Best Time to Visit San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the top travel destinations in California. It attracts those who have an eye for unique art, and delicious cuisines, and are up for new adventures. San Francisco is ranked number four in the best summer vacations in the USA.

The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November. It is best to visit San Francisco during this time because during the fall the temperatures are warm year-round and it has fewer crowds than in summer time. Due to milder temperatures and less rain, spring is also a great time to visit San Francisco.

Even though San Francisco only stretches across seven miles, it is packed with activities and outdoor adventure. If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Francisco, we have you covered. Let’s dive into the best time to visit San Francisco.

Worst Time to Travel to San Francisco

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When traveling to San Francisco, you’ll want to take into consideration the current season and climate conditions. The worst time to travel to San Francisco is between June and August because of the cooler temperatures and higher travel rates.

You may still visit during these months, but you’ll want to pack clothing for cooler days and evenings. In addition, you’ll also want to book in advance to save some extra cash.

When is the Cheapest Time to go to San Francisco?

The cheapest time to go to San Francisco is during December or January., typically on Mondays and Fridays. Mondays and Fridays in December or January offer the cheapest flights for 15 percent less. Even with flights being at their lowest, you’ll want to make sure you book in advance to get the best rates.

For example, if you want to travel in December or January, try booking your flight in August. You’ll want to make sure you book at least three months in advance to score the best deals possible.

If you want to plan a budget-friendly vacation, you’ll find the most bargains during any time in December but Christmas. With traveling during this time, you’ll need to be prepared for temperatures in the 60s. When booking hotels and flights, you can always find the best rates on the weekdays.

What Time of Year is the Best Weather in San Francisco?

When planning your vacation to San Francisco, you’ll want to go when the weather is permitting and deals are at their lowest. Below, we discuss the weather by month so that you can choose the best time to visit for you and your family.

January: Attend a Sporting Event

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Temperatures average 58 degrees during January in San Francisco. San Francisco will see a little over three inches of rain for the month, with the highest chance being on January 11th. As for humidity, January is the least muggy month of the year.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, sneakers, a jacket, and a coat for cooler temperatures. During this month, you could attend a sporting event. San Francisco is home to many sports teams such as baseball, basketball, football, and hockey.

• San Francisco 49ers
• Golden State Warriors
• San Jose Sharks

Related Read: Best Airport for Yosemite

February: Get a Tourist Pass

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Temperatures average 61 degrees during February in San Francisco. San Francisco sees almost four inches of rainfall, with the heaviest chance for rain being on February 15th. February still has little to zero humidity during this time.

If you’re planning to travel during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, sneakers, and a light jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures. During this month, you can get a tourist pass for different days of adventure. Multiple passes can save you money on museums, entertainment, and more.

• Aquarium of the Bay
• San Francisco Zoo
• Ripley’s Believe it or Not

March: See the Symphony Orchestra

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Temperatures average 63 degrees during March in San Francisco. San Francisco will see around four inches of rain, but will rarely exceed seven inches. The month of March has little to zero humidity.

If you’re planning on traveling during March, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, a light sweater, and a heavier jacket for nights. During this month, you’ll want to see the symphony orchestra. The symphony orchestra has many weekend performances that are available during January.

• Classical Music
• Back to the Future

April: Glowfari in Oakland

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Temperatures average 63 degrees during April in San Francisco. The month of April will see around two inches of rain, but not exceed five inches. The chance is rain during this rain is on a decline from 17% to 9%.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, a jacket, and sneakers. During this month, it is the perfect time to visit the Glowfari in Oakland. The Oakland Zoo has its Glowfari display every year that has plenty of colored light displays and laser light shows.

• Oakland Zoo
• Free Day at Botanical Gardens
• See a stand-up comedy show

Related Read: 18 Best Hiking Trails in San Jose, CA

May: Silent Film Festival

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Temperatures average 68 degrees during May in San Francisco. The month of May has mostly cloudy skies for 27% of the time, with its clearest day being on May 31st. The daily low temperatures stay around 54 degrees but rarely drop below 50.

If you’re planning on traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack lightweight clothing and warmer clothes for nighttime. During this month, you’ll want to visit San Francisco’s Silent Film Festival. The Silent Film Festival shows silent films followed by live music.

• Silent Film Festival
• Documentary Film Festival
• CAAMFest

June: Jazz Festival

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Temperatures average 67 degrees during June in San Francisco. June experiences a decrease in cloud cover at only 13% cloudy for the month. Its clearest day is June 30th with very little rainfall in the mix.

If you’re planning on traveling during June, you may get away with being able to wear shorts and a light sweater during the daytime. During this month, the city holds the San Francisco Jazz Festival. The jazz festival has been happening for more than thirty years in venues around the Bay Area.

• Jazz Festival
• Union Street Music Festival
• Yerba Buena Art Walk

July: Fourth of July Pub Crawl

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Temperatures average 67 degrees during July in San Francisco. July experiences its lowest chance of cloudiness and overcast with the clearest day being on July 20th. July is one of the driest months of the year with little to no rain.

If you’re planning on traveling during this month, you’ll want to pack pants, shorts, t-shirts, and a good pair of walking shoes. During this month, San Francisco has their Fourth of July Pub Crawl. During the pub crawl, people will bounce from bar to bar scoring their different food and drink specials.

• Fourth of July Pub Crawl
• Bastille Day
• San Francisco Marathon

August: Nihonmachi Street Fair

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Temperatures average 72 degrees during August in San Francisco. San Francisco sees overcast and cloudy skies during August for about 9% of the month. As for rainfall, this is another dry month for the city of San Francisco.

If you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack pants, t-shirts, shorts, and a good pair of walking shoes. During this month, the city has its Nihonmachi Street Fair. The street fair lasts for two days focusing on Asian-Pacific American culture, tradition, dance, art music, and food.

• Nihonmachi Street Fair
• Jerry Day
• Golden Gate Bridge Swim

September: Northern California Rum Festival

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Temperatures average 71 degrees during September in San Francisco. September sees an increase in cloud cover and overcast during this time with the clearest day being September 1st. As for rainfall, this month will rarely see over two inches of rain.

If you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack both cooler and lightweight clothing as temperatures during the day will be a bit warmer than nighttime temperatures. During this month, San Francisco has their Northern California Rum Festival. The rum festival features more than twenty rum brands that will be served to around eight hundred people.

• Northern California Rum Festival
• Whiskies of the World
• TreasureFest

October: Crawloween

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Temperatures average 71 degrees during October in San Francisco. San Francisco experiences an increase in overcast and cloud cover going from 18% to 36%. As for rainfall, the chance of rain increase in October, and will see around one inch of rain.

If you’re planning on traveling during this time, you’ll want to pack shorts, pants, t-shirts, a jacket, and light sweaters. During this month, San Francisco has Crawloween. Crawloween has music, dancing, costume contests, and more!

• Crawloween
• Castro Street Fair
• Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival

November: Thanksgiving Turkey Trot

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Temperatures average 64 degrees during November in San Francisco. The month of November sees an increase in cloud cover jumping from 37% to 49%. As for rainfall, the month will see around two inches, but not exceed four inches.

If you’re planning to travel during this month, temperatures will be a bit chillier so you’ll want to pack some warmer clothing. During this month, San Francisco has their Thanksgiving Turkey Trot. This event involved adults and kids that will do a gobbler chase and Turkey trail trot.

• Thanksgiving Turkey Trot
• Renegade Craft Fair
• Hip Hop DanceFest

Related Read: 10 Best Hikes Near Paso Robles

December: Golden Gate Bridge

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Temperatures average 58 degrees during December in San Francisco. San Francisco sees an increase in overcast and cloud cover increasing from 49% to 54%. As for rainfall, the month will see around three inches of rain, but not exceed seven inches.

If you’re traveling during this time, you want to pack some warmer clothing as temperatures significantly drop around the holiday. During this month, you’ll want to go see the Golden Gate Bridge. The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s famous bridge that connects Marin County.

• Golden Gate Bridge
• Napa and Sonoma Tour
• Exploratorium

What is the Best Time to Visit San Francisco With Family?

Have you been thinking about wanting to travel to San Francisco, but are unsure if it’s a great place to bring the whole family? Not only is traveling to San Francisco with family possible but there are many activities and outdoor adventures you can take. The best time to visit San Francisco with family is September to October.

September and October are the best months to visit with family because it’s not peak tourist season. The last thing families want to do, especially those with children is navigate a busy city.

When is the Best Time to Avoid Crowds in San Francisco?

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If you’re traveling to San Francisco and want to avoid crowds, you’ll want to travel in September and October. This is the perfect time to travel because it’s not considered to be peak tourist season. Those with minor children will enjoy doing different outdoor activities and traveling.

Not only will it be less crowded, but temperatures will be warmer and more comfortable.

Best Time To Hike In San Francisco

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The best time to hike in San Francisco is in the spring. One of the reasons it’s the best time is because the waterfalls in the Bay Area is are running full force. Three waterfall hikes can be made from San Francisco to Marin County.

• Lands’ End
• Batteries to Bluffs
• Buena Vista Park

While the Bay Area is normally very mild, you may see different climate patterns so it’s best to wear layers depending on the area of your hike.