San Francisco in October
In October, San Francisco averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
It's peak hurricane season in San Francisco during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in San Francisco (4th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 3°C above the annual average (19°C). October runs 2°C cooler than September (24°C) and cools 4°C in November (18°C).
October sunrise & sunset in San Francisco
Times shown for San Francisco local time (America/Los_Angeles), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in San Francisco — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in San Francisco's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — San Francisco in October
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 October's tier (Shoulder) and San Francisco's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October in San Francisco
San Francisco is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for San Francisco in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is San Francisco in October?
In October, San Francisco averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 13°C (55°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in October?
October is generally dry in San Francisco, with about 4 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit San Francisco?
October 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 October?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full October packing list for San Francisco for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.