Muir Woods National Monument is part of California’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area, north of San Francisco. It’s well known for its towering old-growth redwood trees.
If you're interested in visiting this serene and beautiful natural wonder, this post will help you figure out what kind of weather to expect during your trip.
What is the Weather Like in Muir Woods Each Season?
If you're trying to decide when to visit Muir Woods for the best possible weather, this section covers what you can expect during each pronounced season in the area.
For information about what the weather is like today or in the next week, please check the National Park Service website for up-to-date information.
Muir Woods in Winter (December to February)
Winter is the rainy season in Muir Woods, with January being the wettest month.
You can expect 14-15 days with sunny or at least partly sunny skies each month during this season, with mostly cloudy skies on 15-16 days.
Some rainfall occurs on 11-12 days each month, with 5-6 of these days recording 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) or more. Snow is rare at Muir Woods during winter.
Daytime high temperatures during the winter range between 48 F (9 C) and 68 F (20 C), while early morning lows tend to range between 34F (1 C) and 54 F (12 C).
Only about 4-5 mornings during each winter will see temperatures dipping down to 32 F (0 C) less.
Muir Woods in Spring (March to May)
Gradually warmer and drier weather develops during Spring.
You can expect about 15 sunny, or at least partly sunny skies during March, increasing to about 20-21 days during May.
Rainfall diminishes rapidly during Spring, which receives only about 1/3rd as much rain as winter. There are about 10-11 days with rain during March, decreasing to only 3-4 days during May.
Daytime high temperatures during Spring range from about 54 F (12 C) to 79 F (26 C), with May having the warmest afternoons.
Early morning lows during Spring tend to range between 41 F (5 C) and 55 F (13 C).
Muir Woods in Summer (June-August)
Summer is the dry season, and you should expect about 23-25 sunny, or at least partly sunny days during June with 26-27 days during July and August.
On average, only about 1 day during June, records some rain, with a risk for rain during July and August being only about 1 day every 3 years.
Daytime high temperatures tend to range between 63 F (17 C) and 82 F (28 C).
Late night and early morning lows are generally between 48 F (9 C) and 59 F (15 C).
Muir Woods in Fall (September-November)
Fall starts with warm, sunny, and dry weather during September followed by gradually cooler temperatures and increasing clouds and rain risk during October and November.
During September you can expect about 25-26 days with sunny, or at least partly sunny, skies decreasing to 21-22 days during October and 16-17 days during November.
About 1 day with rain is likely during September, increasing to 3 days during October, and 6 days during November.
Daytime high temperatures generally range from 65 F (18 C) to 82 F (28 C) during September. Daily highs cool thereafter, falling to between 54 F (12 C) and 73 F (23 C) by November.
Late night and early morning lows range between 48 F (9 C) and 59 F (15 C) during September, falling to between 37 F (3 C) and 55 F (3 C) by November.
Best Time to Visit Muir Woods
Weatherwise, the best time to visit Muir Woods is from June - October as the weather is warm and dry. Perhaps the ideal time period is from late August until mid-October.
Given that it is within an easy drive from San Francisco, weekends can tend to be crowded, so planning your visit on a weekday may ensure fewer crowds.
What to Wear to Muir Woods in Summer?
Even though you will be in the shade of the redwoods, it is recommended to pack a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses for those visiting in the summer months of June, July, and August.
Heavy fog can occur any month of the year, so it is best to dress in layers during the summer months with t-shirts as a good base.
Hiking pants will come in handy during the colder months. Some trails do have ticks present, so try to keep your legs and arms covered on these trails. Bring a sweater or windbreaker even in summer.
On warm days, there can still be a chilly breeze and the valley floor is shadowed by the large trees and nearby slopes.
What to Wear to Muir Woods in the Winter?
During the winter months or during the summer on longer hikes, hiking shoes or boots are best. Winter is the rainy season so bring along some lightweight waterproof clothes.
During winter, you should also bring a warm jacket or raincoat and an umbrella.
What to Wear to Muir Woods in the Spring or Fall?
Spring can still be pretty rainy if you are visiting Muir Woods in March or April but less so than during the winter.
September and October can be warm in Muir Woods, but it is best to include a light jacket or other top layer as it can be chilly and foggy at times.
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