Avg High
San Francisco in May
Verdict
In San Francisco, May has a distinct spring 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 Low
Rain
Daylight
14h
What to expect
- Temperature feel - Easygoing temperatures with a noticeable cool-down after sunset. Breezes and shade can make it feel cooler.
- Rain pattern - Mostly rain-free. Showers tend to come in pulses rather than lingering. Showers pop up now and then.
- Midday sun - Midday sun is intense. You can burn surprisingly quickly, so sun protection is strongly recommended. Shade breaks feel genuinely worthwhile.
- Exposure - Noticeably windy, and gusts can make exposed walks feel cooler and more blustery. A light outer layer helps when you’re in the shade.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco.
Hottest (avg)
#6 / 12
Wettest (avg)
#8 / 12
Daylight Hours
#3 / 12
Windiest (avg)
#2 / 12
Highest UV
#3 / 12
Most Humid
#10 / 12
Temperature
- Daytime high
-
- Nighttime low
-
- Feels like (avg)
-
Sunshine
- Daylight
- 14.2 hours
- UV index (max)
- 8
- Typical sun hours
- 04:59 – 19:12
Rain & Snow
- Total
-
- Rainy days
- 4
- Cloud cover
- 42%
- Snowfall
-
Humidity & Wind
- Humidity (avg)
- 74%
- Wind (avg)
-
- Wind (max gusts)
-
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
Typical May days in San Francisco reach highs of 18°C (64°F) with nights around 11°C (52°F). It usually feels mild by day and cool after dark. Overall, May sits in the middle of the San Francisco climate range.
What are temperatures like in May?
Daytime temperatures in May typically peak near 18°C (64°F), while nights drop to around 11°C (52°F). Expect mild afternoons and cool evenings.
How much does it rain in May?
Rainfall in May averages 20 mm (0.79 in) across roughly 4 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 May?
You can expect about 14 hours of daylight in May. Sunrise is typically around 04:59 and sunset near 19:12. You get long days with comfortable amounts of daylight.
How strong is the sun in May?
UV levels frequently reach very high levels (around 8), so strong sun protection is essential, especially around midday.
Is it windy in May?
In May, average wind speeds are around 18 km/h (11 mph), with gusts on the windiest days reaching about 59 km/h (37 mph). On the ground, it is it can feel quite windy at times, particularly when weather systems move through.