Mid-autumn · Weather & things to do
San Francisco in October
San Francisco cools off: highs slip to 71°F (22°C), from 74°F in September, with lows of 52°F (11°C) and about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (3rd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 71°F (22°C)
- Avg low
- 52°F (11°C)
- Rain
- 1.1 in (29 mm)
- Humidity
- 69%
- Cloud cover
- 44%
- Daylight
- ~11 h
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What October feels like
Days are warm, averaging 71°F (22°C), easy weather for being outside from morning to evening.
Lows average 52°F (11°C).
Rain is scarce: about 1.1 in (29 mm) for the whole month.
Plan around October
October is one of San Francisco's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: November highs fall to 63°F.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: November brings 2.4 in (62 mm).
- Last of the best-scoring months: by November, the score drops to 88/100.
- Comfort holds steady from September (95 → 95/100).
- October sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for October
- Light, breathable clothes71°F afternoons
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in San Francisco in October
October is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Buena Vista Cafe
Bar at the cable car turnaround that popularized Irish coffee in the US.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Bayfront hall of local producers: oysters, cheese, bread and coffee under one roof.
Vesuvio Cafe
Two-floor bohemian bar next to City Lights, a Kerouac-era hangout since 1948.
Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center
Walk partway onto the bridge from the south end for the classic span-and-bay view.
Why now October scores 95/100 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 71°F and 1.1 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in October
- Sonoma in October~36 mi · highs 78°F, 1.3 in rain · 4°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in October~51 mi · highs 75°F, 1.3 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in October~63 mi · highs 71°F, 1.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, wetter
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in October~75 mi · highs 80°F, 1.2 in rain · 5°C (9°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 October: quick answers
Is October a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 95/100. Expect highs of 71°F (22°C) and 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain. October is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is San Francisco in October?
Average highs are 71°F (22°C) and average lows 52°F (11°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in October?
Not much: about 1.1 in (29 mm) of rain falls across October on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.0 in (585 mm).
What should I pack for San Francisco in October?
Bring light, breathable clothes (71°F afternoons) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on San Francisco
Routes in season in October
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning San Francisco in October?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.