Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
San Francisco in January
This is the coldest month in San Francisco: highs average 56°F (13°C) and lows 43°F (6°C), with about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain.
Its comfort score of 70/100 is still Good, though it ranks 11th of 12 here.
- Avg high
- 56°F (13°C)
- Avg low
- 43°F (6°C)
- Rain
- 3.9 in (100 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~9 h 40 min
- Comfort score
- 70/100 · Good
What January feels like
Days are mild at around 56°F (13°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 43°F (6°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.9 in (100 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – October.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, December – February.
- Comfort improves from 65/100 in December to 70/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 43°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.9 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in San Francisco in January
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Pier 39 Sea Lions
Watch hundreds of California sea lions haul out on the K-Dock floats at Fisherman's Wharf.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best winter mornings.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
Walk partway onto the bridge from the south end for the classic span-and-bay view.
Why now January scores 70/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Lands End Trail
Cliffside trail with Golden Gate views, shipwreck remains and the Sutro Baths ruins.
Why now Highs near 56°F and 3.9 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Alcatraz Island
Ferry to the former federal prison and take the cellhouse audio tour.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Bayfront hall of local producers: oysters, cheese, bread and coffee under one roof.
Nearby in January
- Sonoma in January~36 mi · highs 57°F, 4.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Napa in January~51 mi · highs 54°F, 4.7 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
- Healdsburg in January~63 mi · highs 56°F, 6.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in January~75 mi · highs 58°F, 3.6 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Lands End & Ocean Beach and The Embarcadero & Ferry Building.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
San Francisco in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit San Francisco?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 70/100, held back mainly by cloud cover. The best months are May – October. Expect highs of 56°F (13°C) and 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is San Francisco in January?
Average highs are 56°F (13°C) and average lows 43°F (6°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in January?
Some: about 3.9 in (100 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.0 in (585 mm).
What should I pack for San Francisco in January?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 43°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.9 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on San Francisco
Planning San Francisco in January?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.