San Francisco in August

In August, San Francisco averages 23°C (73°F) during the day and 14°C (57°F) at night, with only about 1 rainy day.

High season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

It's peak hurricane season in San Francisco during August. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.

23°C
Avg high
14°C
Avg low
1
Rain days
1 mm
Rainfall

How August compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco

2nd
warmest month of the 12
11th
wettest month of the 12
0%
of yearly rainfall falls in August
13 h 38 min
daylight on the 15th

August is one of the warmest months in San Francisco (2nd of 12) and one of the driest months (11th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (19°C). August runs 1°C warmer than July (22°C) and warms a further 1°C into September (24°C).

August sunrise & sunset in San Francisco

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:25 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
8:03 PM
Day length
13 h 38 min

Times shown for San Francisco local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of August. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in San Francisco — August

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of August, in San Francisco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:25 AM – 6:05 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:05 AM – 7:05 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
7:23 PM – 8:23 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
8:23 PM – 9:03 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near San Francisco.

📅 When to book — San Francisco in August

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on August's tier (High season) and San Francisco's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-4 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones. ⚠ Peak hazard season — book flexible-change tickets and travel insurance with weather-disruption coverage.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

Crowds & pricing — August in San Francisco

High season

This is a busy month in San Francisco — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Northern Hemisphere summer holidays peak hazard season (1 active)

Sun & mosquito risk — August in San Francisco

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.5
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

San Francisco in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 14°C / 57°F 8°C / 46°F 110 mm 11
February 15°C / 59°F 9°C / 48°F 110 mm 10
March 17°C / 63°F 10°C / 50°F 75 mm 10
April 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 30 mm 6
May 19°C / 66°F 12°C / 54°F 10 mm 3
June 21°C / 70°F 13°C / 55°F 5 mm 1
July 22°C / 72°F 14°C / 57°F 0 mm 0
August 23°C / 73°F 14°C / 57°F 1 mm 1
September 24°C / 75°F 14°C / 57°F 5 mm 2
October 22°C / 72°F 13°C / 55°F 20 mm 4
November 18°C / 64°F 11°C / 52°F 55 mm 7
December 14°C / 57°F 8°C / 46°F 85 mm 9

Other cities with similar August weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for San Francisco in August →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is San Francisco in August?

In August, San Francisco averages a high of 23°C (73°F) and a low of 14°C (57°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in August?

August is generally dry in San Francisco, with about 1 rainy day on average.

Is August a good time to visit San Francisco?

August is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for San Francisco in August?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full August packing list for San Francisco for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open San Francisco on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.