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Best Time to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is beautiful all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Winter offers lower hotel rates, while summer brings the famous fog.

 

High Season in San Francisco

Summer is the high season in San Francisco, with warm temperatures and an influx of tourists. It is a great time to explore the city's famous landmarks, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience festivals and events.

Golden Gate Bridge, California
Tim Foster @ Unsplash

Shoulder Season in San Francisco

Spring and fall are the shoulder seasons in San Francisco. The weather is pleasant and there are fewer crowds. It is a perfect time to visit popular attractions, enjoy outdoor activities, and explore the diverse neighborhoods.

Low Season in San Francisco

Winter is the low season in San Francisco. The weather is cooler, but there are fewer tourists and lower hotel rates. It is a great time to visit museums, enjoy indoor activities, and experience the festive holiday season.

 

Annual Average Temperature

* The chart above displays the average yearly 'feels like' temperature in San Francisco over the last 5 years.

Seasons

San Francisco in Spring

Spring in San Francisco is mild and pleasant. The city blooms with colorful flowers and the parks come alive. It's a great time to explore outdoor spaces and enjoy the city's festivals and events.

aerial view of city during daytime
Jared Erondu @ Unsplash

San Francisco in Summer

Summer in San Francisco is characterized by cool temperatures and the famous fog. It's a popular time for tourists, with plenty of outdoor activities, festivals, and events.

San Francisco in Fall

Fall in San Francisco brings mild weather and beautiful foliage. It's a great time to explore the city's neighborhoods, enjoy outdoor activities, and visit attractions.

San Francisco in Winter

Winter in San Francisco is cooler, but still mild compared to other parts of the country. It's a quieter time with fewer tourists, offering the opportunity to enjoy indoor activities, museums, and the holiday season.

Annual Average Precipitation

* The chart above shows the annual average precipitation for San Francisco for the past 5 years.

Month-By-Month

San Francisco in January

→ 5 to 13 °C (40 to 55 °F)

January is cool and can be rainy. It's a great time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

San Francisco in February

→ 4 to 13 °C (38 to 56 °F)

February is cool with occasional rain. It's a good time to explore the diverse neighborhoods and enjoy cultural events.

San Francisco bridge at daytime
Natalie Chaney @ Unsplash

San Francisco in March

→ 5 to 14 °C (41 to 57 °F)

March starts to warm up with occasional rain. It's a great time to visit popular attractions and enjoy outdoor activities.

San Francisco in April

→ 7 to 16 °C (44 to 61 °F)

April is mild with occasional showers. It's a perfect time to explore the city's parks and gardens.

San Francisco in May

→ 8 to 18 °C (47 to 64 °F)

May is mild and sunny. It's a great time to experience outdoor festivals and events.

San Francisco in June

→ 11 to 21 °C (51 to 70 °F)

June is cool and foggy. It's a popular time for tourists, with plenty of outdoor activities and events.

San Francisco in July

→ 11 to 21 °C (53 to 70 °F)

July is cool and foggy. It's a great time to explore the city's landmarks and enjoy outdoor festivals.

San Francisco's downhill winding street
Braden Collum @ Unsplash

San Francisco in August

→ 13 to 23 °C (56 to 73 °F)

August is cool and foggy. It's a perfect time to visit popular attractions and enjoy outdoor activities.

San Francisco in September

→ 13 to 23 °C (56 to 73 °F)

September is mild and sunny. It's a great time to explore the city's neighborhoods and attend festivals.

San Francisco in October

→ 11 to 20 °C (52 to 68 °F)

October is mild and sunny. It's a perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities and visit attractions.

San Francisco in November

→ 7 to 16 °C (44 to 60 °F)

November is cool and can be rainy. It's a good time to visit museums and enjoy indoor activities.

San Francisco in December

→ 4 to 12 °C (40 to 53 °F)

December is cool with occasional rain. It's a great time to experience the festive holiday season and indoor attractions.

Annual Average Humidity

* The chart above shows the annual average humidity percentage for San Francisco for the past 5 years.

Accommodation

San Francisco offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels and cozy bed and breakfasts. Whether you prefer downtown convenience or a charming neighborhood vibe, there's something for every traveler.

lined of white-and-blue concrete buildings
Joshua Sortino @ Unsplash

Public Transportation

San Francisco has a reliable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the iconic cable cars. It's an easy and convenient way to get around the city and explore its various neighborhoods and attractions.

San Francisco Airport

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport serving the city. It offers domestic and international flights and is well-connected to the city center by public transportation and taxis.

Airport to City Center

There are several transportation options from San Francisco International Airport to the city center, including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), shuttle services, taxis, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

Is San Francisco Safe?

San Francisco is a relatively safe city for tourists. However, like any major city, it's important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.

According to the Global Peace Index, United States ranks 131st among all countries in the world in 2023. United States achieved a score of 2.45 out of 5, based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators from highly respected sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ideal Time to Visit San Francisco

The best time to visit San Francisco is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded.

Best San Francisco Visit Length

A 3-5 day trip is a good amount of time to explore the main attractions and neighborhoods of San Francisco.

Must-See Attractions in San Francisco

Some must-see attractions in San Francisco include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Painted Ladies.

San Francisco Nightlife: What to Do

At night, you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like the Mission District and Union Square, or take a cruise on the bay to see the city skyline.

Getting Around San Francisco Efficiently

Public transportation, including buses, trams, and cable cars, is a convenient way to get around San Francisco. You can also use ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.

San Francisco 3 day Itinerary

Day 1

Start your day by visiting the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Then, explore the lively Fisherman's Wharf and enjoy fresh seafood. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Alcatraz Island for a fascinating tour. End the day with a walk along the historic waterfront of Embarcadero.

  1. Golden Gate Bridge
  2. Fisherman's Wharf
  3. Alcatraz Island
  4. Embarcadero
people walking on park near city buildings during daytime
Leo Korman @ Unsplash

Day 2

Spend the morning exploring the vibrant Mission District, known for its street art and trendy shops. In the afternoon, visit the famous Painted Ladies in Alamo Square Park. End the day with a visit to Chinatown for a unique cultural experience.

  1. Mission District
  2. Painted Ladies
  3. Chinatown

Day 3

Start your day by exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Haight-Ashbury and Castro. In the afternoon, visit the de Young Museum and enjoy the beautiful Golden Gate Park. End the day with a scenic drive along the coast to the charming town of Sausalito.

  1. Haight-Ashbury
  2. Castro
  3. de Young Museum
  4. Golden Gate Park
  5. Sausalito