The Best Times to Visit San Francisco

Our guide to the best attractions in San Francisco for every season.

With temperate weather year-round and endless things to do in San Francisco in every season, any month is a great time to visit the city. San Francisco weather allows visitors and locals to enjoy great outdoor adventures, water activities, and the city’s long list of festivals any time of year.

Sea Lions

Spring

  • Bay Cruises: Enjoy a cruise around the bay to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the city skyline in the beautiful spring sunshine. Learn more about some of our favorite boat tours in San Francisco here.
  • Visit San Francisco’s Sea Lions: Visit the sea lions at Pier 39’s K-Dock. They’re active year-round, but spring is particularly lively.
  • Street Performers: As the weather warms, musicians, magicians, and other performers gather to entertain visitors to Fisherman’s Wharf and other popular tourist neighborhoods.
  • Farmers’ Markets: Local markets often start up in the spring, showcasing fresh produce and artisanal goods. San Francisco Farmers’ Markets are a great way to experience the local culture.
  • Walking Tours: Spring is a great time to explore the streets, landmarks, and iconic restaurants of San Francisco with a local as your guide. With the weather in spring in SF being generally mild and consistent, tours on foot can be enjoyed all season.

San Francisco Weather in March

Avg. daily high temps of around 64°F, with avg. lows around 51°F

San Francisco Weather in April

Avg. daily high temps of around 66°F, with avg. lows around 52°F

San Francisco Weather in May

Avg. daily high temps of around 67°F, with avg. lows around 54°F

Lady Biking In San Francisco

Summer

  • Outdoor Dining: Enjoy seafood on patios at restaurants like Blue Mermaid or one of the numerous restaurants with outdoor dining in San Francisco.
  • Fireworks on the 4th of July: Watch a spectacular fireworks display over the bay, with prime views from Argonaut’ Hotel’s location in Fisherman’s Wharf.
  • Summer Cruises: Evening cruises offer amazing views of the sunset and city lights.
  • Ghirardelli Square Events: Check for summer events at our neighboring Ghirardelli Square like live music and wine tastings.
  • Bike the Bay: Hop on one of the bike rentals available at Argonaut Hotel and cruise around the Bay on the city’s bike paths. Biking is one of many great summer activities in San Francisco.
  • Outside Lands SF: Held in Golden Gate Park every summer, Outside Lands SF is a 3-day music, art, food, beer, and cannabis festival that draws in a massive, multi-generational crowd. The popular festival usually takes place the second weekend of August.

San Francisco Weather in June

Avg. daily high temps of around 70°F, with avg. lows around 55°F

San Francisco Weather in July

Avg. daily high temps of around 70°F, with avg. lows around 56°F

San Francisco Weather in August

Avg. daily high temps of around 70°F, with avg. lows around 57°F

Jets Flying Over San Francisco

Fall

  • Fleet Week: A highlight of the fall, Fleet Week takes place annually in October, featuring airshows by the Blue Angels and a parade of ships.
  • San Francisco Coffee Festival: Join some of the Bay Area’s top coffee roasters at the Fort Mason Center for the annual festival dedicated to excellence in coffee craft. This immersive coffee experience takes place in early November.
  • Wine Tastings: Sample wines from local vineyards at events hosted at Fisherman’s Wharf and nearby Ghirardelli Square.
  • Leaf Peeping: Explore the beautiful autumn foliage in nearby areas like Golden Gate Park and the Presidio, where the changing colors provide a stunning backdrop for leisurely walks and picnics.
  • Nearby Hikes: The weather in fall in San Francisco is known to be the best of the year, often the warmest, too. Plan a hike nearby to take in some stunning views, such as those found right across the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County, such as Slackers Hill, Rodeo Beach Coastal Trailhead, or Point Bonita Trail.

San Francisco Weather in September

Avg. daily high temps of around 72°F, with avg. lows around 58°F

San Francisco Weather in October

Avg. daily high temps of around 67°F, with avg. lows around 55°F

San Francisco Weather in November

Avg. daily high temps of around 60°F, with avg. lows around 49°F

Dragon Kite

Winter

  • Lunar New Year Festival & Parade: San Francisco is a cultural melting pot and hosts one of the largest Lunar New Year festivals in the country. Kicking off usually in late January with celebrations carrying on throughout February, there are numerous events that are not to be missed.
  • Holiday Lights & Decor: Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 are adorned with festive lights and decorations. This extra sparkle, paired with mild temperatures in SF in the winter, make winter a great time to visit.
  • New Year’s Fireworks: Celebrate the New Year in San Francisco and take in the impressive fireworks show over the bay.
  • Dungeness Crab Season: Feast on fresh, local crab at waterfront restaurants, like Argonaut’s very own Blue Mermaid.
  • Museums and Galleries: Spend the day exploring San Francisco’s nearby unique institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) or the de Young Museum

San Francisco Weather in December

Avg. daily high temps of around 56°F, with avg. lows around 45°F

San Francisco Weather in January

Avg. daily high temps of around 59°F, with avg. lows around 46°F

San Francisco Weather in February

Avg. daily high temps of around 61°F, with avg. lows around 47°F