Last updated: February 24, 2025
In October, San Francisco experiences a delightful transition as autumn sets in. Temperatures peak at a maximum of 28°C (84°F), while the average hovers around a comfortable 16°C (60°F), and the mercury dips to a minimum of 9°C (48°F) at night. This month brings a modest 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over just 2 days, making it one of the drier months of the year. With humidity levels around 80%, the air carries a crispness that invigorates outdoor adventures, whether strolling through Golden Gate Park or exploring the vibrant waterfront. October in San Francisco is a vibrant tapestry of pleasant weather, ideal for leisure and exploration.
As October unfolds in San Francisco, the city experiences a delightful shift in temperatures, marked by a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a comfortable average of 16°C (60°F). This month often brings golden sunshine, with highs reaching up to 28°C (84°F), creating a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. Compared to the sweltering September, which peaks at a scorching 35°C (96°F), October's cooler and more moderate climate offers a refreshing reprieve. It's a transitional period where the warmth of summer gently melds into the cooler embrace of autumn, inviting locals and visitors alike to savor the city's iconic sights amidst the backdrop of crisp, clear skies.
In October, San Francisco experiences a transition into the rainy season, with an average precipitation of 30 mm (1.2 in) spread over just 2 days. This marks a notable increase from the nearly rainless months of summer, where September recorded only 2 mm and no precipitation days. The gradual uptick in rainfall signals the city's shift from the dry, sun-soaked days of late summer to the cooler, wetter months ahead. As fall progresses, the precipitation will continue to build, paving the way for the more substantial rains of November and December. This rhythm of seasonal change underscores San Francisco's characteristic climate, where moisture becomes a welcome companion as the landscape prepares for winter.
October in San Francisco marks a subtle shift in humidity as it dips to 80%, providing a brief respite after a series of warmer months. The city's humidity levels tend to peak in the summer, with July and August holding steady at 87%, creating a muggy feel that welcomes the fog. As autumn sets in, September retains a high level at 86%, but October ushers in a decline, hinting at the cooler, drier months ahead. This decrease aligns with the transition towards winter, where humidity levels further stabilize around 79% in November and December. Overall, October serves as a pivotal point, balancing residual summer warmth with the crispness of impending winter.
As October arrives in San Francisco, the UV Index begins to dip slightly, settling at a moderate 7—a signal for the city's residents to stay vigilant about sun exposure, especially during peak hours. This month's high exposure category indicates that while the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure is lower than during the summer months, caution remains essential with a burn time of approximately 25 minutes. Notably, this value reflects a downward trend from the extreme levels witnessed during the peak of summer, where UV readings reached as high as 11 in June and July. As the season transitions, it's wise to adjust sun safety practices, making October an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors while remaining sun-smart. For further details and daily forecasts, check out San Francisco UV Index.
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As autumn descends upon San Francisco, October showcases a delightful 276 hours of sunshine, reflecting the city's characteristic charm as the year begins to wind down. After a summer peak in June with 355 hours, the sunlight gently retreats in the fall months, showing a gradual decline from September's 299 hours. This trend highlights a shift from the sun-soaked vibrancy of the summer, paving the way for the crisp and cozy days of winter. Despite this decrease, October still benefits from a generous amount of sunshine, making it a prime time for outdoor adventures and scenic views, encapsulating the spirit of San Francisco's stunning landscapes as the seasons change.
As October unfolds in San Francisco, the likelihood of sunny weather holds steady at 51%, aligning with the sunshine probability seen in September. This consistency suggests that while summer may be winding down, there's still a decent chance for clear skies and mild temperatures, especially when compared to the lower prospects in the winter months of November and December. Notably, May boasts the highest sunshine chance at 66%, indicating that the city’s warmer months offer the brightest days. However, with October’s moderate sun likelihood, this transitional month still invites outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the vibrant autumn scenery and crisp air, making it a delightful time to explore the iconic city.
As autumn arrives in San Francisco, the daylight hours begin to gradually shorten after the long, bright days of summer. By October, residents can expect about 11 hours of daylight, a slight decrease from the 12 hours in September. This trend reflects the city's transition from the longest days of 14 hours during the height of summer in June and July. As the year progresses, daylight wanes, dipping to 10 hours in November before culminating in the shortest days of 9 hours in January. This rhythm of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also invites San Francisco's residents to embrace the cozy charm of fall.
As October sweeps into San Francisco, the breezy charm of the city is palpable with an average wind speed of 3.7 m/s (8 mph). This gentle wind feels like a continuation of the late summer breeze, slightly easing from the higher gusts of May, which recorded an average of 5.4 m/s (12 mph). The transitional month of October, while slightly breezier than the preceding September, indicates a gradual decline in wind strength as the year progresses towards winter. Notably, this month’s winds replicate the patterns seen in August, suggesting a mild consistency that carries the warmth of early autumn into the crisp air of late fall. As November approaches with its softer breezes at an average of 2.7 m/s (6 mph), October serves as a delightful reminder of the city's variable climate, where the wind dances playfully through its iconic streets.
The weather in San Francisco changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of October's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in San Francisco and find detailed weather information for every month.
October and January exhibit distinct weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a mild minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a warm maximum of 28°C (84°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is relatively low at 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 2 days, and humidity hovers around 80%. In contrast, January is cooler, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 21°C (70°F), averaging 11°C (52°F). This month experiences significantly higher precipitation, measuring 106 mm (4.2 in) across 9 days, and slight increases in humidity at 85%. For further details on the weather during this period, visit San Francisco weather in January.
October and February present strikingly different weather patterns. In October, temperatures range from a mild 9°C (48°F) at night to a warm 28°C (84°F) during the day, with average highs around 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is relatively low, with only 30 mm (1.2 in) over just two days, and humidity sits at 80%, creating a comfortable atmosphere. In contrast, February experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), averaging around 11°C (52°F). It is also significantly wetter, with 109 mm (4.3 in) of rainfall spread over nine days, and humidity slightly higher at 82%. For more insights on February's weather specifics, check out San Francisco weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October and March, several key differences emerge. October generally showcases a more moderate temperature range with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 28°C (84°F), resulting in an average of 16°C (60°F). Precipitation is relatively low during this month, totaling just 30 mm (1.2 in) over about 2 days, with humidity levels hovering around 80%. In contrast, March experiences cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 5°C (42°F) and a maximum of 20°C (69°F), and an average of 12°C (53°F). This month is also much wetter, with precipitation reaching 78 mm (3.1 in) across approximately 10 days and slightly higher humidity at 82%. For more detailed information, you can check San Francisco weather in March.
In comparing the weather in October and April, October tends to be slightly warmer, with average temperatures reaching 16°C (60°F) compared to April's 13°C (55°F). Both months can experience maximum temperatures up to 28°C (82-84°F), but October generally has a higher minimum temperature of 9°C (48°F) compared to April's 7°C (44°F). Additionally, October experiences less precipitation, averaging 30 mm (1.2 in) over 2 days, while April has a bit more with 35 mm (1.4 in) spread across 5 days. Humidity levels are similar, with October at 80% and April at 79%. For more detailed insights, check San Francisco weather in April.
When comparing October and May weather, October generally offers slightly warmer temperatures, with averages reaching up to 16°C (60°F) and maximums hitting 28°C (84°F). In contrast, May tends to be cooler, with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F) and maximums around 24°C (75°F). Both months exhibit relatively low precipitation, with October recording 30 mm (1.2 in) and May having just 20 mm (0.8 in), and both experiencing rain on only two days. The humidity levels are also comparable, with October at 80% and May slightly higher at 83%. For more detailed insights, you can check out San Francisco weather in May.
In comparing the weather between October and June, October offers a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F) and a maximum of 28°C (84°F), averaging around 16°C (60°F). The month sees moderate rainfall, with about 30 mm (1.2 in) of precipitation over approximately 2 days and a humidity level of 80%. In contrast, June presents a slightly higher minimum temperature of 10°C (51°F) and a maximum of 31°C (88°F), averaging the same 15°C (60°F) as October, but it enjoys significantly less precipitation at just 3 mm (0.1 in) over 0 days, with a humidity level of 84%. For further details, you can check San Francisco weather in June.
In comparing the weather of October and July, October generally presents a wider range of temperatures, with a minimum of 9°C (48°F), an average of 16°C (60°F), and a maximum of 28°C (84°F). This month also experiences relatively low precipitation, with only 30 mm (1.2 in) over 2 days and an 80% humidity level. Conversely, July's temperatures are slightly warmer, ranging from a minimum of 11°C (52°F) to a maximum of 24°C (76°F), with minimal precipitation of just 3 mm (0.1 in) and no rainy days, accompanied by a slightly higher humidity of 87%. For more detailed information, you can refer to San Francisco weather in July.
In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 28°C (84°F), with an average of 16°C (60°F). The month experiences slightly more precipitation, with about 30 mm (1.2 in) falling over two days, and humidity levels sit at around 80%. In contrast, August typically sees milder temperatures, with a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and a maximum of 27°C (81°F), averaging at 16°C (61°F), but it enjoys significantly less rain, recording only 2 mm (0.1 in) across zero rainy days. Humidity is slightly higher in August at 87%. This indicates that while both months have similar average temperatures, October tends to be wetter and less humid than August. For more details, you can visit San Francisco weather in August.
In comparing the weather between September and October, October presents a slightly cooler climate with an average temperature of 16°C (60°F), compared to September's warmer average of 17°C (63°F). The maximum temperatures in October reach 28°C (84°F), significantly lower than the highs in September, which can soar to 35°C (96°F). Precipitation also sees a notable increase in October, with about 30 mm (1.2 in) over two days, while September enjoys virtually no rainfall, receiving only 2 mm (0.1 in) with zero rainy days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, although October records slightly lower humidity at 80% compared to September's 86%. For more specific details on September's climate, visit San Francisco weather in September.
October and November weather exhibit noticeable changes as autumn progresses. In October, temperatures range from a minimum of 9°C (48°F) to a maximum of 28°C (84°F), with an average temperature of 16°C (60°F). The month sees relatively low precipitation of 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 2 days, and humidity levels are around 80%. In contrast, November brings cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 23°C (74°F), averaging 13°C (56°F). Rainfall increases to 50 mm (2.0 in) spread over 5 days, while humidity remains similar at 79%. For more details, you can check San Francisco weather in November.
October typically showcases warmer temperatures, with averages around 16°C (60°F) and highs reaching up to 28°C (84°F), making it a pleasant month. In contrast, December temperatures drop significantly, with a lower average of 11°C (52°F) and maximums of 20°C (69°F). Additionally, December experiences more rainfall, with about 95 mm (3.7 in) over 9 days, compared to October's 30 mm (1.2 in) over just 2 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent between the two months, hovering around 80% in October and 79% in December. For more detailed insights, check out San Francisco weather in December.
October in San Francisco showcases a delightful transition as the summer warmth begins to mellow, making way for the crispness of fall. With temperatures averaging around a comfortable 16°C, it's a month when you can enjoy sunny days, yet still be greeted by the cooler evenings that hint at winter's approach. Compared to the hotter summer months, October experiences significantly lower humidity and minimal rainfall—just a couple of days of light precipitation. This unique blend of warmth and mildness makes October a fantastic time to explore the city’s iconic sights. For a more detailed understanding of what to expect throughout the year, check out San Francisco Climate.