Early autumn · Weather & things to do
San Francisco in September
San Francisco's warmest month brings highs averaging 74°F (24°C), lows of 55°F (13°C) and about 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain.
At 95/100 for comfort (2nd of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (24°C)
- Avg low
- 55°F (13°C)
- Rain
- 0.2 in (4 mm)
- Humidity
- 70%
- Cloud cover
- 46%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 14 min
- Comfort score
- 95/100 · Great
What September feels like
Highs settle around 74°F (24°C), warm enough for short sleeves most of the day.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 55°F (13°C).
It's one of the drier stretches, with only about 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain.
Plan around September
September is one of San Francisco's best months on the climate data.
- Comfort improves from 91/100 in August to 95/100.
- September sits inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
What to pack for September
- Light, breathable clotheshighs average 74°F
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in San Francisco in September
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 September scores 95/100 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 74°F and 0.2 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 September
- Sonoma in September~36 mi · highs 88°F, 0.1 in rain · 8°C (14°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Napa in September~51 mi · highs 85°F, 0.1 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Healdsburg in September~63 mi · highs 76°F, 0.2 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Old Sacramento Waterfront in September~75 mi · highs 91°F, 0.2 in rain · 9°C (17°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 September: quick answers
Is September 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 74°F (24°C) and 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain. September is inside the Apr – Oct window our Pacific Coast Highway route recommends.
How hot is San Francisco in September?
Average highs are 74°F (24°C) and average lows 55°F (13°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in September?
Not much: about 0.2 in (4 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 23.0 in (585 mm).
What should I pack for San Francisco in September?
Bring light, breathable clothes (highs average 74°F), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on San Francisco
Routes in season in September
- Pacific Coast Highway Apr – Oct
Planning San Francisco in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.