Late spring · Weather & things to do
San Francisco in May
San Francisco warms up: highs climb to 66°F (19°C), from 63°F in April, with lows of 50°F (10°C) and about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain.
May opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 93/100 (4th of 12).
- Avg high
- 66°F (19°C)
- Avg low
- 50°F (10°C)
- Rain
- 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 51%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 02 min
- Comfort score
- 93/100 · Great
What May feels like
Highs near 66°F (19°C) make for comfortable sightseeing weather.
Nights cool to an average low of 50°F (10°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain.
Plan around May
May is one of San Francisco's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: May – October.
- Comfort improves from 89/100 in April to 93/100.
- May sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for May
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 50°F
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in San Francisco in May
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 May scores 93/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
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 66°F and 0.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
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.
Nearby in May
- Sonoma in May~36 mi · highs 76°F, 0.9 in rain · 5°C (9°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in May~51 mi · highs 73°F, 0.9 in rain · 4°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in May~63 mi · highs 66°F, 1.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in May~75 mi · highs 80°F, 0.9 in rain · 8°C (14°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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 93/100. Expect highs of 66°F (19°C) and 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain. May is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is San Francisco in May?
Average highs are 66°F (19°C) and average lows 50°F (10°C), making it the 6th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in May?
Not much: about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 5th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.0 in (585 mm).
What should I pack for San Francisco in May?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 50°F) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on San Francisco
Routes in season in May
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning San Francisco in May?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.