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San Francisco Weather in May: What to Expect During Your Stay
By: Jill Loeffler • Updated: April 15, 2025 • Published: February 4, 2017
Depending on what part of the city you're in, San Francisco weather in May is usually sunny during the day and cooler at night.
"Gray May" refers to the overcast skies in the mornings that form when cold ocean currents meet warming land temperatures. Don't worry—this burns off mid-morning!
During this month, we experience the occasional heat wave or late-season showers, as well as some gusty onshore winds, but otherwise you'll find the May weather in San Francisco to be pretty ideal!
Many tourists ask, "Is SF warm in May?" Well, sort of. While other parts of the country heat up for summer, our temperatures stay mild (average high 67°F).
Dress in layers for chilly mornings and evenings, and be prepared for temperature changes between areas (foggy Fisherman's Wharf, windy Ocean Beach, and sunny districts like the Mission, for example).
If you plan to visit during this time, read on for more tips on what to pack for your visit. You will also find some of my favorite things to do in May, along with a few savings tips for your stay.
Memorial Day in San Francisco: the morning starts out with clouds and a breeze, and then the sun comes out.A Typical Day in May
Usually the San Francisco weather in May starts off with cool, partially overcast mornings with temperatures in the mid-50s. This typically burns off mid-morning.
Then you can expect mostly sunny afternoons and temperatures warm to the mid-60s.
At night, a light layer of clouds usually covers SF again to cool it off.
The wind often kicks up during the day, too, so make sure to prepare for it as you decide what to pack.
Average High in May: 65° F / 18° C
Average Low in May: 51° F / 11° C
Average Monthly Rainfall: 0.7 inches / 12 mm
Record High: 101° F / 38° C (5/30/2001)
Record Low: 43° F / 6° C (5/10/2003)
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Can I get good views of the Golden Gate Bridge in May? Yes! In the afternoons, there are usually clear skies as the fog has burned off. Head over to our famous bridge in the morning for cool misty shots, or around sunset for dramatic light.
What to Pack for the San Francisco Weather in May
How should you dress for the San Francisco weather in May? Since temperatures vary quite a bit during the day and depending on what part of the city you're in, I recommend wearing layers.
Pack the following to be prepared:
- Lightweight jacket or windbreaker (see my recommendations)
- Short and long-sleeved shirts
- Long pants or jeans (maybe a pair of shorts if there is a heat wave forecast for your visit)
- Sweater to layer under your windbreaker for colder activities like walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, sailing out on a bay cruise, or taking in the views at Twin Peaks
- Closed-toe shoes for comfortable walks up and down our hills
- Sunglasses and hat for sun and wind protection (view options)
- Sandals if you visit the beach—but know that the water is very cold!
>> Additional tips on what to wear while you are here
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco? It's a great time! You have very little chance of getting rain in May. You're likely to see our signature fog only in the morning, and then you can enjoy mostly sunny afternoons exploring the City by the Bay.
5 Fun Things to Do this Month in SF
With the mild San Francisco weather in May, you will want to spend some time outdoors. Here are a few of my favorite things to do this month.
1. Cruise Around the SF Bay: Head out on one of our many cruises on the San Francisco Bay. The most popular is the 60-minute cruise that goes under the Golden Gate Bridge twice. You can also enjoy a wine cruise, champagne cruise, or one of our dinner cruises. Find more details on my 10 best cruises page.
2. Enjoy Some of Our Memorial Day Weekend Activities: Memorial Day weekend in San Francisco is full of activities. You can attend the annual Carnaval Parade & Festival, watch a baseball game, or attend the Memorial Day Celebration at the National Cemetery. Find a full list of things to do for Memorial Day weekend in SF.
3. Spoil Your Mom on Mother's Day: Celebrate your mom on her special day in San Francisco. All weekend long, you will find several fun things to do from Mother's Day brunches to theater performances. Find more things to do for Mother's Day in SF.
4. Discover Some of Our Hidden Gems: SF is full of fun, off-the-beaten path attractions. You will find them all over the city and they are the perfect option for those visiting for the first, second, or third time! Find some of my favorites here.
5. Show Off Your Costume in the Bay to Breakers Run: One of the biggest events this month is the Bay to Breakers run. This unique, very San Francisco event features thousands of runners in costumes. The event starts on the eastern side of SF (the bay) and takes runners to the other side of town to the Pacific Ocean (the breakers). This event is part run, part party, and a WHOLE lot of fun! More details here.
More Ideas for May
Hotel Deals
If you plan to come and enjoy our gorgeous San Francisco weather in May, make sure to check out these great hotel deals for your stay. You will find deals and discounts on both Booking.com and TripAdvisor.
Click the links below to learn more and read recent guest reviews before you book
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.
Getting Around Town
Since the weather is great this time of year, you will probably do quite a bit of walking around town. Here are a few other options to get around during your stay.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: One of the best ways to get to know the layout of San Francisco is by taking the Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour. It will take you directly from one attraction to the next and allow you to see quite a bit in just a few days. Click here to learn more about this option.
Bus & Light Rail: You can also easily get around San Francisco on the bus or light rail trains. They will take you all around town for just a few bucks. You can either pay as you go or buy a pass for a few days. More information about getting around SF.
Bay Ferries: A fun way to get around is to take a ferry. You can take a ferry from SF to Sausalito, Tiburon, Alcatraz Island, Angel Island, and several places around the Bay. Click here for more details on SF's ferry system.
More Things to Do in San Francisco in May
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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