Best Times to Visit San Francisco
The best time visit San Francisco is from September to November. This season offers warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring is another good time, but you can expect the breezes to have a little more bite. The Golden Gate City witnesses a surge in tourism during the summer as people head west in search of sun, sand and surf. However, the fluctuating climate can quickly trounce a day at the beach. Those looking for the perfect seaside getaway should consider a trip to Los Angeles where the sunshine lasts year-round. Winter is another a great time to visit San Francisco thanks to lower hotel rates and less people. If you decide to travel in the wintertime, arm yourself from the chilly temperatures with plenty of layers.
°F | °C
Temperature (°F)
in | mm
Precipitation (in)
| March-May |
You can beat the tourist rush by visiting San Francisco in the
spring, when the weather is mild and hotel prices have yet to rise.
Average high temperatures in the mid-60s will certainly keep you from
diving in to the Pacific, but you shouldn't have any limitations
wandering the city on foot. Key Events:
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| June-August |
This marks the peak of tourism in the Bay Area, with people from all
over the country drawn by the hope for nice weather and the promise of
summertime festivities. If you're looking for a typical California beach
getaway, head south to Los Angeles or San Diego:
Average summer temperatures in San Francisco hover in the high 60s and
are often accompanied by brisk sea winds and chilly, damp fog. However,
the city does come alive with numerous street fairs and special events
scattered throughout. Lodging-wise, all you budget-minded travelers may
be deterred by rising room rates. Book your hotel reservations several
weeks in advance to ensure availability and save some cash. Key Events:
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| September-November |
Autumn marks a sweet spot for San Francisco tourism. Hotel rates
drop, and believe it or not, the city has a reputation of warmer
temperatures during this time of year than throughout the summer.
Average fall temperatures rest in the low 70s, and consistently sunny
skies inspire San Franciscans and tourists alike to head to the beach.
But don't underestimate those bayside breezes. You'll want to pack a few
layers just in case. Key Events:
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| December-February | If you don't mind the chilly winds, you'll find that winter is a great time to save on a San Francisco vacation. During the cooler months, hotels slash their prices, providing some pretty good deals to their clientele. However, you should still book a few weeks in advance, for the best rooms and prices. Also make sure to bring some warmer clothes. Temperatures average in the high 50s, but the city's ever-present fog and nippy gusts can make it seem much colder. |
Getting Around San Francisco
The best ways to get around San Francisco are on foot or by public transportation. Most of the popular attractions are within walking distance of the city center, and the large municipal transportation system (called the Muni) operates bus and streetcar lines, leaving little need for your own set of wheels. You can also travel by cable car (also operated by Muni), which is a more entertaining, albeit slower, way to see the city. To get into the city from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), you can use the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) commuter rail or you can take a taxi for around $40 one way.| On Foot | All of San Francisco's neighborhoods can be explored in the heal-to-toe fashion thanks to their compact size and easily navigable streets. However, if you find yourself in an unfamiliar area after dark, consider opting for public transportation or a taxi instead. |
| Public Transportation |
Easy-to-navigate bus, streetcar and cable car
routes on the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency's "Muni"
system render a car unnecessary. Individual rides on all three forms of
transportation cost about $2, although there are discounts for children
and senior citizens. If you plan to ride a lot, consider purchasing a
Muni Passport, which offers unlimited rides for one, three or seven-day
periods (prices range from $14 to $27). The San Francisco CityPass
is another option, offering unlimited Muni rides for a week as well as
free entry to some of the city's top attractions for $67.
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| BART |
You can avoid rental car fees even if you plan on seeing more of the
Bay Area than just San Francisco. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) provides
high-speed rail service to the surrounding areas, as well as SFO
airport. Fares are dependent on distance, although you can expect to pay
about $7.95 for a one-way trip from the airport, and about $1.75 for a
ride within city limits. |
| Taxi | Unlike some other major U.S. cities like New York, San Francisco taxis aren't always easy to catch, let alone find. If you need to get someplace quickly, your best bet is to call ahead. However, if you're not in a rush, you'll save a lot of money by sticking to public transportation. Taxi fares start at around $3, and each additional mile tacks on another $2 or so, with every minute you spend stuck in traffic costing about $. 50. |
| Car | You don't need a car to explore central San Francisco; most of the top sites are within walking distance or are easily-reached by the Muni. Plus, driving in this city is stressful thanks to aggressive drivers, bumper-to-bumper traffic and parking rates of up to $30. However, for those of you hoping to spend a lot of time exploring the rest of the Bay Area (especially places not serviced by the BART), a car is your best option. You can find most major rental agencies at the SFO Airport. Be aware that prices can fluctuate dramatically based on the season. |
| Ferry |
The Golden Gate Ferry Service offers water transportation between
central San Francisco (Market Street in the Financial District) to
nearby communities such as Sausalito, Tiburon and Larkspur. One-way
fares cost around $8 for adults, and the ride takes about 1/2 hour.
Ferry service between San Francisco (Fisherman's Wharf)
and several outlying communities (including Sausalito and Tiburon) is
also provided by the Blue & Gold Fleet. One-way fares range between
$6.50 and $10.50, depending on the destination.
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