What to expect in San Francisco in August
August is a mixed month in San Francisco. You get 19° / 13°, but the biggest crowds of the year. Worth it for the right traveller.
San Francisco weather in August
Typical conditions in San Francisco during August, based on long-run climate normals rather than any single year. Treat it as a planning guide, not a forecast.
| Average high | 19°C 66°F |
|---|---|
| Average low | 13°C 55°F |
| Rainfall | Dry 2/100 |
| Total rainfall | 2 mm0.06 in |
| Rainy days | 1 |
| Sea temperature | 14°C 58°F |
| Daylight | 13 h 37 min |
| How it feels | Mild — layers weather |
Average highs sit around 19°C with lows near 13°C. It is one of the drier months — pack light.
Crowds & demand
Crowd levels are High for San Francisco — the biggest crowds of the year.
Prices & value
This month counts as shoulder season: prices close to the yearly average.
What to pack
Layers you can shed: 19°C by day and about 13°C after dark is a two-jacket kind of month. Rain gear is largely optional this month, which keeps your bag light.
What it costs
Costs in August sit around the yearly average for San Francisco — neither a bargain nor a squeeze. Booking a few weeks out is usually enough.
Who this month suits
- Anyone travelling on a budget
- Families tied to school holidays
Events & what’s on
No major festivals fall in August, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
San Francisco in August compared with nearby months
If your dates are flexible by a few weeks, this is what shifting them actually buys you.
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 19° / 12° | High | $$ | 58 |
| July | 19° / 12° | High | $$ | 54 |
| August · This month | 19° / 13° | High | $$ | 54 |
| September | 22° / 13° | Moderate | $$ | 63 |
| October | 21° / 12° | Moderate | $$ | 61 |
These months score higher for San Francisco on the same blend of weather, crowds and price. Same destination, better odds.
Or go somewhere else in August
If the destination is negotiable but the month is not, these places are at their best in August.
Figures are climate normals and modelled estimates — a planning guide, not a forecast. We separate fact, estimate and recommendation. Updated October 2026
