San Francisco, United States
🌍Best Time to Visit Guide

San Francisco

United States

Discover the best time to visit

15°C avg
4 rain days/mo
3.8 crowds
See Monthly Breakdown
Best Time to Visit
May – Jun
Score: 100/100 • Perfect conditions
Consider Avoiding
Jan – Dec
Score: 21/100 • Less ideal
Overall Score Scale
0
100
Climate Overview

Weather in San Francisco

Monthly temperature ranges and rainfall patterns to help you pack right

Jan
14°
8°
10
Feb
16°
9°
9
Mar
17°
10°
8
Apr
18°
10°
4
May
19°
11°
2
Best
Jun
20°
12°
1
Best
Jul
20°
12°
0
Best
Aug
21°
13°
0
Sep
23°
13°
1
Oct
22°
12°
3
Nov
17°
10°
6
Dec
14°
8°
9
Cool
Mild
Warm
Hot
Best months
Crowds & Prices

When to Save Money

Monthly crowd levels and price indices for San Francisco

Avg Crowds
3.8
Avg Prices
4.0
Quietest
Jan
Cheapest
Jan
Jan
2
Low
Feb
2
Low
Mar
3
Moderate
Apr
4
High
May
4
High
Jun
5
Very High
Jul
5
Very High
Aug
5
Very High
Sep
5
Very High
Oct
4
High
Nov
3
Moderate
Dec
3
Moderate
1-2: Best value
3: Moderate
4-5: Peak season
Sweet spot month

Pro Tip

Months marked with a star offer the best balance of low crowds and affordable prices. In San Francisco, consider visiting in January, February, March.

TripMemo Recommendation

The Sweet Spot

Perfect balance of comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and great value in San Francisco

#1 Pick

May

#1 recommended

100/100
Temp
11°–19°C
Rain
2 days
Crowds
4
Prices
4
Great weatherLow rainfall

June

#2 recommended

100/100
Temp
12°–20°C
Rain
1 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

July

#3 recommended

100/100
Temp
12°–20°C
Rain
0 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

August

#4 recommended

100/100
Temp
13°–21°C
Rain
0 days
Crowds
5
Prices
5
Great weatherLow rainfall

Best months to visit San Francisco:

May, June, July

Month by Month

What to Expect Each Month

Detailed month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect trip to San Francisco

Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during January.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during February.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during March.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during April.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during May.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during June.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during July.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during August.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
High CrowdsHigh Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during September.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during October.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during November.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Moderate CrowdsModerate Prices

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for San Francisco during December.

Highlights

  • Research local attractions
  • Check for local events
  • Book accommodations in advance

Consider

  • Weather can vary
  • Popular periods may be crowded

Packing

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Essential documents
Events & Festivals

What's Happening in San Francisco

Major events, festivals, and celebrations throughout the year

Jan

January

New Year Celebrations

Ring in the new year with local celebrations and events.

holiday
Apr

April

Spring Festivals

Various springtime cultural events and celebrations.

festival
Jul

July

Summer Events

Peak season events including outdoor concerts and festivals.

music
Oct

October

Autumn Celebrations

Fall harvest festivals and cultural events.

cultural
Dec

December

Holiday Season

End of year celebrations, markets, and festivities.

holiday
Explore More

Related Tools

More tools to help plan your perfect trip to San Francisco

Seasonal Journaling

Capture the Season in San Francisco

Thoughtful prompts to help you journal about how the season shaped your experience

Summer

How did the famous San Francisco fog surprise you?

Karl the Fog

Any Season

Describe the microclimates—how did weather change neighborhood to neighborhood?

Microclimates

Autumn

What was it like experiencing "Indian Summer" in September-October?

Best weather months

Any Season

How did you layer for San Francisco's unpredictable temperatures?

Layering culture

Summer

Describe watching fog roll through the Golden Gate.

Iconic fog moments

Winter

What surprised you about San Francisco's mild winters?

Mild but rainy

Photo Checklist

Perfect Photo Moments in San Francisco

Know exactly when to capture the best shots based on season and timing

Weather Shot

Golden Gate Bridge in fog

June - August

Hawk Hill or Battery Spencer for fog rolling under

Golden Hour

Clear Golden Gate sunset

September - November

Baker Beach or Marshall's Beach

Golden Hour

Painted Ladies at Alamo Square

Any clear day

Afternoon for sun on facades

Nature

Cherry blossoms in Japantown

Late March - April

Cherry Blossom Festival

Festival

Pride parade rainbow flags

Late June

Castro and Market Street

Weather Shot

Fog city from Twin Peaks

Summer mornings

Downtown towers poking through

Nature

Autumn in Golden Gate Park

October - November

Botanical Garden for colors

Golden Hour

Blue hour from Coit Tower

Any season

City lights beginning to glow

Activity

Sunny day at Dolores Park

September - October

Downtown skyline and palm trees

Weather Shot

Rainy reflections in Chinatown

December - March

Lanterns reflected in wet streets

Nature

Wildflowers at Lands End

April - May

Ocean backdrop and trail blooms

Festival

Fleet Week Blue Angels

October

Marina Green or waterfront views

Pro tip: Save this list to your TripMemo journal for quick reference while exploring

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