This is undoubtedly the best time to visit San Francisco if you are looking for the warmest weather and clearest skies. To make the most of all the wonderful outdoors activities on offer in and around the city, these months offer comfortable temperatures, around the low 20-degrees. The ‘fall’ energy is a wonderful thing to experience in San Francisco with packed bookshops, cosy café vibes, all the while being less crowded than the peak summer months.

Best time to visit San Francisco for:

• Warmest weather of the year

• Outdoors activities

• Still lively, but less busy than summer

Annual highlights to watch out for:

• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival – a celebration of bluegrass, country and rock music in Golden Gate Park.

• SF Cheese Fest – an opportunity to sample some of California’s finest cheeses, along with pairings, wine and beer.

• Flower Piano – taking place at San Francisco Botanical Gardens, admire the gardens while seeking out the 12 pianos dotted around the 55-acre grounds.

You can always look forward to the festive holiday season in San Francisco with stunning light displays along the piers, decadent Christmas trees, and pop up outdoor ice rinks on The Embarcadero and Union Square. This is a great time of year for a relaxed city break, easily combined with a visit to nearby warmer climates, such as Hawaii and Southern California.

Best time to visit San Francisco for:

• Festive sight-seeing and charm

• Thanksgiving traditions and food

• Still mild weather compared to many U.S. cities

Annual highlights to watch out for:

• Day of the Dead Procession – get involved in the traditions of the Dia de los Muertos in the Mission District of San Francisco, celebrating the circle of life and death.

• San Francisco Ballet – see the company’s spell-binding annual Christmas production of The Nutcracker at the grand War Memorial Opera House.

• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – visit this immersive holiday fair, set in Victorian London, featuring hundreds of costumed performers, as well as shops, pubs, music halls, and more.

Though these are San Francisco’s coldest months, the temperature during this period is still averaging around 13 – 15 degrees Celsius, avoiding the need for all those extra thick layers! This is a great time of year for those travelling on a budget, with hotel prices and excursions often a little lower than at other times of the year.

Best time to visit San Francisco for:

• Budget travel

• Cosy indoor spaces: cafés, museums, food tours

Annual highlights to watch out for:

• San Francisco Art Week – the city comes alive for a week, celebrating the city’s many creative individuals and famous art scene.

• Chinese New Year Parade – recognised as one of the top 10 parades in the world by International Festivals & Events Association.

• San Francisco Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K – come along, either as a runner or spectator, to be a part of one of the most scenic half marathons out there!

Spring weather in San Francisco brings warmer temperatures and more sunshine. Time your holiday to these months if you are keen to admire the floral beauty of San Francisco’s blooming parks and gardens. Being shoulder season, you can look forward to calmer photo spots and Lombard Street and Twin Peaks, as well as easier reservations at top dining locations in the city.

Best time to visit San Francisco for:

• Seeing the blooming parks and gardens

• Improving weather, more sunshine

• Hiking San Francisco's coastal paths

Annual highlights to watch out for:

• San Francisco International Chocolate Salon – calling all chocolate lovers, with the opportunity to taste of a variety of premium chocolates from award-winning chocolatiers.

• Cherry Blossom Festival – see the blooming cherry blossom trees and celebrate Japanese traditions in San Francisco’s Japantown neighbourhood.

• Bay to Breakers – established in 1912, gather to see the world’s largest fun run, with runners and walkers dressing up in colourful costumes! 

While being the busiest time of year to visit San Francisco, this is a great time to visit if you are after the city’s energetic summer festivals, with many music, comedy and arts festivals being held during this time. The weather in the summer is quintessentially San Franciscan with spells of wind and fog, while keeping a pleasant average temperature, in the low 20-degrees. 

Best time to visit San Francisco for:

• Lively, summer atmosphere

• Festivals and events

• Pleasant weather

Annual highlights to watch out for:

• San Francisco Pride Parade – nowhere does Pride quite like San Francisco! Now in its 56th year, come celebrate love and be yourself!

• Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival – check out the iconic 3-day music festival held in Golden Gate Park. Expect major headliner and amazing food!

• Stern Grove Festival – the longest-running free music festival in the States, taking place in a gorgeous, eucalyptus tree setting. Bring a picnic and blanket and soak up the relaxed, groovy vibes.