If there is a best month to visit San Francisco then it’s arguably September. The throngs of tourists have begun to empty out and the streets are a little more empty for navigating but there are still plenty of fun activities to enjoy and the weather is the best for enjoying them. There can’t be said to be too many hot days in San Francisco but the sunniest are typically in September of each year, when it doesn’t ever seem to rain and everyone wants to get outside.

The average low temperature in San Francisco in September is 57 degrees. The average high is 70. While this may not sound particularly warm to people who live in climates, the combination of slight humidity and bright sunshine makes it comfortable against the skin. It’s cool enough, especially at night, to be a relief for travelers who hail from the Southwest United States and other places that have been boiling hot for the preceding months. Unlike during the summer months, you won’t experience much in the way of wind when you visit San Francisco in September. It’s just nice and comfortable.

That said, San Francisco can change from moment to moment (and neighborhood to neighborhood) so don’t get caught without a few layers to change into just in case the wind does pick up for a bit. If you’re walking around near Pier 39 or Golden Gate Bridge, the breeze of the bay can feel chilly at times, even in sunny September. If you’re up on top of Twin Peaks where the wind never stops whipping, you’ll be glad to have a windbreaker wrapped around you as you enjoy the sweeping views. A light jacket, a scarf and a pair of good closed-toe shoes should be enough to keep you warm during this early autumn month.

Pack your sunscreen since there is less cloud cover in San Francisco in September. You might want to spend some time at the beach while you’re here. Remember, though, that even when the sand is nearly blistering, the waters of the Pacific Ocean are pretty cold. Most people want to wear a wetsuit if they’re going into the water. It’s a great time to head out on the water in a boat though. Whale watching, sailing, bay cruises and even ferry rides over to the North Bay or East Bay can all be terrific activities during a September San Francisco vacation.

Speaking of the surrounding Bay Area, this is one of the few times of year when the temperatures in San Francisco tend to match those that are further inland. The summers in San Francisco are much colder than the surrounding Bay Area while the winters tend to be warmer. In September, however, the difference isn’t so drastic. From San Jose to Napa, you’ll find that day trips and weekend getaways are just a slight bit warmer than the city proper during the hottest times of September days.

Of course, you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy yourself. There are many interesting annual events that occur in September. San Francisco is a city that is well-known for its unique architecture and you can learn a lot about it from Architecture and the City – a month-long architecture and design festival that includes walking tours and other events. If you enjoy the performing arts, your options are varied since September includes the opening performances events of the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony, the two-week live theater event known as SF Fringe Fest, the weekend of Bay Area Blues Festival and also Opera in the Park and free comedy day.

Looking for something you can’t do anywhere but San Francisco? There is the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival, the Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival, the Dragon Boat Festival over on Treasure Island or the famous leather fair on Folsom Street. There truly is a little bit of something for everyone here in San Francisco and September will not disappoint you with its calendar of events! On a budget? Check out Free Things to Do in San Francisco.

Thinking about traveling to San Francisco during some other month of the year? Check our average San Francisco temperature chart to see what the weather will be during your visit.