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 1,766 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: May, April, June. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 19°C.The climate in San Francisco is warm and mild. The average annual temperature is 77°F and approximately 69.5 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: May, April, June. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 65°F.
Temperature
San Francisco sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 19°C to 34°C. The warmest month is May, when average highs reach 34°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 19°C and an average of 22°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 9°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs.San Francisco sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 65°F to 94°F. The warmest month is May, when average highs reach 94°F and the mean temperature sits around 82°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 65°F and an average of 71°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 17°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs.
Precipitation
San Francisco is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 1,766 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 147 mm per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 234 mm of rainfall. November and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 52 mm. That's 182 mm less than June, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.San Francisco is a fairly wet location, receiving approximately 69.5 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 5.8 in per month. The wettest month is June, averaging 9.2 in of rainfall. November and October also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is February, with just 2 in. That's 7.2 in less than June, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the second half (July to December) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
San Francisco is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 4km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 5km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 3km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 2km/h between the calmest and windiest months.San Francisco is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 2mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is April, averaging 3mph, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in September, with average winds dropping to 2mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 1mph between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit San Francisco is during January, February and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 23°C with modest rainfall averaging 65 mm per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 34°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.The best time to visit San Francisco is during January, February and March, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 74°F with modest rainfall averaging 2.6 in per month. By contrast, May can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 94°F. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
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.