We all know Mark Twain’s famous quotation: “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” If you live in SF, you probably know how it goes—but if you don’t, we’ve put together this simple guide to San Francisco weather by month to help you plan your next visit.
From peak fog season to rain, keep reading for a breakdown of what weather to expect in SF at any given time.
Summer in San Francisco
Contrary to typical summer weather in many other parts of the world, summer in San Francisco is often the foggiest time of year. While there’s minimal rain, temperatures feel cooler due to the sea breeze, and there’s often a marine layer of fog in the mornings and evenings.
June
🌡️ Temperature: High of 67ºF / Low of 53ºF (19.4/11.6ºC)
☂️ Rain: No rainfall
☁️ Fog: Moderate to heavy fog
July
🌡️ Temperature: High of 67ºF / Low of 55ºF (19.4/12.8ºC)
☂️ Rain: No rainfall
☁️ Fog: Heavy fog
August
🌡️ Temperature: High of 69ºF / Low of 56ºF (20.5/13.3ºC)
☂️ Rain: No rainfall
☁️ Fog: Heavy fog, known as “Fogust”
Fall in San Francisco
The fall season, specifically September and October, is generally considered the best time to visit San Francisco. This is SF’s “real summer” with some of the year’s sunniest and warmest days, combined with a significant decrease in fog. Just keep in mind that sunsets will be much earlier by November due to daylight saving time.
September
🌡️ Temperature: High of 71ºF / Low of 56ºF (21.7/13.3ºC)
☂️ Rain: No rainfall
☁️ Fog: Little fog
October
🌡️ Temperature: High of 70ºF / Low of 55ºF (21.1/12.7ºC)
☂️ Rain: Little to no rainfall
☁️ Fog: Little fog
November
🌡️ Temperature: High of 64ºF / Low of 51ºF (17.7/10.5ºC)
☂️ Rain: Some rainy days
☁️ Fog: Some fog
Winter in San Francisco
San Francisco’s peak rainy season usually lasts from December through March, but the city comes alive in other ways with the holiday season. While temps are of course lower in the winter, you’ll also deal with much less fog.
December
🌡️ Temperature: High of 58ºF / Low of 47ºF (14.4/8.3ºC)
☂️ Rain: Higher rainfall
☁️ Fog: Some fog
January
🌡️ Temperature: High of 58ºF / Low of 47ºF (14.4/8.3ºC)
☂️ Rain: Higher rainfall
☁️ Fog: Some fog
February
🌡️ Temperature: High of 61ºF / Low of 48ºF (16.1/8.9ºC)
☂️ Rain: Higher rainfall
☁️ Fog: Some fog
Spring in San Francisco
Be ready to catch the tail end of the rainy season during the spring in San Francisco, but take advantage of stunning wildflower hikes all over the Bay Area while you can. Late spring is another great time to visit SF, as you can enjoy less fog, clearer weather, and later sunsets.
March
🌡️ Temperature: High of 62ºF / Low of 49ºF (16.7/9.4ºC)
☂️ Rain: Higher rainfall
☁️ Fog: Some fog
April
🌡️ Temperature: High of 64ºF / Low of 50ºF (17.8/10ºC)
☂️ Rain: Some rainy days
☁️ Fog: Some fog
May
🌡️ Temperature: High of 65ºF / Low of 51ºF (18.3/10.5ºC)
☂️ Rain: Little to no rainfall
☁️ Fog: Beginning of foggy season