Contents
- The climate of San Francisco, CA
- The best time to visit San Francisco, CA
- The worst time to visit San Francisco, CA
- Weather hazards
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
A beautiful dusk view of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
The climate of San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has a Mediterranean type of climate (Köppen climate classification Csb) with warm and dry summers and wet and mild winters. The technology hub of the United States lies on its West Coast on the San Francisco Peninsula and stretches up to the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Ocean, the California Cold Current, and the surrounding hills have a significant influence on the climate.
San Francisco exhibits different microclimates due to its varied geography and maritime effects. Temperature variations are remarkably low throughout the year, but they often vary across the city's various microclimates. Summers are warm with characteristic foggy conditions due to the cold currents that flow along the coast. Average high temperatures are at a warm 70°F (21.1°C) during the summer, while average low temperatures drop to 45°F (7.2°C) in peak winter. Winters are mild and wet, with most of the rainfall of 19" (483mm) occurring during the winter months. Snow is rare, but some areas of San Francisco are subject to frosty conditions.
San Francisco exhibits different microclimates due to its varied geography and maritime effects. Temperature variations are remarkably low throughout the year, but they often vary across the city's various microclimates. Summers are warm with characteristic foggy conditions due to the cold currents that flow along the coast. Average high temperatures are at a warm 70°F (21.1°C) during the summer, while average low temperatures drop to 45°F (7.2°C) in peak winter. Winters are mild and wet, with most of the rainfall of 19" (483mm) occurring during the winter months. Snow is rare, but some areas of San Francisco are subject to frosty conditions.
The best time to visit San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is a popular global tourist destination due to its mild weather, technology landscape, and numerous attractions.
Summer from June to September is the best time for a visit when the average temperatures are in the low fifties to the low seventies. San Francisco has the mildest average summer temperatures compared to most of the cities in the United States. Winter months are mild, but they are wet with the occurrence of most of the annual rainfall.
Spring and autumn have fine weather, but also tend to be damp compared to the magnificent summer.
Summer from June to September is the best time for a visit when the average temperatures are in the low fifties to the low seventies. San Francisco has the mildest average summer temperatures compared to most of the cities in the United States. Winter months are mild, but they are wet with the occurrence of most of the annual rainfall.
Spring and autumn have fine weather, but also tend to be damp compared to the magnificent summer.
The worst time to visit San Francisco, CA
Winter is mild and wet and subject to a majority of the annual precipitation. The worst season to visit San Francisco is during winter, as the average low temperatures drop to the mid 40°F (4.4°C).
Rainfall tends to be heavy and persistent as intermittent winter storms bring substantial rain. Winter has short days, and the daily sunshine lasts for only 5 hours. Nights are sometimes chilly, but the temperatures rarely drop to freezing.
Rainfall tends to be heavy and persistent as intermittent winter storms bring substantial rain. Winter has short days, and the daily sunshine lasts for only 5 hours. Nights are sometimes chilly, but the temperatures rarely drop to freezing.
Weather hazards
San Francisco is vulnerable to earthquakes as it lies in the vicinity of the San Andreas Fault and the Hayward Fault. Minor earthquakes occur regularly, but they do not pose significant threats due to upgraded building codes. San Francisco's infrastructure development faces a threat from major earthquakes similar to other cities that lie in the Pacific Ring of Fire in California.
Weather in January
January, the same as December, in San Francisco, California, is a moderate winter month, with an average temperature varying between 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 56.3°F (13.5°C). In January, the average high-temperature is relatively the same as in December - a still mild 56.3°F (13.5°C). Weather in January »
Weather in February
February, the last month of the winter in San Francisco, is also a moderate month, with an average temperature ranging between min 46.2°F (7.9°C) and max 57.9°F (14.4°C). In San Francisco, the average high-temperature in February is practically the same as in January - a still mild 57.9°F (14.4°C). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in San Francisco, is still a mild month, with an average temperature ranging between min 46.9°F (8.3°C) and max 60.1°F (15.6°C). In March, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in February - a still mild 60.1°F (15.6°C). Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is a comfortable spring month in San Francisco, California, with an average temperature ranging between min 48.6°F (9.2°C) and max 63.1°F (17.3°C). In San Francisco, California, the average high-temperature in April is essentially the same as in March - a comfortable 63.1°F (17.3°C). Weather in April »
Weather in May
The last month of the spring, May, is another comfortable month in San Francisco, California, with an average temperature varying between 50.5°F (10.3°C) and 65.7°F (18.7°C). In San Francisco, the average high-temperature in May is practically the same as in April - a still comfortable 65.7°F (18.7°C). Weather in May »
Weather in June
The first month of the summer, June, is a pleasant month in San Francisco, California, with an average temperature ranging between max 70.5°F (21.4°C) and min 53.8°F (12.1°C). In San Francisco, the average high-temperature in June is relatively the same as in May - a pleasant 70.5°F (21.4°C). Weather in June »
Weather in July
July, like June, is an agreeable summer month in San Francisco, California, with an average temperature fluctuating between 72.1°F (22.3°C) and 55°F (12.8°C). In San Francisco, the average high-temperature in July is almost the same as in June - a still pleasant 72.1°F (22.3°C). Weather in July »
Weather in August
August, the last month of the summer in San Francisco, is another pleasant month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 56.3°F (13.5°C) and an average high of 72.5°F (22.5°C). In San Francisco, the average high-temperature in August is essentially the same as in July - a still pleasant 72.5°F (22.5°C). Weather in August »
Weather in September
September, the first month of the autumn in San Francisco, is also an agreeable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 73.2°F (22.9°C) and 56.7°F (13.7°C). September is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 73.2°F (22.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 56.7°F (13.7°C). Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, like September, is another pleasant autumn month in San Francisco, California, with temperature in the range of an average high of 68.9°F (20.5°C) and an average low of 55°F (12.8°C). In October, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in September - a still agreeable 68.9°F (20.5°C). Weather in October »
Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in San Francisco, is also an enjoyable month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 50°F (10°C) and 61.7°F (16.5°C). In November, the average high-temperature marginally drops from a pleasant 68.9°F (20.5°C) in October to an enjoyable 61.7°F (16.5°C). Weather in November »
Weather in December
The first month of the winter, December, is still a mild month in San Francisco, California, with an average temperature varying between 45.9°F (7.7°C) and 55.8°F (13.2°C). The coldest month is December, with an average high-temperature of 55.8°F (13.2°C) and an average low-temperature of 45.9°F (7.7°C). Weather in December »
[Resources]FAQ
How many days does it rain in San Francisco?
Throughout the year, in San Francisco, California, there are 58.6 rainfall days, and 6.46" (164mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in San Francisco?
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index.
What is the rainiest month in San Francisco?
The month with the most rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 6 days and typically aggregates up to 1.38" (35mm) of precipitation.
What is the most humid month in San Francisco?
With an average relative humidity of 76%, March is the most humid month in San Francisco, California.
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in San Francisco?
On Sunday, March 12. 2023, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from PST to PDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 5. 2023, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from PDT to PST.
What are the months with the coldest ocean in San Francisco?
April through June, with an average ocean temperature of 53.1°F (11.7°C), are months with the coldest seawater.
When is the highest UV index in San Francisco?
The months with the highest UV index are April, June through September, with an average maximum UV index of 5.
When are the longest days in San Francisco?
With an average of 14h and 44min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.
What is the driest month in San Francisco?
July through September are months with the least rain in San Francisco when the rain falls for 2.3 days and typically aggregates up to 0.08" (2mm) of rain.
What month has the most sunshine in San Francisco?
With an average of 11.8h of sunshine, July has the most sunshine of the year in San Francisco, California.
What is the warmest month in San Francisco?
The warmest month in San Francisco is September, with an average high-temperature of 73.2°F (22.9°C) and an average low-temperature of 56.7°F (13.7°C).
When is the ocean warmest in San Francisco?
The month with the warmest seawater in San Francisco is September, with an average ocean temperature of 57.4°F (14.1°C).
What is the least humid month in San Francisco?
With an average relative humidity of 67%, October is the least humid month in San Francisco, California.
What is the coldest month in San Francisco?
The coldest month in San Francisco is December, with an average high-temperature of 55.8°F (13.2°C) and an average low-temperature of 45.9°F (7.7°C).
What is the month with the shortest days in San Francisco?
The month with the shortest days is December, with an average of 9h and 36min of daylight.
What is the month with the least sunshine in San Francisco?
The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 5.8h of sunshine.
Average temperature
San Francisco, CA
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is September (73.2°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is December (55.8°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is September (56.7°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average low temperature) are January and December (45.9°F).
Average pressure
San Francisco, CA
- Average pressure in January:
30.13"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in April:
30.03"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.92"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.11"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is January (30.13"Hg).
The months with the lowest atmospheric pressure are June, August and September (29.92"Hg).
Average wind speed
San Francisco, CA
- Average wind speed in January:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in February:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in March:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in April:
7.5mph - Average wind speed in May:
7.6mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.2mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.5mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
5.8mph - Average wind speed in October:
5.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
5.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
6.3mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is May (7.6mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is November (5.5mph).
Average humidity
San Francisco, CA
The month with the highest relative humidity is March (76%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is October (67%).
Average rainfall
San Francisco, CA
- Average rainfall in January:
1.02" - Average rainfall in February:
1.38" - Average rainfall in March:
0.87" - Average rainfall in April:
0.28" - Average rainfall in May:
0.35" - Average rainfall in June:
0.12"
- Average rainfall in July:
0.08" - Average rainfall in August:
0.08" - Average rainfall in September:
0.08" - Average rainfall in October:
0.35" - Average rainfall in November:
0.83" - Average rainfall in December:
1.02"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is February (1.38").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are July, August and September (0.08").
Average rainfall days
San Francisco, CA
- Average rainfall days in January:
8.2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
6 days - Average rainfall days in March:
9.3 days - Average rainfall days in April:
4.8 days - Average rainfall days in May:
4 days - Average rainfall days in June:
1.9 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
2.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
2.7 days - Average rainfall days in September:
2.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
3.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is March (9.3 days).
The month with the least rainy days is June (1.9 days).
Average sea temperature
San Francisco, CA
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (57.3°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are April and June (53°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
San Francisco, CA
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 1min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 1min - Average daylight in June:
14h and 4min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 3min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 4min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 1min - Average daylight in November:
10h and 1min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 4min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 14h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
10h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in June:
11h and 4min
- Average sunshine in July:
11h and 5min - Average sunshine in August:
11h and 4min - Average sunshine in September:
10h and 5min - Average sunshine in October:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in November:
6h and 4min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 5min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 11h and 48min).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 5h and 48min).
Average sunshine days
San Francisco, CA
- Average sunshine days in January:
22 days - Average sunshine days in February:
21.3 days - Average sunshine days in March:
20.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
24.4 days - Average sunshine days in May:
24.6 days - Average sunshine days in June:
25.5 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
24.9 days - Average sunshine days in August:
23.1 days - Average sunshine days in September:
24.3 days - Average sunshine days in October:
25.8 days - Average sunshine days in November:
24.4 days - Average sunshine days in December:
22 days
The month with the most sunshine days is October (25.8 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is March (20.8 days).
Average UV index
San Francisco, CA
The months with the highest UV index are April, June, July, August and September (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 3).
Average cloud cover
San Francisco, CA
The month with the most cloud cover is March (Cloud cover 36).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and September (Cloud cover 14).
Average visibility
San Francisco, CA
The months with the highest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
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