Climate Insights for San Francisco
Climate Overview
The climate in San Francisco is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 25°C and approximately 2,465 mm of precipitation falls per year. San Francisco receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. San Francisco is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: June, May, August. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 21°C.The climate in San Francisco is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 77°F and approximately 97.1 in of precipitation falls per year. San Francisco receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. San Francisco is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: June, May, August. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 70°F.
Temperature
San Francisco has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 8°C range. The warmest month is June, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 26°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 21°C and an average of 23°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 4°C between highs and lows.San Francisco has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 13°F range. The warmest month is June, when average highs reach 83°F and the mean temperature sits around 80°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 70°F and an average of 73°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 7°F between highs and lows.
Precipitation
San Francisco is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2,465 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 205 mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 447 mm of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 84 mm. That's 363 mm less than November, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.San Francisco is a very wet location, receiving approximately 97.1 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 8.1 in per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 17.6 in of rainfall. October and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is April, with just 3.3 in. That's 14.3 in less than November, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
San Francisco is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 10km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 13km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 8km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.San Francisco is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 6mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 8mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 5mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3mph gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Francisco is during March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 24°C with modest rainfall averaging 95 mm per month. By contrast, June can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 29°C, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 21°C. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.The best time to visit San Francisco is during March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 76°F with modest rainfall averaging 3.7 in per month. By contrast, June can be uncomfortably hot with highs reaching 83°F, while January is the coldest period with lows dropping to 70°F. Despite being the best months overall, some rain is still likely. Pack a waterproof layer and plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for San Francisco based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for San Francisco based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.