This post is about the weather and what to wear in San Francisco in May. Spring is a beautiful time in San Francisco!
You may find our posts for the weather in April and June also helpful.
AVERAGE MAY TEMPERATURES
The average high (mostly in the afternoons) will be in the higher 60s to low-70s F (18 C - 21 C).
On a few of the warmer afternoons, you may expect temperatures to reach at least into the mid-70s F (23 C).
In the shade, or during the evenings and mornings, things will be a bit cooler, but temperatures won’t go below the low-50s F (11 C - 12 C).
HOW MUCH SUN AND RAIN?
Most of the days this month will be sunny or partly sunny as May averages 29 days of sunshine.
The rest of the days are more likely to be cloudy than rainy.
How Foggy is it in May in San Francisco?
There might often be fog in the morning and sometimes an afternoon fog may come in with a breeze.
Do I Need an Umbrella in San Francisco in May?
Nope! The wet season is over, and you can expect a lot of sun in May. We might get one or two light drizzles, but they shouldn’t last long.
Seasonal Outlook - April to June 2024 San Francisco
Temperatures are expected to be near normal with a 69 % chance for normal to below-normal rainfall.
WHAT TO WEAR IN SAN FRANCISCO IN MAY
With a light jacket or windbreaker, jeans, and shirts, you should be comfortable during your trip.
As always, don’t forget to pack some comfortable walking shoes!
If you’re traveling to the East Bay or heading north to taste wine in Sonoma or Napa, you may want to be prepared for much hotter weather (80s F or 28 C).
THINGS TO DO IN MAY
There are more things to do in May than we can list here, so be sure to read our full post on what to do and see this month, as well as our master post for any time of the year.
Below are our top choices.
And if you are planning on visiting many of San Francisco's top attractions, then you should consider a tourist discount pass.
These passes could save up to 50% of retail ticket prices to tours, attractions, and restaurants.
Highlights for May:
- Attend Carnaval San Francisco
- Join a free walking tour
- Hear a Free Concert in the Park
- Take a San Francisco Bay cruise
- See Stand-up Comedy
- Watch a musical or theater production
- Catch a baseball, basketball or hockey game
- Go to the San Francisco Silent Film Festival
- and much more!
Find out more and read our full post on what to do and see this May in San Francisco,
Written by Fred Pickhardt
