Best Time to Visit San Francisco
San Francisco does not run on a typical hot-summer calendar: summer (June-August) is often cool and foggy near the coast, while September and October tend to be the warmest and clearest months of the year. Winter, roughly November to March, is the rainy season, with most of the annual rainfall falling then and temperatures rarely near freezing.
September and October: the warmest, sunniest stretch of the year, with fog less frequent than in summer — the most comfortable months for the waterfront, Golden Gate Park and day trips to Wine Country.
April to June, and November: mild spring weather or the start of the rainy season, both still workable for sightseeing with a jacket on hand.
July and August for beach weather: coastal fog is thickest and afternoons can stay cool and grey, even while inland spots like Napa or the Sierra foothills are hot.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Rainy season, cool and often wet | Moderate | Moderate | One of the wetter months; pack a rain jacket for Golden Gate Park and the waterfront. |
| February | Rainy season, cool with occasional sunny breaks | Moderate | Moderate | Still within the rainy season, but clear days do happen. |
| March | Rainy season easing, mild and breezy | Moderate | Moderate | Rainfall tapers off; wildflowers start appearing on coastal trails. |
| April | Mild and mostly dry, often windy | Moderate | Moderate | A good month for Wine Country and the Yosemite valley floor before the summer crowds. |
| May | Mild and drier, coastal fog starting to build | Moderate-High | Moderate-High | Tioga Road in Yosemite is often still closed with snow into this month. |
| June | Foggy summer begins, cool near the coast, warmer inland | High | High | Peak season starts; coastal neighborhoods can be noticeably cooler than downtown. |
| July | Coastal fog and cool afternoons, warm inland | High | High | One of the foggiest, greyest months near the water, even though Wine Country and the Sierra inland are hot. |
| August | Similar to July, fog persists near the coast | High | High | Ocean Beach stays cool and often overcast; layers are essential. |
| September | Warmest and clearest month of the year | High | High | Fog eases; widely considered the best month to visit — book Alcatraz tickets well ahead. |
| October | Warm and clear, one of the best months | High | High | Similar to September, still warm with good visibility; Sierra high country closes to cars by late in the month. |
| November | Transition into the rainy season, cooler with increasing rain | Moderate | Moderate | Rain becomes more frequent; a good month for fewer crowds. |
| December | Rainy season, cool and wet | Moderate | Moderate | One of the wettest months; a good time for indoor museums and Wine Country tasting rooms. |