San Francisco, CA — Weather Guide

San Francisco's weather is famously mild, with average highs hovering around 65°F, making it ideal for year-round comfort but tricky for those seeking traditional seasonal changes. Neighborhood microclimates are key — from the foggy, cooler Sunset District to the sunnier, warmer Mission District, where your home choice literally means choosing your climate. Surprisingly, despite its foggy rep, San Francisco enjoys about 260 sunny days a year, challenging the "always gloomy" stereotype.

65°FAvg High
20 inAnnual Rain
260Sunny Days/Year
70+Microclimates

Fun facts

Fog Celebrity

Karl

Karl the Fog is a beloved local phenomenon that literally shapes property desirability, especially in fog-prone areas like the Richmond and Sunset Districts.

Microclimate Swings

20°F

Temperatures can swing up to 20°F between neighborhoods just a few miles apart, like between chilly Outer Richmond and sunny Potrero Hill.

Sunny Escape

Banana Belt

The Mission District is known as SF's "banana belt" for its sunnier, warmer weather, attracting buyers who want to escape the fog.

Fog Fame

1000+ posts

SF's fog has inspired countless Instagram accounts and local art, making foggy views a unique selling point rather than a downside.

Month-by-month guide

Jan 57° / 46° Good Cozy & crisp January is a quieter month for buyers; explore deals in Outer Sunset before spring competition kicks in.
Feb 60° / 48° Good Fog lifts February offers a good mix of rain and sun—perfect for checking how homes handle wet weather in neighborhoods like Glen Park.
Mar 62° / 49° Good Cherry blossom time March's improving weather means more open houses in vibrant areas like the Mission District.
Apr 63° / 50° Busy Karl arrives April is peak buyer season; expect competition especially around Dolores Park and Noe Valley.
May 64° / 51° Busy Indian summer May's Indian summer vibe draws many buyers—perfect for exploring homes in Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights.
Jun 66° / 53° Great Sunny & mild June is ideal for buyers who want sunny walkthroughs without much competition, especially in Marina District.
Jul 66° / 54° Great Bright & breezy July's clear skies make it a prime time for house hunting in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights and Russian Hill.
Aug 68° / 55° Great Summer glow August is fantastic for buyers seeking outdoor space and views, great for Twin Peaks and Noe Valley.
Sep 70° / 55° Busy Late summer buzz September's warm, sunny days bring a busy market—perfect timing if you want to sell high in neighborhoods like Marina and SoMa.
Oct 69° / 54° Good Crisp & clear October's mix of sun and occasional rain is great for buyers watching neighborhood fall foliage in Golden Gate Park.
Nov 62° / 50° Good Foggy & festive November is calmer; look for deals as the market slows down, especially in quieter Richmond District.
Dec 57° / 46° Good Holiday cozy December offers holiday-themed open houses in charming neighborhoods like Nob Hill with less buyer competition.

Neighborhood microclimates

+5°F warmer

Marina District

68°F avg

Fog

The Marina is known for its sunny, breezy weather and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Locals enjoy waterfront walks and vibrant nightlife along Chestnut Street.

3°F cooler

Sunset District

60°F avg

Fog

The Sunset District is famously foggy, especially in the summer, earning it the nickname 'Karl's Foggy Playground.' Residents embrace the fog with cozy cafes and fog-shielded parks.

+3°F warmer

South of Market (SoMa)

66°F avg

Fog

South of Market (SoMa) is urban and warm, with tech offices and trendy lofts attracting young professionals. The concrete and glass absorb heat, making it one of the warmest neighborhoods in the city.

1°F cooler

Richmond District

62°F avg

Fog

The Richmond District experiences cooling ocean breezes from the nearby Presidio and Golden Gate Park. It's a mix of residential calm and cultural hotspots like Clement Street's Asian eateries.

4°F cooler

Bernal Heights

57°F avg

Fog

Bernal Heights gets more rain and cooler temps due to its southern hills and exposure. Known for its community gardens and panoramic city views, it's a quieter retreat from foggy western neighborhoods.

+1°F warmer

Noe Valley

64°F avg

Fog

Noe Valley enjoys a generally mild and sunny microclimate, shielded somewhat by Twin Peaks. Families love the neighborhood for its parks and a slower, village-like vibe.

What to wear in San Francisco

Layer Master

Layer up! Spring mornings can be chilly with lingering fog, but afternoons warm pleasantly near 60-65°F. A light windbreaker and breathable layers keep you comfy through open houses.

Spring

Fog-Ready Chic

Pack a light jacket even in July — the fog can drop temps 15° in minutes, especially in Sunset and Richmond. Sunglasses and layers are your best friends for sunny Marina visits and foggy neighborhood strolls.

Summer

Sweater Weather Pro

Fall can surprise you with warm days and cool evenings. Think versatile outfits like a stylish sweater paired with a scarf for open houses in Noe Valley or the Marina.

Fall

Rain-Warrior

Expect wet and cool conditions, especially in Bernal Heights and Sunset. Waterproof shoes and a warm coat will keep you comfortable during rainy day tours and city walks.

Winter

The bottom line for buyers

Best Season to Buy

Buy in late spring or early summer when the weather is at its sunniest and the market often has more inventory, giving you better choices and negotiating power.

Microclimate Investment

Invest in neighborhoods like Noe Valley or Bernal Heights that offer warmer microclimates and strong appreciation potential due to their sunny, family-friendly vibes.

Timing is Everything

Lock in mortgage rates early, but be ready to marry the house and date the rate — the SF market moves fast and weather patterns won't wait for you.

Scout Microclimates

Visit potential homes at different times of day to experience the neighborhood's microclimate shifts, especially the famous fog that can roll in by afternoon.

Seller calendar

May — list

Indian summer weather attracts buyers eager for outdoor space in Potrero Hill and Bernal Heights.

July — photograph

Clear, bright days in July showcase homes' views and architecture beautifully in Pacific Heights.

October — stage

Crisp fall weather and Golden Gate Park foliage create a cozy ambiance that appeals to buyers.

September — list

Warm, sunny days bring high buyer activity, perfect for a competitive listing in Marina and SoMa.

Home maintenance

Spring

Inspect and clean gutters after the wet winter to prevent water damage from spring rain.

Spring has moderate rain and increasing sunny days that can reveal gutter clogs.

Check for mold and mildew in fog-prone areas like the Sunset District and Richmond.

Spring still has moisture from fog and rain that promotes mold growth.

Summer

Service your HVAC and ensure air conditioning is ready for Indian summer heat waves.

Summer has very low rain but occasional heat spikes especially in neighborhoods like the Mission.

Repaint or seal exterior wood surfaces to protect against sun and dry fog exposure.

Summer sun and dry fog can cause wood to crack and fade.

Fall

Prepare landscaping for the dry season by mulching and pruning drought-resistant plants.

Fall has low rain but some fog, requiring water-efficient gardening.

Inspect roof and flashing before winter rains to prevent leaks, especially in older homes in Noe Valley and Pacific Heights.

Fall rain starts to increase, risking water penetration in vulnerable roofs.

Winter

Check and insulate pipes to prevent damage from cold snaps, particularly in elevated neighborhoods like Twin Peaks.

Winter lows can reach mid-40s with occasional cold snaps.

Monitor basement and crawl spaces for flooding due to heavy rains in neighborhoods like Bernal Heights.

Winter is the rainiest season with up to 4.5 inches per month.

Expert contributors

Explore nearby

Marina District weather & microclimate 68°F avg
Sunset District weather & microclimate 60°F avg
South of Market (SoMa) weather & microclimate 66°F avg
Richmond District weather & microclimate 62°F avg
Bernal Heights weather & microclimate 57°F avg
Noe Valley weather & microclimate 64°F avg