Introduction
Greetings, readers! Welcome to our comprehensive guide on San Francisco’s weather by month. Whether you’re planning a trip to the City by the Bay or simply curious about its weather patterns, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll delve into the unique climate of San Francisco, exploring its seasonal variations and providing detailed breakdowns of temperature, precipitation, and humidity throughout the year.
Weather Patterns and Seasons
Spring
Spring in San Francisco is a season of renewal and rebirth. As the city emerges from winter, temperatures gradually rise, ranging from 45-65°F (7-18°C). The days are generally sunny and mild, although occasional showers can occur. The average rainfall in Spring is around 3.5 inches (89 mm).
Summer
Summer in San Francisco is warm and pleasant. Temperatures typically reach the mid-70s and rarely exceed 85°F (29°C). The city experiences a cooling effect from the nearby Pacific Ocean, which keeps the air fresh and invigorating. Fog is common during the summer mornings, but it usually burns off by midday.
Fall
Fall in San Francisco is a vibrant season, with temperatures ranging from 55-70°F (13-21°C). The skies are clear, and the humidity is low. The average rainfall in Fall is around 2.5 inches (64 mm).
Winter
Winter in San Francisco is mild and wet. Temperatures average between 40-55°F (4-13°C), and rainfall is more frequent. The city experiences an average of 7.5 inches (191 mm) of rain in the winter months. Fog is also common during the winter, creating a picturesque and mysterious atmosphere.
Climate Factors
Fog
Fog is an integral part of San Francisco’s climate. It forms when moist air from the Pacific Ocean cools as it passes over the cold California Current. Fog typically occurs in the morning and evening hours, and it can be especially thick during the summer months.
Wind
San Francisco is a windy city, with winds gusting up to 20 mph (32 km/h). The prevailing winds come from the west, bringing in cool, moist air from the ocean. The wind can be particularly strong during the spring and summer months.
Precipitation
San Francisco receives an average of 23 inches (584 mm) of rain per year. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, although the winter months tend to be wetter. Snowfall is rare in San Francisco, but it can occur occasionally in the higher elevations of the city.
Climate Data Table
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 48-55 | 3.5 |
| February | 50-58 | 3.0 |
| March | 55-63 | 2.8 |
| April | 58-66 | 1.8 |
| May | 62-70 | 1.0 |
| June | 65-75 | 0.5 |
| July | 67-80 | 0.1 |
| August | 68-79 | 0.1 |
| September | 65-75 | 0.5 |
| October | 60-70 | 1.5 |
| November | 55-63 | 2.5 |
| December | 48-55 | 3.5 |
Conclusion
Thank you for taking this journey into the weather patterns of San Francisco by month, readers! We hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with the insights you need to plan your trip or simply appreciate the unique climate of this beloved city. For more information on San Francisco’s weather and other fascinating topics, be sure to check out our ever-expanding library of articles. Until next time, stay curious and explore!
FAQ about San Francisco Weather by Month
1. What is the weather like in San Francisco in January?
January is one of the coldest months in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 45 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is common, with an average of 4.5 inches of rainfall.
2. What is the weather like in San Francisco in February?
February is a bit warmer than January, with average temperatures ranging from 46 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is still common, but slightly less than in January, with an average of 3.5 inches of rainfall.
3. What is the weather like in San Francisco in March?
March is a transitional month, with average temperatures ranging from 48 to 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is still possible, but less frequent, with an average of 2.5 inches of rainfall.
4. What is the weather like in San Francisco in April?
April is a pleasant month in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 51 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is infrequent, with an average of 1.5 inches of rainfall.
5. What is the weather like in San Francisco in May?
May is a warm month in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 55 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is rare, with an average of less than 1 inch of rainfall.
6. What is the weather like in San Francisco in June?
June is the warmest month in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 59 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is very rare, with an average of only 0.2 inches of rainfall.
7. What is the weather like in San Francisco in July?
July is another warm month in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 58 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is still very rare, with an average of less than 0.1 inches of rainfall.
8. What is the weather like in San Francisco in August?
August is similar to July, with average temperatures ranging from 58 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is still very rare, with an average of less than 0.1 inches of rainfall.
9. What is the weather like in San Francisco in September?
September is a transitional month, with average temperatures ranging from 54 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is slightly more common than in summer, with an average of 0.5 inches of rainfall.
10. What is the weather like in San Francisco in October?
October is a pleasant month in San Francisco, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Rain is more common than in summer, but still not excessive, with an average of 2 inches of rainfall.
