So you're planning a trip to San Francisco? Smart move. But let me tell you - packing for SF weather is like preparing for three different vacations in one. I learned this the hard way when I showed up in July with nothing but shorts and tank tops, only to find myself buying overpriced sweatshirts at Fisherman's Wharf. The city's microclimates are legendary, and that famous fog isn't just a pretty Instagram backdrop. It's a real weather phenomenon that'll have you reaching for layers even on "summer" days.
Golden Rule: Never trust season names here. Our summer feels like spring, winter feels like fall, and you might experience all four seasons before lunchtime.
Breaking Down San Francisco's Monthly Weather Patterns
San Francisco weather by month follows its own quirky rhythm. Forget what you know about traditional seasons. Here it's all about the fog cycles, ocean currents, and those sneaky microclimates where it can be sunny in the Mission while it's drizzling in Richmond. Let's get into the nitty-gritty month by month.
January: The Rainy Reset
January is when we actually get our version of winter. I remember waiting for a bus on Geary Street last January - the rain came sideways and my umbrella turned inside out in 10 seconds flat. Good times.
| Weather Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg. High/Low | 58°F (14°C) / 46°F (8°C) |
| Rainfall | 4.5 inches (highest of the year) |
| Sunlight | 5 hours per day on average |
| Special Notes | Biggest storm potential · Occasional frost inland |
Why visit? Hotel deals are amazing · No crowds at Alcatraz · Dramatic storm watching at Ocean Beach
Downsides: Some hiking trails close due to mud · Outdoor cafes become weather roulette
What to pack: Waterproof everything - jacket, shoes, backpack cover. I'd also throw in a warm beanie because that wind cuts right through you near the water.
May: The Fog's Grand Entrance
Here's the thing tourists never believe until they experience it: May is actually cooler than February in San Francisco. Last spring, my cousin visited expecting California sunshine - let's just say she wore my hoodie the entire week.
| Weather Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg. High/Low | 67°F (19°C) / 51°F (11°C) |
| Rainfall | 0.3 inches (driest month alongside June) |
| Sunlight | 9 hours per day on average |
| Special Notes | "May Gray" fog patterns begin · Significant coastal-inland splits |
Best areas to escape the fog? Try the Mission District or Noe Valley. Worst for fog? Sunset and Richmond districts. If you're heading to Golden Gate Park, layer up - it's basically fog headquarters.
July: Peak "Fogust" Season
Locals have a nickname for our summers: "Fogust." It's when that marine layer really digs in. One July afternoon, I was shivering at Baker Beach watching tourists in swimsuits turn blue while it was 85°F just across the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito.
| Weather Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Avg. High/Low | 68°F (20°C) / 54°F (12°C) |
| Rainfall | 0 inches (yes, zero!) |
| Sunlight | 10 hours per day on average |
| Special Notes | Coldest ocean temps · Strongest afternoon winds |
Pro tip: Always carry a medium-weight jacket. That 68° high temp? It might only last from 2-4pm before the fog rolls back in.
The sunset wind pattern is real. Around 4pm daily, the breeze picks up significantly - great for kite flying at Crissy Field, brutal for beach picnics.
The Complete San Francisco Monthly Weather Breakdown
Here's the full rundown of what to expect throughout the year when checking San Francisco weather month by month:
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F (14°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 4.5" | Wettest month · Storm season |
| February | 61°F (16°C) | 48°F (9°C) | 3.8" | False spring · Almond blossoms |
| March | 63°F (17°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.1" | Wildflowers emerge · Windy |
| April | 64°F (18°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 1.5" | Sunny breaks · Cherry blossoms |
| May | 67°F (19°C) | 51°F (11°C) | 0.3" | "May Gray" fog begins |
| June | 69°F (21°C) | 53°F (12°C) | 0.1" | June Gloom · Coolest summer month |
| July | 68°F (20°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 0.0" | "Fogust" begins · Windiest month |
| August | 69°F (21°C) | 55°F (13°C) | 0.0" | Warmest month (barely) · Thick fog |
| September | 74°F (23°C) | 55°F (13°C) | 0.2" | "Indian Summer" begins · Clearest skies |
| October | 73°F (23°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 1.1" | Warmest water temps · Fire season risk |
| November | 65°F (18°C) | 50°F (10°C) | 2.5" | First significant rains · Dramatic clouds |
| December | 59°F (15°C) | 47°F (8°C) | 4.2" | Holiday lights · Shortest days |
Microclimates Explained: Your Neighborhood Survival Guide
San Francisco's microclimates aren't just small differences - we're talking 20°F swings within city limits. Here's what you need to know:
The Great Divide: Areas west of Twin Peaks (Sunset, Richmond, Ocean Beach) get twice as much fog as eastern neighborhoods (Mission, SOMA, Potrero Hill). How much difference? Last August I recorded 62°F at Ocean Beach while my friend posted 88°F from Dolores Park at the exact same time.
Fog Science 101: That famous fog forms when warm inland air sucks cool ocean moisture through the Golden Gate. It usually burns off by noon east of Divisadero but lingers all day on the west side.
Neighborhood Breakdown: - Foggiest: Outer Sunset (250+ fog days/year) - Sunniest: Mission District (only 50 fog days/year) - Windiest: Marina District (constant bay gusts) - Mildest: Noe Valley (protected "banana belt")
The Ultimate Packing List for San Francisco's Mood-Swing Weather
After hosting dozens of underprepared visitors, I've perfected the packing list for San Francisco monthly weather:
Always bring regardless of season: - Lightweight waterproof jacket (not umbrella-friendly winds) - Warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffer) - Comfortable walking shoes (hills are no joke) - Beanie and gloves (yes, even in summer) - Sunglasses (glare off bay water is intense) - Reusable water bottle (hydration stations everywhere)
Summer-specific adds: - Scarf for neck warmth - Lightweight long underwear (seriously) - Portable phone charger (cold drains batteries faster)
Winter-specific adds: - Waterproof shoes (not just resistant) - Compact umbrella (only for downtown areas) - Moisture-wicking base layers
San Francisco Weather FAQs: What Real Visitors Ask
Q: When is the absolute best weather in San Francisco?
Honestly? Late September through early November. We call it "Indian Summer" - warmest temps, least fog, minimal rain. October 15th last year hit 83°F downtown while being perfectly crisp. But book early - this secret's getting out.
Q: Why is summer so cold in San Francisco?
It's that relentless marine layer. As Central Valley heats up, it creates low pressure that pulls in cold Pacific air right through the Golden Gate. The ocean is coldest in summer too (around 55°F), acting like a giant AC unit. Counterintuitive but true.
Q: Is the fog predictable?
Sort of. Check satellite maps each morning on the NOAA website. Generally if inland temps exceed 90°F, expect heavy fog by afternoon. The fog line usually hits the west side by 3pm in summer months - plan outdoor photos accordingly.
Q: Do I need a car for San Francisco weather changes?
Actually cars are headaches here (parking=$50/day). Use our layered bus system: Muni buses cover neighborhoods, BART for East Bay, cable cars for hills. Pro tip: The 38-Geary bus crosses microclimate zones - bring layers for the temperature shifts during your ride.
Monthly Activity Recommendations Based on Weather
February-March: Storm watching at Cliff House with clam chowder afterwards. The waves get insane - just stay behind barriers. Check Sutro Baths ruins when tides are low.
June-July: Escape fog at Mission District's Dolores Park. Join locals for "sunbathing in sweaters" with Bi-Rite Creamery ice cream. Warning: Park bathrooms are... adventurous.
October: Hawk Hill for migrating raptors. Warmest month for Alcatraz tours - less wind means smoother ferry rides. Book tickets 3+ weeks ahead though.
December: Palace of Fine Arts looks magical in misty rain. Afterwards, warm up with Irish coffee at Buena Vista Cafe where they invented it. Cash only - classic SF quirk.
Local Insight: That "cold summer" has perks - unlike sweltering NYC or Chicago, you can comfortably hike Lands End trail even in August without dripping sweat. Just bring those layers!
Final Reality Check
Look, San Francisco weather frustrates newcomers. My college roommate from Miami lasted six months before moving back, complaining it was "too much like eternal spring." But that's exactly why locals adore it - mild year-round temps mean outdoor living every month. Once you accept that Karl the Fog is your moody roommate, you'll appreciate how this weather creates stunning light for photography, perfect running conditions, and cozy coffee shop culture.
Still debating when to visit? Think about priorities: Want festivals and energy? Come for September-October sunny stretches. Prefer misty romance and cheaper rates? January's dramatic storms deliver. Either way - pack that jacket. Seriously, put one in your bag right now while you're thinking about it.
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