Best Time to Visit San Francisco: 4 Seasons, 1 Local’s Honest Guide

I’ve heard the famous quote, misattributed to Mark Twain, more times than I can count:

“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

While he may not have actually said it, the sentiment is spot on.

I’ve lived here for some time, and I can tell you that our “summer” is a season of moody fog and chilly winds that surprise most visitors.

The real magic, the city’s “secret summer,” happens when the rest of the country is pulling out their sweaters.

That’s why I’ve created this guide to the best time to visit San Francisco. I’ll break down the San Francisco visitor seasons by weather, crowds, and cost.

Fall (September–November): The Secret Summer and the Best Time to Visit San Francisco

If you ask a local for the absolute best time to visit San Francisco, we’ll almost universally say fall.

This is our “secret summer,” when the fog finally retreats, leaving behind warm, sunny days and clear skies.

Weather:

September and October are the warmest and sunniest months of the year.

Average high temperatures hover around a perfect 71-73°F (22-23°C), and there’s very little rain.

This is the weather everyone expects from California. It’s ideal for walking across the Golden Gate Bridge or enjoying the views from Baker Beach.

Crowds:

The summer tourist rush is over. While the city is still lively, you’ll find shorter lines at major attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere than in the peak months of June and July.

Events:

Fall is packed with fantastic local events. Golden Gate Park hosts the massive, free Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival in October.

Fleet Week also takes over the waterfront in October with thrilling air shows from the Blue Angels. 

And for foodies, the commercial Dungeness crab season typically kicks off in November, filling Fisherman’s Wharf with the freshest catch.

Cost:

This is the one downside. Because the weather is so perfect, and major conventions like Dreamforce and Oracle OpenWorld often take place, hotel prices can be at their highest for the year.

Spring (March–May): A Beautiful and Balanced Shoulder Season

Spring is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and more reasonable prices.

The city sheds its winter rain and comes alive with color.

Weather:

Temperatures are mild and pleasant, with average highs in the low to mid-60s°F (around 17-20°C). 

The rainy season tapers off, especially by late April and May, leaving clear skies and plenty of sunshine.

Parks like the Presidio and Golden Gate Park are in full bloom.

Crowds:

As a shoulder season, spring sees a modest flow of tourists.

It’s busier than winter but much quieter than the summer peak, meaning you’ll enjoy shorter lines at popular spots.

Events:

Spring hosts some of the city’s most unique events.

The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the largest of its kind in the country, takes over Japantown for two weekends in April.

In May, the iconic Bay to Breakers race sees thousands of runners (many in wild costumes) cross the city.

It’s also a great time for whale watching, as gray whales migrate north with their calves.

Cost:

This is a great time to find a good deal. For the best combination of low prices and good weather, spring is an excellent choice.

This is a strong contender for the best time to visit San Francisco on a balanced budget.

Summer (June–August): The Busiest of the San Francisco Visitor Seasons

Summer is, ironically, not the season for sunbathing in San Francisco.

It’s the peak tourist season, driven by school holidays, but be prepared for cool, foggy weather.

Weather:

Expect cool temperatures, with average highs only reaching about 69-72°F (21-22°C).

The city’s famous fog, affectionately nicknamed “Karl,” is a constant presence, especially in the mornings and near the coast. Always pack layers!

Crowds:

This is high season. Expect the largest crowds and longest lines at attractions like Alcatraz and the cable cars.

Booking everything well in advance is essential.

Events:

The city is buzzing with energy. June is Pride Month, culminating in one of the largest and most vibrant Pride Parades in the world.

July features the free Fillmore Jazz Festival, and August brings the massive Outside Lands music festival to Golden Gate Park.

Cost:

This is the most expensive time to visit. High demand means peak prices for flights and hotels.

Winter (December–February): The Cheapest Time to Visit San Francisco

If your top priority is your budget, then winter is the cheapest time to visit San Francisco.

You’ll trade sunshine for rain, but you’ll have many of the city’s top attractions almost to yourself.

Weather:

This is our rainy season. Temperatures are cool, with average highs in the upper 50s°F (around 14-15°C) and lows in the mid-40s°F (around 8-9°C).

It’s perfect weather for cozying up in a cafe or exploring museums.

Crowds:

This is the low season. Outside of the holidays, you’ll find the smallest crowds of the year, making it a great time to explore indoor attractions at a leisurely pace.

Events:

The city is festive in December with the Union Square Ice Rink and the Great Dickens Christmas Fair. 

In January or February, the Chinese New Year Parade lights up the night with one of the largest celebrations of its kind outside of Asia.

The gray whale migration also begins, with viewing opportunities from coastal spots.

Cost:

This is the most affordable time to travel. You’ll find the best deals on flights and hotels, especially between New Year’s and Valentine’s Day.

San Francisco Weather at a Glance

To help you plan, here is a quick look at the average weather you can expect throughout the year.

So, When Should You Visit?

As you can see, the best time to visit San Francisco truly depends on what you’re looking for.

Fall offers that picture-perfect California weather, while winter is the clear winner for budget travel. 

Spring provides a wonderful balance, and summer is the time for major festivals, as long as you pack a jacket.

No matter which of the San Francisco visitor seasons you choose, this city has a unique charm waiting for you.

So, which San Francisco season is calling your name?