Verdict

In San Francisco, August has a distinct summer feel. As the season moves along, the weather is warming up. You can usually expect a mild month that feels reliable day to day. Breezes can be part of the character, especially in exposed spots.

It suits travellers who want straightforward weather for sightseeing and day trips. Shade breaks make a noticeable difference on longer outdoor days.

Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight
14h
What to expect
  • Temperature feel - Comfortable days with evenings that feel distinctly cooler. The “feels like” is usually in line with the air temperature.
  • Wet weather - Very little rain. It’s often more stop-start than all-day. You’ll usually get away without rain gear.
  • Midday sun - Very high UV is common. Outdoor time is best in the morning or late afternoon. It's the kind of sun you notice immediately.
  • Exposure - Refreshing breezes, and expect sharp gusts that can change plans in exposed areas. Sheltered streets can feel fine, but open areas feel very different.
August in context

How it compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco.

Hottest (avg)
#2 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#11 / 12
Daylight Hours
#4 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#6 / 12
Highest UV
#4 / 12
Most Humid
#6 / 12

Temperature

Daytime high
Nighttime low
Feels like (avg)

Sunshine

Daylight
13.6 hours
UV index (max)
8
Typical sun hours
05:25 – 19:00

Rain & Snow

Total
Rainy days
0
Cloud cover
43%
Snowfall

Humidity & Wind

Humidity (avg)
78%
Wind (avg)
Wind (max gusts)

Frequently asked questions

Is August a good time to visit San Francisco?

Typical August days in San Francisco reach highs of 21°C (70°F) with nights around 13°C (55°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. It is one of the drier months, which suits outdoor exploring and sightseeing.

What are temperatures like in August?

In August, you can usually expect highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows near 13°C (55°F). That means mild days and cool nights, so pack layers you can add or remove.

How much does it rain in August?

Rainfall in August averages 1 mm (0.04 in) across roughly 0 days. Overall it is a mostly dry time of year, so showers are usually brief rather than all-day downpours.

How many hours of daylight are there in August?

You can expect about 14 hours of daylight in August. Sunrise is typically around 05:25 and sunset near 19:00. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.

How strong is the sun in August?

UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 8), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.

Is it windy in August?

In August, average wind speeds are around 15 km/h (9 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 53 km/h (33 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.

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