Last updated: February 2026

What is San Francisco Weather Really Like? A Month-by-Month Guide to SF Microclimates

TL;DR: San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate with famously unpredictable microclimates—the west side is foggy and cool (50-60°F), the east side is warmer and sunnier (60-70°F). Summer (June-August) is actually the coldest season with thick fog, while September-October is warmest. Always layer clothing and bring a jacket, even in July. Average annual temperature ranges from 45-70°F, and it rarely goes above 75°F or below 40°F.

San Francisco weather is legendarily confusing. People arrive in July expecting beach weather and find themselves shivering in 55°F fog. They pack winter coats for January and discover it's 65°F and sunny. Mark Twain (allegedly, though he probably never said it) quipped, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"—and honestly, that quote captures the SF weather experience perfectly.

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I've lived in San Francisco for over eight years, and I still get the weather wrong sometimes. But after nearly a decade of layering, delayering, and carrying around jackets I swore I wouldn't need, I've learned how SF weather actually works.

This guide breaks down what to expect month-by-month, how to dress for SF's microclimates, and what to pack so you don't end up freezing (or melting) during your visit.

Understanding San Francisco's Microclimates

San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate, but the city's weather is famously unpredictable thanks to its unique microclimates. Despite being just 7×7 miles, the city's topography and proximity to the ocean create a patchwork of dramatically different weather patterns.

The basic rule: The western and southern parts of the city tend to be cooler and foggier, while the eastern and northern parts are usually warmer and sunnier.

The Fog Line: Divisadero Street (Sort Of)

People generally consider the "fog line" to be at Divisadero Street, though this isn't necessarily accurate. It's more of a general guideline than a hard boundary. What is true: the closer you are to Ocean Beach, the foggier and cooler it will be. The closer you are to downtown or the Mission, the warmer and sunnier.

On any given day in summer, it could be 55°F and completely fogged-in at Ocean Beach while simultaneously being 75°F and sunny in the Mission District. This isn't an exaggeration—this happens regularly.

Why the Microclimates Exist

San Francisco sits on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. The Pacific Ocean is cold (around 50-60°F year-round), and when warm inland air meets cold ocean air, fog forms. The city's 43+ hills act as barriers, blocking fog from reaching certain neighborhoods while trapping it in others.

The result? You can literally experience multiple "seasons" in a single day depending on which neighborhood you're in.

This weather pattern also influences where people choose to live in San Francisco—some people prioritize sunny neighborhoods (Inner Mission, Potrero Hill, Noe Valley), while others prefer the cooler western neighborhoods (Sunset, Richmond). It can even affect what plants you can grow. (Read more about gardening in SF here.)

San Francisco Weather by Month: What to Actually Expect

Let me break down what SF weather is really like throughout the year, with average temperatures, what to wear, and what to do.

January Weather in SF

Average highs: 57°F (14°C)
Average lows: 46°F (8°C)
Rainfall: 4.5 inches (this is one of the wettest months)
Vibe: Cool, occasional rain, surprisingly pleasant

What to wear: Layers! A medium jacket or raincoat, long pants, closed-toe shoes. Bring an umbrella.

What to do: January is great for indoor activities like museums, cozy wine bars, and great restaurants. It's also one of the least crowded times for tourism.

January is part of SF's "winter," but it doesn't feel like winter if you're from anywhere with actual seasons. It's more like perpetual fall. I usually wear jeans and a medium jacket, and I'm comfortable.

February Weather in SF

Average highs: 60°F (16°C)
Average lows: 48°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 4.2 inches
Vibe: Still rainy, but warmer days starting to appear

What to wear: Similar to January—layers, waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for wet sidewalks.

What to do: February is perfect for exploring neighborhoods on drier days and ducking into coffee shops when it rains. It's also a great time for day trips to Napa/Sonoma when the vineyards are green.

March Weather in SF

Average highs: 61°F (16°C)
Average lows: 49°F (9°C)
Rainfall: 3.2 inches (starting to decrease)
Vibe: Spring is coming, more sunny days

What to wear: Light jacket, long pants, but you might get away with short sleeves on sunny afternoons.

What to do: Great time for urban hikes like Lands End or Twin Peaks. The wildflowers are starting to bloom on Bay Area hikes.

March is when I start feeling optimistic about SF weather. We get more sunny days, and the city feels like it's waking up after the winter rains.

April Weather in SF

Average highs: 63°F (17°C)
Average lows: 50°F (10°C)
Rainfall: 1.5 inches (much drier)
Vibe: Beautiful spring weather, locals are happy

What to wear: Layers! A light jacket or cardigan, but you can wear short sleeves during the day. Bring a jacket for evenings.

What to do: This is honestly one of the best months to visit SF. Perfect for exploring Golden Gate Park, taking day trips, and enjoying outdoor patios at restaurants.

April is peak SF weather in my opinion. It's warm but not hot, mostly sunny, and minimal fog.

May Weather in SF

Average highs: 64°F (18°C)
Average lows: 51°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 0.7 inches (very dry)
Vibe: Gorgeous weather, tourists starting to arrive

What to wear: Light layers, short sleeves with a cardigan or light jacket. Sunglasses!

What to do: Everything outdoor. Urban hikes, brewery hopping, picnics in Golden Gate Park, exploring tourist attractions.

May is glorious. This is the SF weather that people think we have year-round (we don't).

June Weather in SF

Average highs: 67°F (19°C)
Average lows: 53°F (12°C)
Rainfall: 0.2 inches
Vibe: Summer is here… which means FOG

What to wear: Here's where it gets tricky. Mornings and evenings will be foggy and cool (bring a jacket). Afternoons in the Mission or downtown can be warm (wear short sleeves). LAYERS ARE KEY.

What to do: Plan indoor activities for foggy mornings, outdoor activities for sunny afternoons. This is a great time to explore different neighborhoods and experience the microclimates firsthand.

June is when tourists arrive expecting summer and instead get what we call "June Gloom"—the fog season has begun.

July Weather in SF

Average highs: 67°F (19°C)
Average lows: 54°F (12°C)
Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Vibe: Peak fog season, coldest "summer" ever

What to wear: A REAL JACKET. I'm not kidding. You will be cold at night, especially near the ocean or bay. Jeans, closed-toe shoes, layers.

What to do: Trying to watch fireworks on July 4th in San Francisco is fairly challenging, as fog generally rolls in and you get colorful fog at best. Instead, focus on neighborhoods that stay sunny (Mission, Noe Valley) or embrace the fog with a moody walk on Ocean Beach.

July is when I laugh at tourists in shorts and flip-flops shivering at Fisherman's Wharf. Don't be that tourist.

August Weather in SF

Average highs: 68°F (20°C)
Average lows: 55°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 0.0 inches
Vibe: Still foggy, but occasionally warm days

What to wear: Same as July—layers, real jacket, long pants.

What to do: Outside Lands music festival happens in Golden Gate Park (bring layers—it gets COLD at night). Otherwise, similar activities to July.

August continues the summer fog pattern. If you're visiting from anywhere else in the US, you'll be shocked at how "cold" SF summer is while the rest of the country swelters.

Recently, as most of the United States has been experiencing extremely hot weather, San Francisco has represented a welcome refuge, and the city has actually used this as a tourism pitch! SF is a climate refuge—our summers are genuinely comfortable while everywhere else bakes.

September Weather in SF

Average highs: 71°F (22°C)
Average lows: 56°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 0.2 inches
Vibe: ACTUAL SUMMER, the secret season

What to wear: Short sleeves! Sunglasses! Still bring a light jacket for evenings, but you might actually get warm during the day.

What to do: EVERYTHING. This is the best weather of the entire year. Go to the beach (Ocean Beach might actually be pleasant), explore day trips, enjoy outdoor dining, do all the free outdoor activities.

September is SF's late summer and is the warmest month of the year. Locals know this secret, which is why we all plan our vacations around September (we stay in the city because the weather is perfect).

October Weather in SF

Average highs: 70°F (21°C)
Average lows: 55°F (13°C)
Rainfall: 1.3 inches
Vibe: Still warm, slightly more fog returning

What to wear: Light layers, but you can still wear short sleeves during the day. Bring a jacket for evenings.

What to do: October is amazing for outdoor activities before the rainy season starts. Great for urban hikes and exploring neighborhoods.

October is my favorite month in SF. The weather is still gorgeous, tourists have thinned out, and the city feels perfect.

November Weather in SF

Average highs: 63°F (17°C)
Average lows: 51°F (11°C)
Rainfall: 3.2 inches (rainy season begins)
Vibe: Fall vibes, cooler, occasional rain

What to wear: Medium jacket, long pants, waterproof shoes. Maybe an umbrella.

What to do: Great time for cozy date nights, cocktail bars, and rainy day activities.

November is when I start appreciating SF's indoor culture—cozy bars, great restaurants, museums.

December Weather in SF

Average highs: 57°F (14°C)
Average lows: 47°F (8°C)
Rainfall: 4.6 inches (wettest month)
Vibe: Cool, rainy, holiday spirit

What to wear: Real jacket, waterproof coat, long pants, warm layers.

What to do: Holiday markets, indoor activities, cozy coffee shops, museums.

December is SF's wettest month, but it's still warmer than winter in most other US cities. It just rains a lot.

What to Pack for San Francisco: The Essential Guide

Here's what you actually need to bring, broken down by season:

Summer Packing List (June-August)

Yes, you read that right. This is what you need for SF "summer":

A real jacket (not just a light cardigan—a real jacket with sleeves and warmth)
Jeans or long pants (shorts are optional and will mostly stay in your suitcase)
Long-sleeve shirts or layers
Closed-toe shoes (sandals work in the Mission during the day, but you'll be cold elsewhere)
Sunglasses (for the rare sunny moments)
Light scarf (surprisingly useful)

DO NOT PACK LIKE YOU'RE GOING TO LOS ANGELES. I cannot stress this enough. Do not bring your cutest shorts and flip-flops expecting beach weather. You will freeze.

The good news: there's a Uniqlo down jacket vending machine at SFO if you arrive unprepared!

Fall Packing List (September-November)

Light to medium jacket
Mix of short and long-sleeve shirts
Long pants (September you might get away with shorts)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Light rain jacket or umbrella (especially October-November)

Winter Packing List (December-February)

Medium jacket or raincoat (waterproof is ideal)
Long pants
Long-sleeve shirts and layers
Closed-toe waterproof shoes or boots
Umbrella
Maybe a warm sweater

Spring Packing List (March-May)

Light jacket or cardigan
Mix of short and long-sleeve shirts
Long pants (shorts are fine for April-May)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sunglasses
Light rain layer for March

What to Wear in San Francisco: Outfit Ideas by Season

Let me give you some actual outfit suggestions since "layers" is vague:

Classic SF Summer Outfit

Jeans or chinos
T-shirt or short-sleeve top
Long-sleeve button-up shirt or cardigan (unbuttoned/open for layering)
Light jacket or denim jacket
Sneakers or ankle boots
Sunglasses

This allows you to adjust throughout the day as you move between neighborhoods.

SF Fall Outfit (September-October)

Jeans or light pants
Short-sleeve or tank top
Cardigan or light jacket
Sneakers or comfortable sandals
Sunglasses

SF Winter Outfit (December-February)

Jeans or pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Sweater or hoodie
Waterproof jacket
Boots or waterproof shoes
Scarf (optional but nice)

SF Spring Outfit (April-May)

Jeans or shorts (April is borderline, May is fine for shorts)
T-shirt or short-sleeve top
Light cardigan or jacket (tied around waist works)
Sneakers
Sunglasses

San Francisco Weather by Neighborhood: Microclimate Guide

Where you go in SF dramatically affects what weather you'll experience. Here's a breakdown:

Foggiest/Coolest Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are consistently 5-15°F cooler than the rest of the city:

Outer Sunset (near Ocean Beach) — Fog central, especially in summer
Outer Richmond — Also very foggy, cooler year-round
Seacliff — Coastal neighborhood, expect fog and wind
Presidio (western parts) — Fog rolls through regularly

What to wear here: Always bring a jacket, even if it's sunny when you leave your hotel.

Best for: Moody walks, experiencing "real SF weather," grabbing coffee at Andytown and walking Ocean Beach.

Warmest/Sunniest Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods are microclimates blessed with more sun and warmth:

Mission District — The warmest neighborhood in SF, often 10-15°F warmer than the Sunset
Potrero Hill — Sunny and protected from fog
Noe Valley — Sheltered by hills, sunny and warm
Dogpatch — East side of the city, gets good sun
Inner Richmond (east of Park Presidio) — Warmer than Outer Richmond

What to wear here: You can get away with lighter layers, short sleeves, even shorts in summer.

Best for: Outdoor dining, exploring on foot, urban hikes, brewery hopping.

Variable/In-Between Neighborhoods

These neighborhoods can go either way depending on the day:

Hayes Valley — Usually pleasant, occasional fog
Marina/Cow Hollow — Mostly sunny, but can get fog from the Bay
North Beach — Protected from ocean fog but gets Bay wind
Downtown/Financial District — Tall buildings create wind tunnels, generally cooler than Mission

Understanding "Karl the Fog"

San Francisco's fog has been personified as "Karl the Fog" (yes, with a Twitter/X account). Karl rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, usually in the afternoon during summer months, and blankets the western part of the city.

When Karl appears: Primarily June-August, usually afternoons and evenings

Where Karl hangs out: Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Bridge, Sunset, Richmond, Twin Peaks

Why Karl exists: Temperature differential between hot inland areas (Central Valley) and cold Pacific Ocean creates fog

How to deal with Karl: Bring a jacket, embrace the moodiness, or head to the Mission where Karl doesn't reach.

Honestly, I've grown to love Karl. The fog makes SF feel mysterious and dramatic in a way that endless sunny days never could.

What Weather App to Use in San Francisco

Here's the thing: weather apps are notoriously incorrect for SF because of all the microclimate fluctuations. The forecast might say "partly cloudy, 65°F" but it will be 55°F and completely fogged-in at Ocean Beach while simultaneously 72°F and sunny in the Mission.

Best Weather Apps for SF

Mr. Chilly — SF-specific weather app, actually accounts for microclimates
Karl — Another SF-focused app
Fogust — Interactive map showing historical fog trends; check the "Fog Today" section for real-time results
Weather.com or Apple Weather — Decent for general trends but not microclimate-specific

Better Than Apps: Webcams

You can look at webcams throughout the city to get a "real picture" of current conditions:

Golden Gate Bridge webcam (shows fog rolling in)
Ocean Beach webcam (shows western SF conditions)
Downtown webcams (shows eastern SF conditions)

I usually check a webcam or just look out my window rather than trusting any app.

Common San Francisco Weather Mistakes Tourists Make

Let me save you from these errors:

Mistake #1: Packing for Los Angeles Weather

The error: Bringing shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and expecting 80°F summer days.

The reality: SF summer is 55-65°F with fog. You'll be miserable.

The fix: Pack layers and a real jacket even for July.

Mistake #2: Not Bringing Layers

The error: Wearing just a T-shirt and assuming you'll be fine.

The reality: It might be 70°F in the Mission at 2pm and 55°F at Ocean Beach at 3pm. You need layers to adjust.

The fix: Always have a jacket or cardigan you can add/remove.

Mistake #3: Assuming One Weather Forecast Applies to the Whole City

The error: Checking the weather for "San Francisco" and assuming it's the same everywhere.

The reality: Microclimates mean different neighborhoods have completely different weather simultaneously.

The fix: Check weather for specific neighborhoods or assume the western part of the city will be 10°F cooler and foggier.

Mistake #4: Visiting in July for "Summer Weather"

The error: Choosing July for your SF trip because you want summer vibes.

The reality: July is the FOGGIEST, COLDEST month. It's not summer.

The fix: Visit in September or October for actual warm, sunny weather.

Mistake #5: Not Bringing a Jacket for Evening

The error: Leaving your jacket at the hotel because it's sunny during the day.

The reality: Temperature drops 10-15°F in the evening, especially near the water.

The fix: Always bring a jacket if you'll be out past 5pm.

I've made all of these mistakes myself, even as a resident. The learning curve is real.

Best Time to Visit San Francisco Based on Weather

If weather is your primary concern, here's my honest ranking:

Best Weather: September & October

These are the warmest, sunniest months. September is peak "Indian summer" in SF. If you want beach weather (or as close as we get), come in September.

Pros: Warm, sunny, minimal fog, perfect for outdoor activities
Cons: More expensive (peak season pricing), more crowded

Second Best: April & May

Beautiful spring weather, blooming flowers, mostly sunny days.

Pros: Pleasant temperatures, sunny, less crowded than September
Cons: Occasional rain in April, prices starting to increase

Third Best: June & November

June has variable weather (fog starting) but can be lovely. November has rain but also nice days.

Pros: Less crowded, good hotel deals
Cons: June fog, November rain

Worst Weather: July & August (ironically, "summer")

Peak fog season, coldest temperatures, least sunny days.

Pros: If you love fog and moody vibes, this is your time
Cons: Cold, foggy, disappointing if you expected summer

Exception: If you're escaping extreme heat elsewhere in the US, SF summer is actually perfect—it's a comfortable 60-65°F while everywhere else is 95°F+.

SF Weather Compared to Other Cities

To give you context:

SF vs. Los Angeles: LA is 15-20°F warmer year-round and far sunnier
SF vs. Seattle: Seattle has colder winters, warmer summers, more extreme seasons
SF vs. New York: NYC has real seasons (hot summers, cold winters); SF is consistently mild
SF vs. San Diego: San Diego is warmer and sunnier year-round
SF vs. Portland: Portland has more extreme seasons, SF is more consistent

SF's weather is genuinely unique. We don't have "real" seasons like most of the US—we have "foggy" and "less foggy."

How SF Weather Affects Your Itinerary

The weather should influence your daily planning:

Foggy/Cool Days (Common in June-August)

Do this:

Indoor museums and activities
Coffee shop hopping
Exploring the Mission or Dogpatch (sunnier neighborhoods)
Cocktail bars and restaurants

Avoid:

Ocean Beach (unless you love moody fog walks—I do!)
Golden Gate Bridge views (you won't see anything)
Outdoor activities in western neighborhoods

Sunny/Warm Days (Common in September-October, April-May)

Do this:

Urban hikes like Lands End
Day trips to Muir Woods or Sausalito
Golden Gate Park exploration
Tourist attractions with outdoor components
Ocean Beach walks

Avoid:

Indoor-only activities (save those for foggy days)

For complete itinerary planning that accounts for weather, check out my 3-day San Francisco itinerary.

Rainy Day Backup Plans

SF gets most of its rain December-March. Here's what to do when it's pouring:

Museums and indoor attractions
Coffee shops with great ambiance
Wine bars and cocktail bars
Covered markets like the Ferry Building
Movie theaters (Alamo Drafthouse is great)
Shopping in Hayes Valley or Union Square

For more rainy day ideas, see my full guide to what to do in SF when it rains.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Layers

After eight years in SF, here's what I've learned: the weather is part of the city's charm. Yes, it's annoying to carry a jacket around when it's sunny. Yes, it's weird that we don't have real summers. But there's something special about a city where it's 60°F and foggy in July while the rest of the country melts.

The key to enjoying SF weather is simple: embrace the layers. Dress like an onion. Bring a jacket even when you think you won't need it. Check webcams instead of weather apps. And remember that if you're cold in the Sunset, you can just take the train to the Mission and it'll be 15°F warmer.

San Francisco residents joke that you can experience all four seasons in a single day, even though SF largely feels like it only has one season (perpetual fall, basically). It's not uncommon to start the day with fog (hello, Karl), have sunshine and warmth by midday, and then cool off again in the evening.

As a result, it is very much advisable to always bring a jacket if you're planning to be out late. I've learned this the hard way too many times to count.

Frequently Asked Questions About SF Weather

What is the best month weather-wise in San Francisco?

September is the best month for weather in SF, with average highs around 71°F, minimal fog, and maximum sunshine. October is a close second. Despite being "summer" months, June-August are actually the coldest and foggiest. SF has a "late summer" that peaks in September-October.

Should I bring a jacket to San Francisco in summer?

YES. Absolutely yes. San Francisco summer (June-August) is the coldest, foggiest season with temperatures around 55-65°F. You will need a real jacket, especially for evenings and anywhere near the ocean or bay. This is the #1 mistake tourists make.

Why is San Francisco so cold in summer?

SF summer is cold because of fog. When hot air from California's Central Valley meets the cold Pacific Ocean, fog forms and rolls into the city through the Golden Gate. This marine layer keeps temperatures cool (55-65°F) throughout the summer months. September-October is when SF gets its actual warm weather.

What should I wear in San Francisco?

Always dress in layers. A typical SF outfit is jeans, a T-shirt or short-sleeve top, and a jacket or cardigan you can remove. Bring a real jacket even in July. Closed-toe shoes are better than sandals for most neighborhoods. Assume you'll need to adjust your clothing throughout the day as you move between neighborhoods.

Does it ever get hot in San Francisco?

It occasionally gets hot in September-October, with temperatures reaching 75-85°F on rare days. However, SF very rarely exceeds 80°F. If you're looking for beach weather and heat, Los Angeles or San Diego are better destinations. SF is a cool-weather city year-round.

Looking for more SF planning tips? Check out my guides to using public transit in SF, is SF safe, and your complete 3-day SF itinerary.