27.1 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 61% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. November has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 30% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pacifica are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 57°F | 45°F | 5.3 in | 10 | 13% | 37% | 8 mph | 9.9 h | 31 |
| Feb | 58°F | 46°F | 5.3 in | 10 | 10% | 33% | 10 mph | 10.7 h | 29 |
| Mar | 60°F | 47°F | 3.9 in | 8 | 16% | 39% | 10 mph | 11.9 h | 52 |
| Apr | 62°F | 48°F | 1.9 in | 6 | 26% | 44% | 10 mph | 13.2 h | 54 |
| May | 64°F | 50°F | 0.8 in | 4 | 36% | 53% | 10 mph | 14.2 h | 48 |
| Jun | 66°F | 52°F | 0.2 in | 2 | 46% | 51% | 9 mph | 14.8 h | 61 |
| Jul | 68°F | 54°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 61% | 61% | 9 mph | 14.5 h | 63 |
| Aug | 69°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 60% | 63% | 8 mph | 13.6 h | 67 |
| Sep | 70°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 47% | 54% | 7 mph | 12.3 h | 75 |
| Oct | 68°F | 52°F | 1.2 in | 5 | 24% | 38% | 7 mph | 11.1 h | 73 |
| Nov | 62°F | 49°F | 2.7 in | 7 | 12% | 30% | 7 mph | 10.1 h | 61 |
| Dec | 57°F | 45°F | 5.6 in | 10 | 14% | 37% | 9 mph | 9.6 h | 24 |
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 Pacifica average about 5°F cooler than the 1991-2020 normals. The normals average over a wider area that also covers nearby terrain. Read the monthly highs as a rough range, and use the recent months below for what Pacifica has actually seen.
What makes Pacifica's weather different
Among the 163 San Francisco Bay Area towns we track, Pacifica has the coolest summer afternoons and the 2nd-cloudiest summer middays.
- #1of 163
coolest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area towns
- #2of 163
cloudiest summer middaysamong San Francisco Bay Area towns
When the fog burns off
68%of 8 AM hours foggy in July
Fog or low cloud covers Pacifica in 68% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (10%).
Wind
9 mphtypical afternoon wind, with no strong daily build-up
Pacifica has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 9 mph year-round, and April is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 10 mph.
Microclimate
+15°FSan Bruno, 4.3 mi away, on summer afternoons
San Bruno, 4.3 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Pacifica on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 15% of morning hours compared with 56%.
Daylight
9.6–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Pacifica range from about 9.6 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:34 PM, and in mid-December around 4:58 PM.
Seasons at Pacifica
- Warm seasonJul 30 – Oct 24 · highs 68°F+
The warm season lasts about 2.9 months, from Jul 30 to Oct 24, when the average high is 68°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 70°F.
- Cool seasonDec 2 – Feb 26 · highs 59°F or lower
The cool season runs from Dec 2 to Feb 26, when the average high is 59°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 45°F.
- Rainy seasonNov 5 – Apr 11 · 85% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Nov 5 to Apr 11, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 85% 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 26 and half of its annual total by Jan 24.
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, Pacifica averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 17 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 12 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 184 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (85°F) and the coldest night was Feb 20, 2026 (41°F). The wettest day was Nov 23, 2024 (2.85 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 56 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 17days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 12afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 184mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day85°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night41°FFeb 20, 2026
- Wettest day2.85 inNov 23, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust56 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Pacifica's weather
Pacifica sits at the ocean end of the San Bruno Gap, the low ground that lets sea air cross the Peninsula toward SFO. That flow makes summer days feel raw here. A cool, damp onshore breeze keeps afternoons from warming much, and later in the day it drives the overcast inland through the gap.
Each valley behaves a little differently. Linda Mar's beach curves into a small bay under Pedro Point. The Sharp Park and Mori Point bluffs to the north stand fully exposed to the wind. Up San Pedro Creek toward Montara Mountain, the cloud deck often sits right on the slopes, and winter storms squeeze extra rain out of the climbing air.
September and October bring Pacifica's best weather. September is the warmest month, and by October the summer fog has thinned and offshore breezes sometimes clear the coast. Winter storms bring big surf that pounds the eroding bluffs along the north end of town.
Tips for visiting Pacifica
Bring a windbreaker to Mori Point
The National Park Service warns it is quite windy on the bluffs. Stay on the trails and keep back from the cliff edges.
Park on Mori Point Road or Bradford Way
Those are the two parking options the park service lists for Mori Point.
Take the bus to Devil's Slide on weekends
San Mateo County Parks says Devil's Slide Trail parking is limited and fills quickly. The county suggests taking a SamTrans bus for weekend visits.
Time Brooks Falls with the rain
The falls in San Pedro Valley Park drop about 175 feet in three tiers, but only during the rainy months of winter and spring.
Walk the black sand at Sharp Park Beach
The park service suggests a walk on the black sand of Sharp Park Beach below Mori Point.
Pacifica through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Wildflowers peak at Mori Point mainly in April and May. Afternoon northwest winds are often at their strongest of the year.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer is the foggiest season in town. Many days never fully clear, so afternoons stay cool, and evenings turn damp as the overcast thickens.
- Fall (September–October)
- September is Pacifica's warmest month, and October brings clearer skies, calmer wind, and the best views from the ridges.
- Winter (November–February)
- Winter brings rain, big surf, and the season when Brooks Falls starts running. Storm swell is dangerous on the bluffs and the pier.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Surfing at Linda Mar: Surfing is best on calm mornings before the northwest wind turns the surface choppy. The offshore San Francisco buoy reports current water temperature, which is cold all year.
- Hiking Mori Point: Wildflowers peak in April and May. Wind on the bluffs can be strong any time of year, so a clear, calm morning is ideal.
- Walking or biking Devil's Slide Trail: The 1.3-mile paved trail follows the old Highway 1 roadbed, with separate lanes for hikers and bikes. Fog hides the views but makes for a cool walk.
- Waterfall hikes in San Pedro Valley: Brooks Falls runs during the rainy months of winter and spring. Go a day or two after a storm on a dry day.
Official sources and current conditions
- NPS: Mori Point
- San Mateo County Parks: Devil's Slide Trail
- San Mateo County Parks: San Pedro Valley Park trails
- NOAA tide predictions: Pillar Point Harbor
- NOAA buoy 46026: offshore San Francisco
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 | 74 | 59° / 50.3° | 6.3h | 2d | 4.66" | 13 |
| December 2024 | 68 | 58.3° / 50.7° | 5.1h | 5d | 6.16" | 9 |
| January 2025 | 79 | 57.2° / 47.8° | 6.8h | 4d | 0.2" | 18 |
| February 2025 | 69 | 57.6° / 47.5° | 6h | 7d | 7.12" | 9 |
| March 2025 | 73 | 57.1° / 47.7° | 7.5h | 7d | 2.05" | 10 |
| April 2025 | 72 | 57.4° / 48.3° | 7.6h | 18d | 0.42" | 7 |
| May 2025 | 73 | 59.5° / 49.8° | 8.3h | 19d | 0.17" | 6 |
| June 2025 | 68 | 59.1° / 50.7° | 5.7h | 25d | 0" | 6 |
| July 2025 | 67 | 61.2° / 53.9° | 3.7h | 30d | 0.01" | 2 |
| August 2025 | 71 | 64.4° / 55.6° | 4.7h | 28d | 0.04" | 4 |
| September 2025 | 74 | 67° / 58.4° | 5.6h | 23d | 0.08" | 5 |
| October 2025 | 79 | 65° / 55.3° | 6.8h | 9d | 1.06" | 17 |
| November 2025 | 74 | 61° / 52.7° | 5.9h | 9d | 3.63" | 9 |
| December 2025 | 69 | 57.9° / 49.1° | 5.1h | 7d | 4.64" | 7 |
| January 2026 | 78 | 60.5° / 51.6° | 6.5h | 2d | 5.03" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 73 | 60.5° / 51.2° | 6.1h | 3d | 4.43" | 14 |
| March 2026 | 83 | 64.9° / 52.1° | 9.1h | 9d | 0.03" | 17 |
| April 2026 | 76 | 60.6° / 51.5° | 7.8h | 6d | 3.85" | 13 |
| May 2026 | 73 | 59.5° / 51° | 7.7h | 18d | 0.49" | 8 |
| June 2026 | 74 | 62° / 53.1° | 7.4h | 22d | 0" | 8 |
| July 2026 | 70 | 63° / 54.7° | 4.8h | 27d | 0.03" | 6 |
| August 2026 | 69 | 63.8° / 55.5° | 3.7h | 29d | 0" | 3 |
| September 2026 | 76 | 65.1° / 56.9° | 6.1h | 17d | 0.05" | 13 |
| October 2026 | 81 | 65.7° / 55.7° | 6.7h | 8d | 0.19" | 22 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Pacifica climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Pacifica, 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 Pacifica. 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 Pacifica, the warmest typical hour is 3 PM in October (60°F). The coldest is 7 AM in February (51°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Pacifica in 68% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (10%).
- Wind: Pacifica has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 9 mph year-round, and April is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 10 mph.
- Cloud Cover: November middays are the clearest at Pacifica (30% average cloud cover), and August middays are the cloudiest (63%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Pacifica comes at 1 PM in April, averaging 668 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Pacifica
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Pacifica 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 Pacifica. 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 Pacifica 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 Pacifica 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 Pacifica 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 Pacifica
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Pacifica averaged a high of 66°F, about the same as October 2025 (65°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 23.2 in. of rain to Pacifica, 86% of the 27.1 in. normal.
Location Details
Pacifica weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Pacifica
What is the weather like at Pacifica today?
It's 56°F at Pacifica right now, with a comfort score of 79 (great). Monday's forecast high at Pacifica is 56°F, 6°F below the mid November normal of 62°F. The best window today is 8 AM to 11 AM, at about 55°F with a 10 mph wind (comfort 55).
What is the best month to visit Pacifica?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Pacifica are September, October, and August. The best hours are usually 4 PM to 7 PM in September, 11 AM to 2 PM in October, and 3 PM to 6 PM in August. The warm season lasts about 2.9 months, from Jul 30 to Oct 24, when the average high is 68°F or warmer. Highs peak around Sep 8 at about 70°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Pacifica?
September is the warmest month at Pacifica, with an average high of 70°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F.
When does the fog burn off at Pacifica?
Fog or low cloud covers Pacifica in 68% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It often lingers, and 57% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (10%).
How much rain does Pacifica get?
December is the wettest month (5.6 in.), out of about 27.1 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Nov 5 to Apr 11, when a day has at least a 20% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 85% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 23.2 in. of rain to Pacifica, 86% of the 27.1 in. normal.
How does Pacifica weather compare with San Bruno?
San Bruno, 4.3 miles away, runs about 15°F warmer than Pacifica on summer afternoons. It also has far less summer morning fog, 15% of morning hours compared with 56%.
What kind of place is Pacifica?
Pacifica strings together a row of small coastal valleys along Highway 1. They run from the Sharp Park and Rockaway bluffs south to Linda Mar's crescent of surf beach under Pedro Point. Sweeney Ridge, Milagra Ridge, and Montara Mountain close in on the east side. Golden Gate National Recreation Area manages Mori Point on the coast and Sweeney Ridge above it. San Mateo County manages San Pedro Valley Park and the Devil's Slide Trail, the old Highway 1 roadbed on the cliffs south of town.
What is Pacifica weather like in November?
November at Pacifica averages a high of 62°F and a low of 49°F, with 2.7 in. of rain over about 7 rainy days. About 12% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 7 mph.
More about Pacifica weather
Guides that explain the weather here and nearby
- Pacifica Weather: Summer Fog, Cold Surf and Clear Fall Days
- Coastal Flood Advisory vs. Warning vs. Watch: What Each Level Means
- Flood Advisory vs. Flood Warning in the Bay Area: How to Know When to Act
- Driving in Bay Area Fog: Visibility and Safety Tips
- Best Surfing Weather in the Bay Area by Season
- Bay Area Camping Weather: Best Months to Camp by Location
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, Mori Point (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, Devil's Slide Trail (accessed 2026-10-27)
- San Mateo County Parks, San Pedro Valley Park trails (accessed 2026-10-27)
- NOAA National Data Buoy Center, Station 46026 (San Francisco, 18 nm west) (accessed 2026-10-27)
Rendered 2026-11-15T12:04:12.955Z.