San Francisco in May
In May, San Francisco averages 19°C (66°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May is a great month to visit San Francisco: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How May compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in San Francisco (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature matches the city's annual average. May runs 1°C warmer than April (18°C) and warms a further 2°C into June (21°C).
May sunrise & sunset in San Francisco
Times shown for San Francisco local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in San Francisco — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in San Francisco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — San Francisco in May
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 May's tier (High season) and San Francisco's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — May in San Francisco
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
Sun & mosquito risk — May in San Francisco
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
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for San Francisco in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is San Francisco in May?
In May, San Francisco averages a high of 19°C (66°F) and a low of 12°C (54°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in May?
May is generally dry in San Francisco, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
May 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 May?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full May packing list for San Francisco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.