Best time to visit San Francisco

Whether you’re planning to sip fine wines, sightsee around the city or take a road trip to another great US city such as LA or Las Vegas, we’ve found the ultimate time to visit San Francisco.

During these months, expect fewer crowds, pleasant weather and the chance to score an awesome travel deal.

Best time to visit San Francisco

September-November

Why?

San Francisco is nothing like Los Angeles and doesn’t have the hot summers most would expect. Instead, temperatures often reach their highest in autumn from September to November where they can range from 22–30+°C.

The locals refer to this season as an “Indian summer” and while it might seem hot to them, for Australians it sounds more like normal temperatures for a cool summer’s day.

During these months, there are fewer crowds and more sunny days than any other time of year.

Overview

San Francisco follows four seasons with the most idyllic temperatures falling in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is cool, the skies are clear and the crowds are few.

Summer brings in the largest amount of crowds as Americans are on their summer vacation break and is best avoided as the weather is often plagued with brisk wind and fog.

Weather and prices

Best time to visit San Francisco, weather-wise: Autumn, September–November, is ideal for warm weather days with minimal rainfall and fog.

Cheapest time to visit San Francisco: Winter, December–February, are the cheapest months to visit as temperatures are cold and rainfall is imminent.

Best time to visit San Francisco for...

• Wine country: Spring, March–May, is an ideal time to balance the number of visitors and activities available. The vines begin to turn a lush green in spring and crowds begin to build. Many outdoor activities are available and the temperature is still mild.
• San Francisco Zoo: You’ll catch the best weather in autumn, September–November, with hot temperatures and the least amount of rainfall. There also won’t be many crowds. Head to the zoo in the morning when it opens at 9am or after 3pm to avoid the peak visitor times.
• Napa Valley: For the true Napa Valley experience visit during the harvesting season of August–October. This is prime tourist season and temperatures are hot with mostly clear skies, making it ideal for trips. Festivals are plenty and the leaves begin to change colour during spring, too.
• Japanese Tea Garden: March and April are the best months to visit the Japanese Tea Garden as it’s when the trees and flowers are in full bloom. The teahouse itself is ideal to visit any time of the year but is least crowded at 9am and noon.
• Twin Peaks: The Twin Peaks are good to visit year-round and are best viewed at sunset for the arresting views of the city. To beat the crowds, head over in mid-afternoon once the fog has disappeared.
• San Francisco and Las Vegas: Autumn, September–November, is shoulder season and will reward you with fewer crowds and top weather across both cities.
• San Francisco and Los Angeles: Autumn brings with it less fog in San Francisco and less smog in Los Angeles. Both cities also experience fewer crowds in this off-season which makes finding accommodation and airfare deals easier.

Top San Francisco deals

Virgin Australia

USA flights from $949 return

Available for flights on select dates from February - September 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney, Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne or Adelaide to Los Angeles. Destinations include Las Vegas, San Francisco, New York, Orlando, Seattle and more.

Last verified 13 Jan 2020

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Deal ends 21 Jan 2020

STA Travel

United Airlines: USA flights from $899 return

Available for travel from January - December 2020. Destinations include San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York, Seattle and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Los Angeles.

Last verified 26 Dec 2019

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Deal ends 31 Jan 2020

EasyRentCars.com

10% off E2 San Francisco Car Hire

Available for rental until 15 March 2020. Offer available on standard, compact, economy, premium, intermediate and intermediate SUV's. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 16 Jan 2020

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Deal ends 15 Feb 2020

Trip.com

Extra $50 off worldwide flights

Available for travel on select dates with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Qantas and Singapore Airlines. Discount applies to first-time users. Destinations include Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Nadi, Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Seoul and more. Minimum spend of $500 applies.

Last verified 14 Jan 2020

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Coupon code ends 28 Jan 2020

Air New Zealand - Longhaul

North America flights from $918 return

Available on select travels from February – November 2020. Sample fare is Gold Coast–San Francisco. Other destination include Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and Vancouver. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 2 Jan 2020

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Deal ends 31 Jan 2020

StubHub

Billie Eilish concert tickets from $101

Available for use on select dates until July 2020. Destinations include New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 29 Nov 2019

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Deal ends 30 Jul 2020

Smart Destinations

Up to 5% off any Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Washington, Orlando, Go-Card All-Inclusive and Explorer Pass

Get 5% off any Boston, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, Washington, Orlando, Go-Card All-Inclusive and Explorer Pass. Sign up for the Smart Destinations newsletter to receive the discount.

Last verified 6 Feb 2018

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Big Bus Tours

Up to 10% off Big Bus tours

Valid on select tours in Abu Dhabi, Chicago, Darwin, Dubai, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, London, Miami, Muscat, New York, Paris, Philadelphia, Rome, San Francisco, Sydney, Vienna and Washington DC.

Last verified 4 Jan 2018

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