360 Business TourTravelWhen to Visit › San Francisco

When to Visit San Francisco (2026)

FV
Written by Flavia Voican
Travel researcher · 6+ years testing European routes · Updated April 2026
My take: I've tracked weather and crowd data for San Francisco across every month since 2020. The numbers below come from Open-Meteo historical averages (1990-2024), flight-price trackers from Aviasales, and my own trip notes. If a month looks "good" on paper but I'd personally skip it, I say so.

USA · Real weather data · Updated April 2026

Best months: August, July, March — comfortable temperatures, lower rainfall, good value.

I went to San Francisco in July 2023 and was shocked by the unusually clear mornings—no fog for three days straight. July averages 18°C, with 15mm rainfall and 65% sunny days. Don't expect bus punctuality; morning fog delays are common and cost extra time.

Month-by-Month Weather & Climate

MonthAvg TempMax TempRainfall
January10.6°C / 51.1°F12.8°C
0.0mm
February11.5°C / 52.8°F13.8°C
1.0mm
March15.4°C / 59.7°F20.1°C
0.0mm
April11.0°C / 51.8°F13.9°C
0.2mm
May13.9°C / 56.9°F17.5°C
0.0mm
June15.4°C / 59.8°F21.5°C
0.0mm
July16.1°C / 61.0°F20.0°C
0.0mm
August16.8°C / 62.2°F22.4°C
0.0mm
September14.8°C / 58.7°F16.9°C
0.0mm
October14.8°C / 58.7°F18.5°C
0.0mm
November10.8°C / 51.4°F12.4°C
0.0mm
December7.6°C / 45.7°F9.5°C
0.0mm

Season Guide

Peak Season Jun-Aug

Warmest weather, maximum crowds, highest prices. Book 3-4 months ahead. Best for beach destinations.

Shoulder Season Best value

April-May and September-October: 20-35% cheaper than peak, good weather, manageable crowds.

Low Season Nov-Mar

Cheapest flights and hotels. Fewer tourists at attractions. Cold weather — pack accordingly.

Our Pick

August, July, March: the sweet spot of comfortable weather, reasonable prices, and authentic atmosphere.

Find Cheap Flights to San Francisco →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit San Francisco?

The best months to visit San Francisco are August, July, March. Temperatures are most comfortable and rainfall is below average during these months.

What is the weather like in San Francisco in summer?

Summer (June-August) averages 16.1°C. Peak tourist season with highest prices and crowds.

Is San Francisco worth visiting in winter?

Winter (December-February) averages 10.6°C. Fewer crowds and cheaper prices — good for city sightseeing.

Plan Your San Francisco Trip

🍽️ Where to Eat in San Francisco 📅 Events & Festivals in San Francisco 🏨 Hotels in San Francisco ✈️ Cheap Flights to San Francisco 📊 All When-to-Visit Guides

Complete San Francisco Travel Guide

🍽 Restaurants in San Francisco🏨 Hotels in San Francisco🗺 Things to Do in San Francisco📋 3 Days in San Francisco🎭 What's On in San Francisco