This post is a summary of the August weather in San Francisco, with average temperature and rainfall expectations, tips on how to dress, and things to do.
AVERAGE TEMPERATURES IN AUGUST
Skies are sunny and the weather is comfortable with afternoon temperatures tending to average around 70 F (21 C).
A few of the warmer afternoons could reach into the upper-70s F to low-80s F (26-27 C) while a few of the cooler afternoons will only in the mid-60s F (18-20 C).
Late night and early morning low temperatures tend to average in the mid to upper 50s F (13-15 C) with a couple of the cooler mornings dipping down in the mid to lower 50s F (12-13 C).
The all-time record low temperature in San Francisco during August is 48 F (9 C) while the hottest temperature was 98 F (36 C)
HOW MANY RAINY DAYS IN AUGUST
Most of the time you will encounter either clear or partly sunny skies this month as only about 2-3 days will be cloudy.
August is a dry month with only 1 day this month likely to record any rainfall at all.
San Francisco can be a bit breezy with the average wind speed mostly between 10-15 mph.
DO I NEED AN UMBRELLA IN AUGUST IN SAN FRANCISCO?
In a word, no. San Francisco averages 0.06 inches (1.5 mm) of rain all month in August. Bringing an umbrella will almost certainly be unnecessary.
Obviously, you should double-check the weather report before arriving, but you can be almost certain that it will not rain much at all during the month.
Seasonal Outlook - July to September 2024 San Francisco
There is a 72% chance for normal to above-normal temperatures with near-normal rainfall.
WHAT TO WEAR IN AUGUST IN SAN FRANCISCO
August is a bit of a tricky month. Because on the days when it is sunny and the wind isn't blowing, it can easily get into the mid-80s F (30 C).
But if the fog is covering the city and the wind starts blowing, the temperature can quickly get down to 60 F (16 C) and very chilly!
The average wind speed in August is about 10 mph (17 kph). And it can frequently be even windier than that!
The best idea for this month is to wear layers. Leave your hotel wearing at least a T-shirt and perhaps a light sweatshirt, as well as long pants.
It is also a good idea to bring a light jacket to carry around with you, as well as earmuffs or a scarf if the wind bothers you.
THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST
There are more things to do in August than we can list here, so be sure to read our full post on what to do and see this month, as well as our master post for any time of the year.
Below are our top choices.
And if you are planning on visiting many of San Francisco's top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass.
These passes could save you up to 50% of retail ticket prices for tours, attractions, and restaurants.
- See Ringo Starr in Concert
- Visit Alcatraz Prison
- Take A Walking Tour
- Watch a Giants or A's Baseball Game
- See Hamilton the Musical
- Attend Comic-Con
- Eat Drink SF
- Bridge to Bridge Run
- CabFest
- Golden Gate Bridge Swim
Find out more and read our full post on what to do and see this month.
Written by Fred Pickhardt
Ocean Weather Services
