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San Francisco Weather in January: What to Wear, What to Pack, & Other Visiting Tips
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 14, 2025 • Published: February 4, 2017
The San Francisco weather in January is cool with some rain. It's the coolest month of the year, but temperatures are still quite mild compared to many other places in the US.
Many tourists want to know, "Does it snow in San Francisco in January?" The answer: No. The last time that happened was in 1976, and it was only about 1 inch in the city and up to 5 inches at the top of Twin Peaks.
January is in the middle of our rainy season, but even when it's raining, it's usually easy to get around town.
We occasionally get an atmospheric river, which can bring high winds and a couple of days of heavy rain. However, our rain is usually steady and gentle and might go on for a several hours.
Mixed in with those rainy days, San Francisco also gets several sunny, clear days throughout the month of January.
Is January a good time to visit San Francisco? Definitely! If you don't mind a chance of rain, our mild temperatures make SF a great winter destination, while it is cold and snowy in other parts of the US.
Plus, it's less crowded, and hotels are cheaper. Just pack smart and have cozy indoor plans as backups.
Coming Prepared for January Weather in SF
As you get ready for your visit this month, I've pulled together more ideas on what to wear while you are here and information on the typical high and low temperatures during the month.
I've also included tips for my favorite things to do in SF in January, as well as a few indoor activities for you if you prefer to be inside on rainy days.
Can you see the Golden Gate Bridge in January? Our famous fog usually appears in the summer months of June through "Fogust". Therefore, if it's not shrouded in clouds due to rain, you have a good chance of catching the Golden Gate Bridge as it appears in the photo below.
The picture above is from a gorgeous January day in San Francisco. It was toward the end of the month.
The day started with overcast skies. The clouds mostly burnt off by around 11 am and the rest of the day was a little hazy with mostly clear skies.
A Typical Day of San Francisco Weather in January
Temperatures are usually in the mid- to upper 50s during the day. It cools off to around the mid-40s at night. On rainy days, it will be slightly cooler.
Here are a few more details on the San Francisco weather in January.
Average High in January: 57° F / 14° C
Average Low in January: 46° F / 8° C
Average Monthly Rainfall: 4.5 inches / 114 mm
Record High: 79° F / 26° C (year 1962)
Record Low: 30° F / -1° C (year 1937)
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As you can see, temperatures in SF in January can vary greatly.
They rarely dip below freezing (in fact, the last time that happened was in 1937), but they can get as warm as 79° F (as it happened in 1972).
What to Pack for the San Francisco Weather in January
Now it's time to think about packing. What should you bring for the San Francisco weather in January?
- Jacket with a hood, medium-weight to keep you warm (see my recommendations)
- Medium-weight sweaters or long-sleeved shirts
- Light-weight long-sleeved shirts
- Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking (see some great waterproof options)
- Medium-weight pants or jeans
- Light-weight scarf
- Umbrella - if you prefer this over a jacket with a hood (check out my favorites)
You will find that you will be adding and removing items as the day goes on, so make sure you use layers that you can put in a bag or wrap around your waist.
During the day, I wear a light-weight long sleeved shirt, paired with a medium-weight sweater and a medium-weight jacket.
As it cools down at night, I add a heavier sweater or a scarf. This helps keep me warm as I walk outside from place to place.
I don't typically wear gloves this time of year. If you have some light-weight gloves, you can bring them along for extra warmth.
It can also be windy this time of year, so I don't often wear skirts. Most places in SF are casual, so you can almost always wear jeans or casual pants.
>> More details on what to wear in SF
Top Things to Do in January
With the San Francisco weather in January, you will be able to enjoy activities both indoors and out.
1. Head to the theater. This time of year, you will find plenty of theater performances all around town. They range from Broadway shows to local productions. Find a full calendar of shows here.
2. Sample local wines. San Francisco is just a short drive from Napa and Sonoma. You can either sample local wines in the city or make the trip up to Napa or Sonoma. View my favorite wine tours from SF.
3. Watch a Golden State Warriors game. The Warriors play at the Chase Center in SF's Marina Bay district. It's a short 15- to 20-minute train ride from the heart of SF. See a list of their home games this month.
4. Laugh the night away at an SF Sketchfest performance. SF Sketchfest is one of the largest festivals this month. For two weeks, you will find a variety of comedy shows all around town. They include sketches, stand-up, improv, and more. Get details for this year's shows.
5. Visit Alcatraz. January is also a great time to see Alcatraz. After a 20-minute ferry ride, you will walk up to the old prison building for a self-guided audio tour. During your visit, you will learn all about this former prison's inmates, including Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, and Robert "The Birdman" Stroud. Find visiting details here.
Combo tour: Get a ticket to Alcatraz and the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
More Fun January Ideas
If you happen to visit San Francisco on our most blustery days, don't worry! There is still plenty of our great city to discover. Check out my list of 25 favorite rainy day activities.
Maybe you're looking for something a little more off-the-beaten-path. You're in luck, because there are hidden gems all around town!
I also love taking tours around our City by the Bay.
Top San Francisco Tours
Hotel Deals
The San Francisco weather in January is cool, but you will find some hot hotel deals all month long.
It's slow season here, so you can find great discounts on your room rates and free amenities, such as parking or breakfast.
Click the links below to read recent guest reviews, check availability, and reserve.
Booking: Find great deals all around San Francisco for your upcoming stay!
TripAdvisor: What's the #1 hotel in San Francisco? Read reviews & find hotel deals on TripAdvisor!
VRBO: Besides hotels, you'll also find some great places to stay locally through VRBO. Book an apartment or a room and feel more like a local. Find some great places to stay on VRBO here.
Hi, I'm Jill!
Dreaming of a San Francisco vacation? As a proud local, I'm here to share my insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of this iconic city!
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Comments? Questions? Suggestions?
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It's a great place to interact with me and others who know the area well.
You can ask questions, get advice for your upcoming stay, and then share your photos and advice with others when you return home. It's a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit!