Hottest (avg)
#6 / 12
San Francisco in May
May weather, climate averages, and packing tips.
Avg High
Avg Low
Rain
Daylight 14h
What to expect
As spring continues, May brings, where the weather is warming up. Daytime highs average 18°C / 65°F, dropping to 11°C / 51°F at night.
It is one of the drier times of year, though occasional showers are still possible. The sun is very strong at this time of year, making sun protection essential during the day.
May in context
How it compares to the rest of the year in San Francisco.
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.