San Francisco Weather in August: How to Prepare for Our Cool Summer Days

While technically still summer, the San Francisco weather in August is often much cooler than tourists expect, so I've written this guide to help you come prepared. 

Read on for average highs and lows, tips on what to wear in San Francisco in August, my favorite outdoor festivals and events, and a few tips to save during your stay.

A Typical Day in August in SF

Our characteristic fog usually settles in over the city when it cools down at night. 

Once the sun comes out, it takes a few hours for the fog to burn off. It almost always does, but some days it hangs around longer than others.

On August afternoons, it's often sunny and mild, like in the photo above. You will see a few clouds in the sky and experience temps in the 60s (although sometimes it feels colder with the wind).

We only get trace amounts of rain during this time of year.

It's really cool to see the fog roll in again at night. If you can, find a spot with great views of the Golden Gate Bridge to watch it move under the bridge around dusk.

To prepare for your stay, make sure to bring along a few warm items. The temperatures will dip down into the mid-50s at night. 

Here are the average temps for the San Francisco weather in August.

Average High in August: 69° F / 20° C

Average Low in August: 56° F / 13° C

Average Monthly Rainfall: 0.1 inches / 2.5 mm

Record High: 98° F / 37° C (8/1/1993)

Record Low: 48° F / 9° C (8/14/1969)

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What to Wear for the San Francisco Weather in August

The San Francisco weather in August is warm during the day and cool at night. It's also warmer inland, like in the Mission District, but cooler on the waterfront, like at Ocean Beach.

That means you will need to add and remove layers as you move around throughout the day.

To do that, here's what you should pack:

• Short-sleeved shirts for the daytime (see my recommendations)
• Light sweater while you're waiting for the sun to come out
• Light jacket or windbreaker for activities like walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, taking a bay cruise, or enjoying the views atop Twin Peaks
• Long pants or jeans (shorts and skirts only if you see one of our rare heat waves on the weather forecast)
• Comfortable shoes for walking up and down our hills (great options here)
• Hat and sunglasses for wind and sun protection

>> More tips on packing for SF

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco in August

1. Attend Outside Lands: Our biggest music festival is in early August in Golden Gate Park. This three-day event features several stages and dozens of artists from around the world. Learn more about this year's event.

2. Cheer on the SF Giants: You can also catch a baseball game at Oracle Park. This park on the water is one of my favorite parks in the US. Don't forget to bring along a jacket, though, as the San Francisco weather in August cools off once the sun goes down. Find details to attend a game here.

3. Cruise the bay: This is always one of my favorite things to do here. Hop aboard one of our boats, sit back, and relax as you learn all about the history of SF. You will also get amazing views of the bay and a chance to go under the Golden Gate Bridge twice. Learn all about my 5 favorite cruises.

4. Enjoy my self-guided 3-day itinerary: To make it really easy to see the best of SF, make sure to check out my self-guided itineraries. My 3-day itinerary gives you a chance to stroll over the Golden Gate Bridge, visit Alcatraz, and see SF's other top attractions. I also provide lunch and dinner recommendations along the way. Find my 3-day itinerary here.

5. Take a tour to Napa Valley: You can even head up to Napa Valley for a few hours. It's a great time to visit wine country, as the grapes are ripening on the vines and the days are warm and sunny. Take a tour and leave the driving to someone else so you can sample all the wines at each stop. My tour recommendations for Napa Valley.

More Fun Options for August

>> More details on the best summer events in SF

>> Discover SF's best hidden gems

Save on Your Stay

If you haven't booked your hotel yet, make sure to check out the deals available below. They will show you top discounts at local hotels including room rate deals, free parking, free amenities, and more.

You can also read recent guest reviews for each one to make sure it's the perfect hotel for your stay.

>> Find tips on whether you should stay in Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf

How to Get Around SF

I suggest you don't rent a car for your stay, as rental prices and parking are expensive. Here are a few alternatives to get around SF with ease.

Cable Cars: If you plan to go back and forth from Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square, make sure to use our cable cars. These historic beauties are a fun way to travel and allow you to watch the scenery as you go. They are open-air, so make sure to bring along a jacket for your journey. Find more details here.

Buses & Light Rail Trains: Our bus and light rail system is also easy to use. You will find buses all around town with stops at many of our main attractions. You can either pay for each ride or buy a pass for a few days. More about getting around SF.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours: Another great alternative to get around town and enjoy our San Francisco weather in August is to take an open-air Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. They take you from one attraction to the next and allow you to stay at each one for as long as you want. You can learn more about the best one- and two-day options. It will take you to 15+ locations without the hassle of driving yourself.

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