San Francisco Weather in October
United States · Mediterranean climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
October in San Francisco sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 13.0°C (55.4°F) to a high of 20.5°C (68.9°F), with a mean of 16.2°C (61.2°F). Compared to the annual average of 13.5°C (56.3°F), this month is 2.7°C warmer than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 35.4mm, making it approximately 13.0mm drier than the monthly average of 49.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.6 hours of sunshine per day during October, with relative humidity averaging 74.5%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 24.5 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in San Francisco, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
If you're planning outdoor activities in San Francisco, ignore the season — focus on the hour. I hiked Lands End in July at 2pm in a t-shirt and was shivering by 4pm when the fog rolled in. The 5°C temperature swing between coast and bay is real. Best running conditions: September-October, when the marine layer retreats and 22°C hits the city. Pack a windbreaker for any coastal trail, year-round. Marin Headlands is magnificent but windy; aim for 10am-2pm. February-March brings surprisingly green hills and empty trails — my favorite hiking window.
October vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 16.8°C (62.2°F) | 16.2°C (61.2°F) | 12.6°C (54.7°F) |
| Rainfall | 3.8mm | 35.4mm | 63.3mm |
| Sunshine | 11.3 hrs | 9.6 hrs | 8.5 hrs |
| Humidity | 80.2% | 74.5% | 76.0% |
| Wind | 27.4 km/h | 24.5 km/h | 20.8 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 2.8 | 4.4 | 8.2 |
Seasonal Context
October falls in Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Autumn sees temperatures gradually cooling from summer highs. For travelers visiting San Francisco in October, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in San Francisco in October?
The average temperature in San Francisco during October ranges from 13.0°C (55.4°F) to 20.5°C (68.9°F), with a mean of 16.2°C (61.2°F).
How much does it rain in San Francisco in October?
San Francisco receives an average of 35.4mm of precipitation in October, spread across approximately 4.4 rainy days.
What should I pack for San Francisco in October?
Based on October weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is October a good time to visit San Francisco?
October is a good time to visit San Francisco, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for San Francisco
Cities with Similar October Climate (Mediterranean)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 37.77°, -122.42°. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles. Last updated: 2026-07-30.