Early spring · Weather & things to do
San Francisco in March
San Francisco edges warmer than February, with highs of 61°F (16°C), lows of 46°F (8°C) and about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain.
It scores 79/100 for comfort, 9th of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 61°F (16°C)
- Avg low
- 46°F (8°C)
- Rain
- 3.2 in (82 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 58%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 43 min
- Comfort score
- 79/100 · Great
What March feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 61°F (16°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 46°F (8°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.2 in (82 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around March
March is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (May – October).
- Comfort improves from 73/100 in February to 79/100.
- Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 46°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.2 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in San Francisco in March
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Lands End Trail
Cliffside trail with Golden Gate views, shipwreck remains and the Sutro Baths ruins.
Why now March scores 79/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Tartine Bakery
Mission bakery known for its morning buns, croissants and country bread.
Swan Oyster Depot
Counter-only seafood bar since 1912 serving crab, oysters and Sicilian sashimi.
Alcatraz Island
Ferry to the former federal prison and take the cellhouse audio tour.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
Walk partway onto the bridge from the south end for the classic span-and-bay view.
Why now Highs near 61°F and 3.2 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in March
- Sonoma in March~36 mi · highs 63°F, 3.8 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Napa in March~51 mi · highs 60°F, 3.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Healdsburg in March~63 mi · highs 59°F, 5.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in March~75 mi · highs 65°F, 3.5 in rain · 2°C (4°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit San Francisco?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 79/100 against a best of 95 in May – October. Expect highs of 61°F (16°C) and 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain. Our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends Apr – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is San Francisco in March?
Average highs are 61°F (16°C) and average lows 46°F (8°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in March?
Some: about 3.2 in (82 mm) of rain falls across March on average, the 4th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.0 in (585 mm).
What should I pack for San Francisco in March?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 46°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.2 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 March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.