The best time to visit San Francisco
For most travellers, the sweet spot in San Francisco is September · October · November: 22° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
Climate through the year
| Month | Temp | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14° / 8° | Low | $ | Fair |
| February | 15° / 8° | Low | $ | Fair |
| March | 16° / 9° | Low | $$ | Fair |
| April | 17° / 10° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| May | 18° / 11° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| June | 19° / 12° | High | $$ | Fair |
| July | 19° / 12° | High | $$ | Fair |
| August | 19° / 13° | High | $$ | Fair |
| September | 22° / 13° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| October | 21° / 12° | Moderate | $$ | Ideal |
| November | 18° / 10° | Moderate | $$ | Great |
| December | 15° / 8° | Moderate | $$ | Fair |
The year in San Francisco
Four broad seasons, and what each one actually feels like on the ground in San Francisco.
When to go, depending on what you want
Practical basics
- Region
- North America
- Local currency
- USD
- Hemisphere
- Northern (summer in Jun–Aug)
- Yearly range
- 8° – 22°
- Strongest months
- September, October, November
- Good for
- city · culture · food · nightlife
Events in San Francisco
- May Bay to Breakers — Costumed runners race 12 kilometers across the city in a raucous street party.
- Jun San Francisco Pride — One of the world’s largest Pride parades fills Market Street with color.
- Oct Fleet Week — Blue Angels jets scream over the bay as Navy ships open for tours.
- Oct Hardly Strictly Bluegrass — A free multi-day concert fills Golden Gate Park with roots and bluegrass acts.
Every month in San Francisco
A dedicated breakdown for each month — weather, crowds, prices, events and a verdict.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit San Francisco?
For most travellers, the sweet spot in San Francisco is September · October · November: 22° avg. high, prices close to the yearly average. Peak season brings the biggest crowds of the year, while the quiet months trade weather for space and value.
What is the cheapest time to visit San Francisco?
January — Prices run low season this month: some of the best deals of the year. Save 38%.
When should you avoid San Francisco?
No major festivals fall in San Francisco, so the destination feels like its everyday self.
What is the weather like in San Francisco?
Average highs sit around 22°C with lows near 8°C. Rainfall is moderate; the odd shower is likely.
