Did you know that locals often call August “Fogust?” Here in San Francisco, a summer trip won’t necessarily guarantee you clear skies. The best time to visit San Francisco is actually in the fall in September and October, when temperatures are warmer and the foggy summer season has subsided. A close second is spring in April and May, when the weather is still mild.
San Francisco’s famous fog tends to peak in the summer when cold ocean temperatures meet warmer air. It’s also known to cause microclimates within the city, as you may encounter the coastal areas totally socked in while more eastern neighborhoods are enjoying the sun. No matter when you visit San Francisco, it’s usually best to—say it together, kids—dress in layers.
Read on for a breakdown of weather, sunset times, and events in San Francisco for each season…
What to expect each season in San Francisco
Spring (March-May)
🌡️ Temperatures range from 50-70°F (10–21°C). You might catch the tail end of the rainy season in March, but you’ll find less fog and clearer weather beginning more in April.
🌅 Sunsets between 6:00-8:25pm. At the beginning of March the sun still sets a little after 6pm, but daylight saving pushes the sunset back after 7pm. By the end of May, the sun sets as late as 8:25pm.
🗓️ Events
- March: SF Giants FanFest, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Flower Bulb Day free tulip garden
- April: Cesar Chavez Day Parade, NorCal Cherry Blossom Festival, 420, SF Film Festival
- May: Bay to Breakers, BottleRock, Carnaval SF
Summer (June-August)
🌡️ Temperatures range from 55-70°F (13–21°C). Summers are dry with minimal rain, but temperatures still feel cooler due to the sea breeze, and you’re more likely to experience a marine layer of fog in the mornings and evenings.
🌅 Sunsets peak as late as 8:35pm in June and shorten to around 7:45pm by the end of August.
🗓️ Events
- June: SF Jazz Festival, SF Pride, Stern Grove Festival
- July: Fourth of July fireworks, Stern Grove Festival, SF Marathon
- August: Outside Lands, Jerry Day, Stern Grove Festival
Fall (September-November) – best time to visit
🌡️ Temperatures range from 52-72°F. This is SF’s “real summer” with some of the sunniest and warmest days of the year in September and October. Fog also decreases significantly during this time.
🌅 Sunsets occur around 7:30pm in September, gradually shortening until Daylight Savings. By November the sun goes down around 5pm.
🗓️ Events
- September: Portola Music Festival, Flower Piano, Haight-Ashbury Street Fair
- October: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Fleet Week, Italian Heritage Parade, Leap Sandcastle Classic
- November: Día de los Muertos, SF Coffee Festival
Winter
🌡️ Temperatures range from 46-60°F. SF’s peak rainy season usually lasts from December through March, although you’ll still find less fog during this time.
🌅 Sunsets occur between 5-5:30pm, extending to around 6pm in February.
🗓️ Events
- December: Union Square Ice Rink, Let’s Glow SF, Winter Walk
- January: SF Sketchfest, FOG Design & Art Fair
- February: Chinese New Year Parade, SF Beer Week, Noise Pop Festival
FAQs about when to visit San Francisco
What is the best month to go to San Francisco?
The best month for visiting San Francisco is generally considered to be September when we can still enjoy late sunsets combined with the warmest days of the year and minimal fog. October is a close second for the same reasons.
What is the cheapest month to visit San Francisco?
January and February are generally considered to be San Francisco’s off-season, meaning you may find them to be the cheapest months to visit. The post-holiday slump and rainy season generally cause hotel rates to go down.
What is the rainy season in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s rainy season generally peaks in December and January but can extend into March. It’s not uncommon to experience rainstorms during this time.
How many days do I need in San Francisco?
There’s no perfect answer to this, as everyone has different priorities for what to see during their trip. A 3-day visit should be enough time to see the city’s main highlights and attractions. However, if you want to fit in a day trip or an extra museum visit, consider extending your stay to 5-6 days.