Climate Insights for San Francisco
California, United States
Climate Overview
The climate in San Francisco is temperate. The average annual temperature is 14°C and approximately 561 mm of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 119 mm of rainfall. San Francisco is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: September, October, August. The coldest months are December, February, January, when temperatures can drop to 9°C.The climate in San Francisco is temperate. The average annual temperature is 56°F and approximately 22.1 in of precipitation falls per year. January is the wettest month, receiving around 4.7 in of rainfall. San Francisco is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: September, October, August. The coldest months are December, February, January, when temperatures can drop to 48°F.
Temperature
San Francisco sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 9°C to 20°C. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 20°C with a mean of 17°C. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 9°C and an average of 11°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 3°C shift in average temperatures.San Francisco sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 48°F to 69°F. September is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 69°F with a mean of 62°F. December is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 48°F and an average of 52°F. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 10°F between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 5°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
San Francisco is a relatively dry area, receiving approximately 561 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 47 mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 119 mm of rainfall. December and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 1 mm. That's 119 mm less than January, 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 relatively dry area, receiving approximately 22.1 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 1.9 in per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 4.7 in of rainfall. December and February also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 0 in. That's 4.7 in less than January, 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 mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 13km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is May, averaging 16km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 11km/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 moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is May, averaging 10mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 7mph, 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 July, August, September and October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 16°C with modest rainfall averaging 8 mm per month. By contrast, December can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 9°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit San Francisco is during July, August, September and October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 61°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.3 in per month. By contrast, December can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 48°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
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.