The best time to visit San Francisco for good weather is September or October. September is the warmest month, with an average high of 70.2°F, and both months have the least fog and almost no rain. June, July and August are the foggiest months, so summer, the peak tourist season, is not the best time for warm, sunny weather.
What Is the Best Month to Visit San Francisco?
September is the best month to visit San Francisco for weather, with October a close second. April and May are good shoulder months, mild with less fog than summer and only occasional rain. June through August are cool and foggy, and December through February bring most of the year's rain. Our San Francisco weather by month guide covers temperatures, fog and rain for all twelve months.
| Month | Avg high (°F) | Avg low (°F) | Rain (in) | Rainy days | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57.8 | 46.6 | 4.40 | 11 | Rainy season |
| February | 60.4 | 47.9 | 4.37 | 11 | Rainy season, green hills |
| March | 62.1 | 48.9 | 3.15 | 11 | Mixed rain and sun |
| April | 63.0 | 49.7 | 1.60 | 7 | Good shoulder month |
| May | 64.1 | 51.4 | 0.70 | 4 | Good shoulder month |
| June | 66.5 | 53.0 | 0.20 | 2 | Fog season begins |
| July | 66.3 | 54.4 | 0.01 | 1 | Foggy and cool |
| August | 67.9 | 55.5 | 0.06 | 1 | Foggy and cool |
| September | 70.2 | 55.6 | 0.10 | 1 | Best: warmest, least fog |
| October | 69.8 | 54.4 | 0.94 | 4 | Best: warm and clear |
| November | 63.7 | 50.7 | 2.60 | 8 | Rain returns |
| December | 57.9 | 47.0 | 4.76 | 12 | Wettest month |
San Francisco Downtown station, NOAA 1991-2020 normals. Rainy days have at least 0.01 inch of rain. Source: NOAA station records via RCC-ACIS.
Why Are September and October the Best Months?
September and October are the best months because the summer fog retreats while the rainy season has not started yet. The North Pacific High weakens in late summer, the pull of cold ocean air inland eases, and afternoons turn sunny. September averages 70.2°F and October 69.8°F, both warmer than July's 66.3°F. For how the month changes from start to finish, see San Francisco weather in October.
This stretch is the Bay Area's Indian summer, when outdoor dining in sunny neighborhoods like the Mission is pleasant without a jacket. Views of the Golden Gate Bridge are also at their clearest, as our guide to the best time to see the bridge without fog explains.
When Is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco to Avoid Fog?
The best time to visit San Francisco to avoid fog is late September through October. No month is free of fog, but fall mornings clear earlier and afternoons stay clear far more often than in summer. Late April and May are the next-best window for clear skies.
If you visit in summer, where you stay matters as much as when. The Mission District, Potrero Hill and SoMa are the sunniest neighborhoods, while the Outer Sunset is the foggiest, as our guide to San Francisco weather by neighborhood shows.
Is Summer a Good Time to Visit San Francisco?
Summer is not a good time to visit San Francisco for warm weather. June through August average highs of only 66°F to 68°F, fog often lasts through the morning, and strong afternoon wind makes it feel colder. The same pull of cold ocean air that keeps the city cool is the reason locals call the fog Karl.
Summer still has a lot going for it, with long days, plenty of events and dramatic fog over the bay. Just pack for cool, gray mornings, bring a jacket for the evening, and dress in layers.
Are Spring and November Good Times to Visit?
Spring and November are good alternatives when September and October are not possible. April and May average highs of 63°F to 64°F, with green hills, wildflowers and less fog than summer. April averages about seven rainy days and May about four, so storms are possible but usually brief.
November averages a high of 63.7°F and brings the first rains of the season, about eight rainy days and 2.60 inches. A November trip trades some sunshine for smaller crowds and lower prices.
What Is San Francisco Like in Winter?
San Francisco winters are mild and rainy, with highs near 58°F and lows near 47°F in December and January. Both months bring about 11 or 12 rainy days, and December is the wettest month, at 4.76 inches.
Winter has its own appeal, with green hills, dramatic storm light, clear air after storms, shorter lines and lower hotel rates. Bring a rain jacket and plan indoor backups for storm days. Our guide to the Bay Area rainy season has more on winter visits.
How Should You Plan a San Francisco Trip Around the Weather?
Plan a San Francisco trip around the weather you want, and book September or October for warm, clear days. For mild spring weather and green hills, try April or May. For summer events, go in June through August and pack layers. For quiet and lower prices, try December or January.
San Francisco's weather runs about two months behind the rest of the country, with its warmest weather in fall. Once you know that, you can plan for it. For packing lists, see what to pack for San Francisco by month.
