Month guide · San Francisco · United States
San Francisco in May
What May is really like in San Francisco: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: W. C. Billington, photographer, Public domain
Quick answer
May is one of the best months to visit San Francisco. Expect average highs of 19°C (66°F), lows of 11°C (52°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 14.2 hours of daylight. Pleasant spring days as the fog season begins to build; one of the better months for walking and hiking.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 19°C (66°F) / 11°C (52°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
- Sea temperature
- 13°C (55°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in May
May is the 6th-warmest month in San Francisco: days average 19°C (66°F) against a yearly average high of 19°C (66°F), and nights fall to about 11°C (52°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with April (18°C (64°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs climb to around 21°C (70°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 06:00
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 20:12
- Daylight
- About 14.2 hours
- Sea
- 13°C (55°F)
Winter (December–February). Cool and wet with clear days between storms, green hills, Lunar New Year and some of the lowest hotel rates of the year.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: May is one of the pricier months.
Events in May
- Bay to Breakers — costumed footrace across the city (usually the third Sunday of May)
- Carnaval San Francisco in the Mission (usually Memorial Day weekend)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in May
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Landmark · Presidio
Golden Gate Bridge
Bring a windproof layer even in summer, and keep a backup plan: fog can hide the towers for hours, especially from June to August.
- Time needed
- 1–3 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- Views
- Active
- Photo spot
Historic site · San Francisco Bay
Alcatraz Island
The former federal penitentiary on Alcatraz Island held prisoners such as Al Capone between 1934 and 1963.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- History
- Views
- After dark
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Park · Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park
Rent a bike near the eastern end and ride west along the car-free JFK Promenade to the Dutch Windmill and Ocean Beach.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Nature
- Active
Museum · Golden Gate Park
de Young Museum
Facing the Academy across the Music Concourse, the copper-clad de Young shows American art, art from Africa, Oceania and the Americas, and textiles.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Art
- Views
- Rainy day
- Architecture
What to pack
For highs near 19°C, lows near 11°C and 2 wet days: layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
One of the best months to visit San Francisco, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are April and September–October. Compare every month.
San Francisco in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
It is one of the best months to visit San Francisco. Pleasant spring days as the fog season begins to build; one of the better months for walking and hiking.
+How warm is San Francisco in May?
Average highs are around 19°C (66°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in May?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.