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San Francisco (CA) Climate by Month

San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate which means warm and dry summers with mild winters. It's the perfect city in the US to visit in autumn or early spring. Most rain is seen from November until March, but with more than 150 hours of sunshine you could still consider visiting San Francisco during those months.

In winter the evening temperatures can drop, but almost never below freezing.

Average day and night temperature

In San Francisco, seasonal changes bring about a moderate variation in temperatures. Typically, daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 23°C in September to a moderate 14°C in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 7°C, particularly during the colder months.

The mean minimum and maximum temperatures throughout the year

Precipitation and rainy days

San Francisco typically sees modest rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of 469 mm. The climate in San Francisco shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect high rainfall in December, with an average of 112 mm of precipitation over 13 rainy days. In contrast, July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 0.4 mm of rainfall over a single rainy day.

The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail and snow

Sunshine over the year

For those who appreciate different seasons, San Francisco serves as an ideal destination. Expect longer, more sun-filled days in May with an average of 10.8 hours of sunshine daily, and embrace the darker days in December, offering only 5.3 hours of daily sunlight.

Monthly hours of sunshine

Daily hours of sunshine

Average water temperature

The mean water temperature over the year in San Francisco ranges from 12°C in January to 14°C in June.

Water temperature over the year

The best time of year to visit San Francisco in the United States of America

During the months of June, July, August, September and October you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures that fall between 20°C and 26°C.

Other facts from our historical weather data:
  • Does San Francisco have a dry season?
    Yes, the months of May, June, July, August and September are very dry.
  • Which is the warmest month in San Francisco?
    September has an average maximum temperature of 23°C and is the warmest month of the year.
  • Which is the coldest month in San Francisco?
    The coldest month is December with an average maximum temperature of 14°C.
  • Which is the wettest month in San Francisco?
    December tops the wettest month list with 112 mm of rainfall.
  • Which is the driest month in San Francisco?
    July is the driest month with 0 mm of precipitation.
  • Which is the sunniest month in San Francisco?
    May is the sunniest month with an average of 324 hours of sunshine.

  • No idea where to travel to this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

    Forecast for San Francisco (CA)

    Fri   Dec 06
    18°C | 10°C
    NW 11 km/h
    almost clear and no rain

    almost clear and no rain

    Sat   Dec 07
    16°C | 9°C
    W 14 km/h
    broken clouds and no rain

    broken clouds and no rain

    Sun   Dec 08
    16°C | 10°C
    W 11 km/h
    partly cloudy and no rain

    partly cloudy and no rain