Month guide · San Francisco · United States
San Francisco in September
What September is really like in San Francisco: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Chris6d, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
September is one of the best months to visit San Francisco. Expect average highs of 23°C (73°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 12.4 hours of daylight. Often the warmest, clearest month as the fog retreats; large conventions can push hotel prices very high.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 23°C (73°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea temperature
- 15°C (59°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in September
September is the warmest month in San Francisco: days average 23°C (73°F) against a yearly average high of 19°C (66°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 30 days. Compared with August (22°C (72°F)), September is about as warm; by October highs stay near 22°C (72°F).
- Sunrise (15 September)
- About 06:51
- Sunset (15 September)
- About 19:18
- Daylight
- About 12.4 hours
- Sea
- 15°C (59°F)
Summer (June–August). Peak crowds and prices but often cool, foggy and windy, especially near the ocean; the Mission and the East Bay are sunnier.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, September rates 4 for crowds (the peak is July at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in July). Book accommodation early: September is one of the pricier months.
Events in September
- Large conventions at Moscone Center can raise hotel rates sharply (often September and October)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in September
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
.jpg){kind=link}
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 23°C, lows near 14°C and 1 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is September a good time to visit San Francisco?
One of the best months to visit San Francisco, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are April–May and October. Compare every month.
San Francisco in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is September a good time to visit San Francisco?
It is one of the best months to visit San Francisco. Often the warmest, clearest month as the fog retreats; large conventions can push hotel prices very high.
+How warm is San Francisco in September?
Average highs are around 23°C (73°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in September?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.