Stinson Beach Weather
Beach • San Francisco Bay Area
Stinson Beach is a long sand beach on the Marin coast where the steep west face of Mount Tamalpais meets Bolinas Bay. The National Park Service manages it as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and it is the one beach in the park with seasonal lifeguards for swimmers.
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Hourly Forecast
Current Conditions
Comfort Breakdown
Stinson Beach weather today and through the year
It's 60°F at Stinson Beach right now (feels like 55°F), with 12 mph wind and a comfort score of 79. Today's forecast high at Stinson Beach is 62°F, close to the mid November normal of 61°F. Fog is forecast today until about 1 PM at Stinson Beach. In November, fog here usually thins by noon. The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 54°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 58).
August is the warmest month at Stinson Beach, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (8.9 in.), out of about 41.2 in. a year. By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Stinson Beach are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 2 PM to 5 PM in August, and 3 PM to 6 PM in July.
Stinson faces southwest onto Bolinas Bay and the open Pacific, with Mount Tamalpais rising almost straight up behind the town. In summer, cold ocean water chills the air above it into a marine layer, and wind blowing in from the sea pushes that layer against the mountain. That is why summer mornings here are often gray while Mill Valley, a few miles away on the other side of the ridge, is already sunny.
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 Stinson Beach in the next few days
Active National Weather Service alerts
- Small Craft Advisory until Mon 3:00 PM
Fog
Fog is forecast today until about 1 PM at Stinson Beach. In November, fog here usually thins by noon.
Best time to go
The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 54°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 58).
Best day this week
Of the next 7 days, Friday looks best for Stinson Beach, with a 61°F high and midday comfort near 78. Today looks weakest (43).
Rain
Next good chance of rain: today (81%, about 0.82 in.).
Ocean water
64°F at the Point Reyes (Pacific coast) NOAA station. NOAA data
Tides (Bolinas Lagoon)
- High 3.1 ft at 4:45 AM today
- Low 2.4 ft at 8:59 AM today
- High 3.8 ft at 2:07 PM today
- Low 0.3 ft at 10:43 PM today
Live weather map
Weather around Stinson Beach right now
Overcast and 60° at Stinson Beach right now.
About the live weather map for Stinson Beach
The map centers on Stinson 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.
Stinson Beach vs nearby places
Typical summer conditions compared with Stinson 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 Stinson Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolinas | 2.5 mi | -2°F | 43% | 9 mph | a very similar climate |
| Mount Tamalpais State Park | 3.1 mi | +6°F | 20% | 7 mph | 2,571 ft higher and less summer morning fog (20% vs 41% of morning hours) |
| Muir Woods National Monument | 4 mi | +9°F | 24% | 9 mph | about 9°F warmer on summer afternoons and less summer morning fog (24% vs 41% of morning hours) |
| Crissy Field | 11.6 mi | -9°F | 40% | 18 mph | windier summer afternoons (18 vs 7 mph) and about 9°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Marina District | 13 mi | -8°F | 34% | 19 mph | windier summer afternoons (19 vs 7 mph) and about 8°F cooler on summer afternoons |
| Alcatraz Island | 13 mi | -8°F | 34% | 19 mph | windier summer afternoons (19 vs 7 mph) and about 8°F cooler on summer afternoons |
Places with a climate like Stinson Beach's
- Golden Gate Park (12 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Año Nuevo Point (57 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
- Año Nuevo State Park (56 mi away): similar temperatures through the year
Climate Dashboard
Current conditions vs. NOAA normals and recent destination baseline
What the Stinson Beach climate comparisons mean
These cards compare recent conditions at Stinson 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 Stinson 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.
Stinson Beach weather by month
August is the warmest month at Stinson Beach, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F. December is the wettest month (8.9 in.), out of about 41.2 in. a year. Morning fog peaks in July, when fog or low cloud covers 46% of the hours from 6 to 10 AM. October has the clearest middays, with clouds covering about 24% of the sky from 11 AM to 3 PM.
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Stinson Beach are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 2 PM to 5 PM in August, and 3 PM to 6 PM in July.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain | Rainy days | Morning fog | Midday cloud | Afternoon wind | Daylight | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 55°F | 45°F | 7.8 in | 12 | 35% | 38% | 7 mph | 9.8 h | 33 |
| Feb | 56°F | 45°F | 7.7 in | 12 | 21% | 31% | 8 mph | 10.7 h | 35 |
| Mar | 59°F | 45°F | 5.8 in | 10 | 24% | 35% | 8 mph | 11.9 h | 38 |
| Apr | 61°F | 46°F | 2.8 in | 7 | 24% | 32% | 8 mph | 13.2 h | 61 |
| May | 64°F | 48°F | 1.3 in | 5 | 34% | 33% | 8 mph | 14.2 h | 69 |
| Jun | 68°F | 51°F | 0.3 in | 2 | 31% | 26% | 7 mph | 14.8 h | 80 |
| Jul | 71°F | 54°F | 0.0 in | 1 | 46% | 28% | 6 mph | 14.5 h | 84 |
| Aug | 73°F | 55°F | 0.1 in | 1 | 45% | 27% | 6 mph | 13.6 h | 87 |
| Sep | 73°F | 56°F | 0.1 in | 2 | 33% | 26% | 6 mph | 12.3 h | 91 |
| Oct | 69°F | 53°F | 1.9 in | 6 | 26% | 24% | 6 mph | 11.1 h | 82 |
| Nov | 61°F | 49°F | 4.5 in | 9 | 27% | 25% | 6 mph | 10.0 h | 66 |
| Dec | 55°F | 45°F | 8.9 in | 12 | 37% | 38% | 7 mph | 9.5 h | 28 |
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 Stinson Beach average about 10°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 Stinson Beach has actually seen.
What makes Stinson Beach's weather different
Among the 17 San Francisco Bay Area beaches we track, Stinson Beach has the warmest summer afternoons and the 2nd-sunniest summer middays. It also has the calmest summer afternoons.
- #1of 17
warmest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area beaches
- #2of 17
sunniest summer middaysamong San Francisco Bay Area beaches
- #1of 17
calmest summer afternoonsamong San Francisco Bay Area beaches
When the fog burns off
2 PMwhen July fog usually thins (54% foggy at 8 AM)
Fog or low cloud covers Stinson Beach in 54% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 2 PM, but 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (21%).
Wind
7 mphtypical afternoon wind, with no strong daily build-up
Stinson Beach has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 7 mph year-round, and January is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 9 mph.
Microclimate
+9°FMuir Woods National Monument, 4 mi away, on summer afternoons
Muir Woods National Monument, 4 miles away, runs about 9°F warmer than Stinson Beach on summer afternoons. It also has less summer morning fog, 24% of morning hours compared with 41%.
Elevation
+6°Fsummer afternoons at Mount Tamalpais State Park, 2,571 ft up
Mount Tamalpais State Park sits 2,571 ft higher, 3.1 miles away. Its summer highs average 6°F warmer and its winter lows 2°F colder than Stinson Beach.
Daylight
9.5–14.8 hof daylight, Dec to Jun
Days at Stinson Beach range from about 9.5 hours in December to 14.8 hours in June. In mid-June the sun sets around 8:35 PM, and in mid-December around 4:56 PM.
Seasons at Stinson Beach
- Warm seasonJul 3 – Oct 3 · highs 70°F+
The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jul 3 to Oct 3, when the average high is 70°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 73°F.
- Cool seasonNov 30 – Mar 1 · highs 58°F or lower
The cool season runs from Nov 30 to Mar 1, when the average high is 58°F or lower. The coldest nights come around Jan 8, with an average low near 45°F.
- Rainy seasonOct 25 – Apr 22 · 90% of the year's rain
The rainy season runs from Oct 25 to Apr 22, when a day has at least a 21% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 90% 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 17 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, Stinson Beach averaged no days at 90°F or hotter and no freezing nights. It averaged 29 days a year with at least half an inch of rain and 6 afternoons with wind of 20 mph or more at 2 PM. About 151 mornings a year had 3 or more hours of fog or low cloud.
In the same record, the hottest day was Sep 9, 2026 (82°F) and the coldest night was Feb 18, 2026 (40°F). The wettest day was Nov 23, 2024 (4.20 in.), and the strongest 2 PM gust was 49 mph on Feb 4, 2025.
- 0days at 90°F or hotter
- 0nights at or below freezing
- 29days with ½ in. of rain or more
- 6afternoons with 20+ mph wind
- 151mornings with 3+ hours of fog or low cloud
- Hottest day82°FSep 9, 2026
- Coldest night40°FFeb 18, 2026
- Wettest day4.20 inNov 23, 2024
- Strongest 2 PM gust49 mphFeb 4, 2025
What shapes Stinson Beach's weather
Stinson's marine layer, the low blanket of fog and cloud that forms over the cold ocean, usually thins by early afternoon in summer. On many summer days it never fully clears, and it often thickens again toward evening.
Late summer and early fall are the warm season, and August and September have the warmest afternoons. As the summer sea breeze weakens in September and October, the fog thins and the beach gets some of its clearest days.
Winter is the rainy season. Most of Stinson's yearly rain falls between late October and April, and winter storms also bring the year's biggest surf.
Tips for visiting Stinson Beach
Parking fills before noon on hot days
The beach has no overflow lot, and parking fills before noon on hot days. Arrive early, or ride Marin Transit's West Marin Stagecoach bus.
The drive in is slow
Highway 1 and Panoramic Highway are steep and winding. Allow extra time on gray mornings, when the ridge is in cloud.
Swim when lifeguards are on duty
Lifeguards are posted from early July through Labor Day, and none are on duty outside that period. The lifeguard tower is at (415) 868-0942.
Bring a wetsuit to swim
The water is cold all year and averages about 58°F even in summer.
Dogs go on the county beach
Dogs aren't allowed on the National Park Service section of the beach. Leashed dogs are fine in the parking lot, the picnic areas, and the adjacent county beach.
Walk the beach at low tide
Low daytime tides open up the sand toward Bolinas Lagoon. Check the tide times on this page before a long walk.
Stinson Beach through the seasons
- Spring (March–May)
- Spring is drier and brighter than winter, and the good surfing season runs into spring. The marine layer starts building again in May.
- Summer (June–August)
- Summer brings the most fog and the biggest crowds. Mornings are often gray and afternoons only partly clear. Lifeguards are on duty from early July.
- Fall (September–October)
- September is as warm as August, and the fog thins through the fall. Crowds drop off after Labor Day.
- Winter (November–February)
- Winter is the rainy season and brings the year's biggest surf. King tides, the highest tides of the year, can flood low streets in town when they arrive with storm surf. Marin County names Stinson among its most flood-exposed shoreline communities.
Activities and the weather that matters
- Swimming: Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty, the surf is small, and the wind is calm. The water stays in the 50s °F all year.
- Surfing and bodyboarding: The Park Service calls winter and spring the best surfing seasons, while summer's smaller surf suits rafters and bodyboarders.
- Windsurfing: The Park Service notes that the usual northwest winds blow best for windsurfers in the afternoon.
- Hiking: The Dipsea and Matt Davis trails climb from town toward Mount Tamalpais and often rise above the summer fog.
Official sources and current conditions
- NPS: Stinson Beach visitor information
- Parks Conservancy: Stinson Beach safety and conditions
- NOAA tide predictions: Bolinas Lagoon
- NOAA water temperature: Point Reyes
- Marin Transit route 61
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 | 56.5° / 51.2° | 6h | 9d | 11.33" | 14 |
| December 2024 | 65 | 56.2° / 51.3° | 4.4h | 15d | 13.92" | 11 |
| January 2025 | 77 | 55.9° / 49.2° | 6.8h | 9d | 0.48" | 18 |
| February 2025 | 68 | 54.5° / 48.2° | 6h | 8d | 15.62" | 10 |
| March 2025 | 71 | 53.8° / 46.9° | 7h | 12d | 4.69" | 11 |
| April 2025 | 75 | 54° / 47.8° | 8.1h | 13d | 0.61" | 13 |
| May 2025 | 85 | 58.5° / 49.6° | 11.7h | 8d | 0.25" | 21 |
| June 2025 | 81 | 56.6° / 49.3° | 11h | 13d | 0" | 17 |
| July 2025 | 74 | 56.8° / 51.5° | 8h | 21d | 0" | 12 |
| August 2025 | 89 | 62.9° / 54.9° | 10.8h | 9d | 0.1" | 26 |
| September 2025 | 83 | 64.2° / 56.8° | 7.8h | 12d | 0.04" | 21 |
| October 2025 | 80 | 62.3° / 55.3° | 6.8h | 11d | 1.57" | 17 |
| November 2025 | 72 | 58.4° / 52° | 5.9h | 14d | 6.83" | 9 |
| December 2025 | 65 | 55.5° / 49.5° | 4.9h | 14d | 9.7" | 8 |
| January 2026 | 76 | 59.2° / 53.1° | 6.4h | 6d | 9.51" | 21 |
| February 2026 | 69 | 58° / 51.6° | 5.9h | 6d | 10.43" | 12 |
| March 2026 | 91 | 63.8° / 54.1° | 9.3h | 3d | 0.07" | 27 |
| April 2026 | 77 | 57.3° / 51° | 8.6h | 7d | 6.69" | 18 |
| May 2026 | 79 | 57.8° / 50.8° | 9.7h | 15d | 0.9" | 15 |
| June 2026 | 80 | 59.3° / 52.5° | 9.2h | 14d | 0.02" | 16 |
| July 2026 | 87 | 61.5° / 53.8° | 10.6h | 10d | 0" | 22 |
| August 2026 | 80 | 60.8° / 54.2° | 9h | 15d | 0" | 16 |
| September 2026 | 85 | 63.4° / 55.9° | 9h | 9d | 0.43" | 19 |
| October 2026 | 89 | 64.6° / 57° | 8.4h | 4d | 0.37" | 26 |
Climate Trends
Average Temperature by Month
About the Stinson Beach climate charts
The temperature chart compares average monthly highs and lows at Stinson 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 Stinson 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 Stinson Beach, the warmest typical hour is 4 PM in September (69°F). The coldest is 7 AM in February (48°F).
- Fog: Fog or low cloud covers Stinson Beach in 54% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 2 PM, but 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (21%).
- Wind: Stinson Beach has no strong afternoon wind build-up. Afternoons average about 7 mph year-round, and January is the windiest month, with hourly averages near 9 mph.
- Cloud Cover: October middays are the clearest at Stinson Beach (24% average cloud cover), and December middays are the cloudiest (38%).
- Solar Radiation: The strongest typical sun at Stinson Beach comes at 1 PM in June, averaging 890 W/m².
How to read the hourly heatmaps for Stinson Beach
This heatmap shows how average temperature at Stinson 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 Stinson 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 Stinson 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 Stinson 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 Stinson 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 Stinson Beach
- October 2026 recap: October 2026 at Stinson Beach averaged a high of 65°F, 2°F warmer than October 2025 (62°F).
- Rain year: The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 46.1 in. of rain to Stinson Beach, 112% of the 41.2 in. normal.
Location Details
Stinson Beach weather questions
Everything you need to know about weather and visiting Stinson Beach
What is the weather like at Stinson Beach today?
It's 60°F at Stinson Beach right now, with a comfort score of 79 (great). Today's forecast high at Stinson Beach is 62°F, close to the mid November normal of 61°F. The best window today is 9 AM to noon, at about 54°F with a 4 mph wind (comfort 58).
What is the best month to visit Stinson Beach?
By typical temperature, wind, cloud, humidity, and rain odds, the most comfortable months at Stinson Beach are September, August, and July. The best hours are usually 1 PM to 4 PM in September, 2 PM to 5 PM in August, and 3 PM to 6 PM in July. The warm season lasts about 3.1 months, from Jul 3 to Oct 3, when the average high is 70°F or warmer. Highs peak around Aug 8 at about 73°F.
What are the warmest and coldest months at Stinson Beach?
August is the warmest month at Stinson Beach, with an average high of 73°F. January is the coldest, with an average low of 45°F.
When does the fog burn off at Stinson Beach?
Fog or low cloud covers Stinson Beach in 54% of 8 AM hours in July, the foggiest month. It usually thins to a third of that by 2 PM, but 17% of mid-afternoon hours are still foggy. February mornings are the least foggy (21%).
How cold is the ocean at Stinson Beach?
The nearest NOAA water-temperature station, Point Reyes (Pacific coast), last read 64°F. The water is cold all year and averages about 58°F even in summer.
How much rain does Stinson Beach get?
December is the wettest month (8.9 in.), out of about 41.2 in. a year. The rainy season runs from Oct 25 to Apr 22, when a day has at least a 21% chance of measurable rain. That stretch brings 90% of the year's rain. The 2025-26 rain year (Oct. 1 to Sep. 30) brought 46.1 in. of rain to Stinson Beach, 112% of the 41.2 in. normal.
How does Stinson Beach weather compare with Muir Woods National Monument?
Muir Woods National Monument, 4 miles away, runs about 9°F warmer than Stinson Beach on summer afternoons. It also has less summer morning fog, 24% of morning hours compared with 41%.
Is Stinson Beach safe to swim?
Swim only when lifeguards are on duty. The National Park Service says lifeguards are generally posted from the first week of July through Labor Day. The Parks Conservancy lists Memorial Day to Labor Day, so call the lifeguard tower to confirm. The water is cold, and rip currents occur year-round and can carry swimmers hundreds of yards from shore. Shark attacks have also occurred in Stinson Beach waters. For current swimming and fog conditions, call (415) 868-1922.
What kind of place is Stinson Beach?
Stinson Beach is a long sand beach on the Marin coast where the steep west face of Mount Tamalpais meets Bolinas Bay. The National Park Service manages it as part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and it is the one beach in the park with seasonal lifeguards for swimmers.
What is Stinson Beach weather like in November?
November at Stinson Beach averages a high of 61°F and a low of 49°F, with 4.5 in. of rain over about 9 rainy days. About 27% of morning hours are foggy. Afternoon wind averages 6 mph.
More about Stinson 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, Stinson Beach (updated Oct 29, 2024) (accessed 2026-10-25)
- NOAA CO-OPS tide predictions, Bolinas Lagoon (9414958) (accessed 2026-10-25)
- Marin County C-SMART sea-level adaptation program (Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Bolinas, East Shore) (accessed 2026-10-25)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Stinson Beach (accessed 2026-10-25)
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