San Francisco's weather surprises almost every first-time visitor. The city is mild all year, rarely hot and rarely freezing, but its summers are often cool and gray, and its warmest weather comes in the fall.

Season by season

  • September and October: the best time to visit. The fog usually retreats, days are warm and clear, and the evenings are pleasant. Hotels are busy, so book ahead.
  • June to August: fog rolls in from the ocean most mornings and evenings, especially on the western side of the city and over the Golden Gate. Afternoons may clear. It is often cold and windy, and many visitors in shorts buy sweatshirts on the Wharf.
  • November to March: the rainy season, with most rain between December and February, in spells rather than constant drizzle. Between storms the air is crystal clear. Fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, except at holidays.
  • April and May: green hills, wildflowers and mixed weather, with the summer fog beginning by late May.

Microclimates

The city has several microclimates. On the same afternoon, the Sunset District by the ocean can be foggy and cold while the Mission is sunny and warm. If one neighborhood is gray, another may not be. Check the view from Twin Peaks to see where the fog is.

What to pack

Layers in every season: a T-shirt, a warm sweater and a windproof jacket. Comfortable shoes for hills. An umbrella in winter. See packing a carry-on; for planning the days themselves, see San Francisco in three days.

Events through the year

  • January and February: Chinese New Year festival and parade.
  • April: the Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown.
  • Spring and summer: baseball at Oracle Park.
  • June: Pride, one of the largest celebrations in the world.
  • Summer: free concerts in Stern Grove and Golden Gate Park.
  • October: a free bluegrass festival in Golden Gate Park, and Fleet Week with its air show over the bay.
  • Late fall and winter: holiday lights and the Illuminate SF festival of light art.

Crowds and prices

The busiest times are summer, when school holidays bring families, and September and October, when the weather is best and conferences fill hotels. Winter is quieter and cheaper, except around Christmas and New Year. Large conventions can push prices up in any month; check dates before booking.

Packing by season

  • Summer: a warm fleece or sweater and a windproof jacket, even if it is hot inland.
  • Fall: layers, including T-shirts for warm afternoons.
  • Winter: a waterproof jacket, an umbrella and shoes that cope with wet hills.
  • Spring: layers and something for both sun and showers.

Frequently asked questions

Does it ever snow in San Francisco?

Almost never. Snow has fallen on the city only a handful of times in recorded history.

Is summer a bad time to visit?

No, just cooler than people expect. Afternoons often clear, and inland trips can be hot and sunny.

Can I swim in the ocean?

The water is cold all year and the currents at Ocean Beach are dangerous. Swimming is not recommended there.