The single most important thing to know about August in San Francisco is that it might be the coldest month you experience all summer. While the rest of California bakes above 35°C (95°F), San Francisco's average high reaches only 19.9°C (68°F). The city's famous marine fog, which locals have nicknamed Karl, rolls through the Golden Gate in thick, cold blankets most mornings. In neighborhoods like the Sunset and the Richmond, it sometimes never lifts at all. You'll see tourists in shorts shivering on Fisherman's Wharf by 3pm. Pack a fleece.
That said, August has genuine appeal. The month is bone-dry, with roughly 1mm of total rainfall. Outside Lands, one of the biggest music festivals on the West Coast, takes over Golden Gate Park for a long weekend in early August. The Mission district and Dolores Park tend to sit 5-8°C warmer than the foggy western side of the city, so San Francisco effectively offers two climates within 4 miles of each other. Farmers markets at the Ferry Building overflow with heirloom tomatoes from Brentwood, peak-season stone fruit, and Black Mission figs.
The catch beyond the fog is wildfire smoke. In recent years, fires across Northern California have pushed haze over the Bay Area during August, sometimes dropping air quality to unhealthy levels for days at a stretch. It doesn't happen every year, but it's worth monitoring before and during your trip. Hotel prices sit near their annual peak, and Alcatraz tickets sell out 3-4 weeks in advance. August rewards visitors who arrive with layers, realistic expectations, and a willingness to chase the sun across neighborhoods.
Why visit in August
- Virtually zero rainfall for the entire month, with only 1mm recorded on average. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about cancellations.
- Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park draws top-tier headliners and over 200,000 attendees across 3 days.
- Farmers markets at the Ferry Building peak with Northern California produce. Heirloom tomatoes, stone fruit, figs, and local oysters from Tomales Bay are all at their best.
- The eastern neighborhoods like the Mission, SoMa, and Potrero Hill often enjoy clear skies and temperatures 5-8°C warmer than the fog-bound west side.
- Daylight lasts until about 8:15pm in early August, giving long evenings for walks along the Embarcadero or sunset views from Baker Beach.
Worth knowing
- Karl the Fog dominates mornings and sometimes entire days in the Sunset, Richmond, and along Ocean Beach, keeping temperatures below 15°C (59°F) in those neighborhoods.
- Wildfire smoke from Northern California fires has impacted Bay Area air quality in multiple recent Augusts. When smoke settles, AQI can exceed 150 for several consecutive days.
- Hotel prices reach their annual peak, running 30-50% above the yearly average. Expect to pay significantly more than you would in January or February.
- Top attractions like Alcatraz, cable car lines, and popular brunch spots in North Beach book out weeks ahead.
Best for
Think twice if
August in San Francisco feels nothing like August in the rest of California. The average high reaches 19.9°C (68°F) and the low drops to 14.1°C (57°F). Fog dominates mornings, particularly in western neighborhoods like the Sunset and the Richmond. You'll feel the chill the moment you step outside before 10am. Humidity averages 81%, though this is maritime fog moisture, not tropical stickiness. It's a cool, damp sensation against your skin, nothing like the heavy heat of Miami or Bangkok. Rainfall is negligible at 1mm for the entire month. The foggiest hours tend to be before 11am and after 6pm. Mid-afternoon in eastern neighborhoods like the Mission and SoMa often brings clear, pleasant skies around 20-22°C (68-72°F). Mind you, some August days see fog across the entire city from dawn to dusk, while others break clear and warm by noon. You might get 3 foggy days followed by 2 sunny ones with no obvious pattern.
Seasonal caution
- Wildfire smoke from Northern California fires has impacted Bay Area air quality in multiple recent August seasons, including 2018, 2020, and 2023. AQI can exceed 150 (Unhealthy) for several consecutive days. Monitor AirNow.gov and consider packing N95 masks if you have respiratory sensitivities.
- Ocean Beach currents are dangerous year-round, but August draws more inexperienced swimmers due to tourist season. Rip currents at Ocean Beach are strong and the water temperature averages only 13°C (55°F). Hypothermia risk is real even for strong swimmers without a wetsuit.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14 | 8 | 104 |
| Feb | 14 | 8 | 89 |
| Mar | 14 | 9 | 104 |
| Apr | 16 | 10 | 22 |
| May | 17 | 11 | 12 |
| Jun | 18 | 12 | 2 |
| Jul | 18 | 13 | 0 |
| Aug | 20 | 14 | 1 |
| Sep | 20 | 14 | 5 |
| Oct | 20 | 13 | 43 |
| Nov | 16 | 10 | 78 |
| Dec | 13 | 8 | 191 |
Headline events
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival
First or second weekend of August (Friday through Sunday)
A 3-day music, food, and comedy festival in Golden Gate Park that regularly draws headliners like Kendrick Lamar, Radiohead, and Billie Eilish. Over 200,000 attendees fill the Polo Fields and Lindley Meadow across the weekend. The food component, Gastromagic, features Bay Area chefs alongside the music. It's the kind of event people fly cross-country for.
Best things to do in August
Walk the Lands End Trail
natureThis 2.6-km coastal trail runs from the Sutro Baths ruins to Eagle's Point, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and Mile Rock Beach below. The path winds through Monterey cypress groves and the air smells of eucalyptus and salt. On foggy mornings the bridge towers appear and vanish through the mist.
August's dry ground keeps the trail firm and mud-free, and the 15-18°C temperatures are comfortable for hiking without overheating.Booking tipNo booking needed. Start early before 9am to beat both fog and crowds at the parking lot near the Sutro Baths.
Ferry Building Saturday farmers market
foodThe Saturday morning market at the Ferry Building stretches along the Embarcadero with over 100 vendors. August brings peak stone fruit from Brentwood, dry-farmed tomatoes, fresh figs, and prepared foods from local producers. The smell of roasting coffee from Blue Bottle's original stand mixes with woodfire from the pizza oven.
August is the climax of Northern California's growing season. More produce varieties appear now than in any other month.Booking tipArrive before 9am for the best selection. The market runs from 8am to 2pm.
Kayak along the San Francisco waterfront
adventurePaddle from McCovey Cove past the Bay Bridge and along the Embarcadero. The water is calm in the mornings and you'll likely see harbor seals near Pier 39. On clear afternoons, the skyline catches the western light in a way you can't appreciate from land.
August has the calmest bay conditions of the year. Wind typically stays below 15 knots before 1pm, and there's zero chance of rain canceling your booking.Booking tipMorning slots tend to have calmer water. Book at least 3-4 days ahead for weekend slots during August.
Sunset at Baker Beach
sightseeingBaker Beach sits on the western shore of the Presidio with the Golden Gate Bridge filling the northern view. The sand is coarse and the water is far too cold for swimming, but the sunsets in August are long and the bridge turns orange-gold as the light drops. You can feel the fog creeping in from the ocean as the temperature falls 3-4°C in the final hour before dark.
August sunsets at Baker Beach happen around 8pm, and the fog often holds off until after dark on clear evenings. The dry weather means more clear-sky sunset chances than in spring or fall.Booking tipNo booking needed. Parking fills by 6pm on weekends, so arrive earlier or take the PresidiGo shuttle.
Explore the Mission District murals
cultureBalmy Alley and Clarion Alley in the Mission hold over 100 murals between them, spanning 4 decades of Chicano and Latin American art. The walls change seasonally as artists add new pieces. The surrounding blocks smell of fresh tortillas from La Palma Mexicatessen and roasting chilies from the taquerias on 24th Street.
The Mission sits in San Francisco's sunniest microclimate. August afternoons here regularly reach 22-24°C (72-75°F) while the rest of the city sits under fog.Booking tipSelf-guided visits are free. Precita Eyes offers guided mural walks on weekends. Book a few days ahead in August.
Bike across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
adventureThe 3.2-km ride across the bridge starts at the Presidio and ends in Sausalito, a small waterfront town with galleries and seafood restaurants. The bridge deck vibrates with traffic and wind, and the fog can roll in at eye level. From Sausalito, you can take the ferry back to the Ferry Building.
August mornings often start foggy on the bridge, but by mid-morning the eastern deck clears. The dry weather eliminates the slippery conditions that make winter crossings less comfortable.Booking tipRent bikes near Fisherman's Wharf or the Presidio. Weekday mornings have fewer pedestrians on the bridge's narrow shared path.
Visit Alcatraz Island
sightseeingThe ferry to Alcatraz departs from Pier 33 and the ride takes about 15 minutes. The audio tour of the cellhouse features recordings from former inmates and guards. The island's gardens, planted by prisoners and families who once lived there, bloom with agave and succulents in August. Views of the city skyline from the exercise yard are worth the trip alone.
August's dry weather and longer daylight make the evening tour particularly worthwhile. The return ferry crosses the bay at sunset with views of the lit-up skyline.Booking tipAlcatraz tickets sell out 3-4 weeks ahead in August. Book through the official concessioner as soon as your dates are firm. Evening tours sell out fastest.
Day trip to Muir Woods
natureThis old-growth coast redwood grove sits 19 km north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin County. The trees reach over 75 meters tall and some are more than 1,000 years old. The forest floor stays cool and damp even in August, and the air has a sharp, woody scent. The canopy filters the light into pale green columns.
August is the driest month, so the trails are firm and accessible. The coastal fog that chills San Francisco often burns off in Marin by late morning, giving warm, clear conditions under the canopy.Booking tipParking reservations at Muir Woods are required and should be booked at least 2 weeks ahead for August weekends. The Marin Transit shuttle from Sausalito is an alternative.
What to eat in August
In season: fruit
Dry-farmed Early Girl tomatoes
These intensely flavored, small tomatoes peak in August at Bay Area farmers markets. Dry farming concentrates the sugars, and the flavor is noticeably sharper and sweeter than conventional tomatoes. The Ferry Building Saturday market and the Mission Community Market both carry them from farms in the Central Coast.
Black Mission figs
The first ripe Black Mission figs from Northern California arrive in August. They're dark-skinned with a deep red interior, and the texture is soft, almost jammy. You'll find them at the Ferry Building farmers market and Bi-Rite Market on 18th Street in the Mission.
Brentwood stone fruit
Peaches, nectarines, and pluots from Brentwood farms in Contra Costa County hit their peak sweetness in August. The fruit tends to be smaller and more fragrant than supermarket varieties. Frog Hollow Farm is the best-known grower, and their stand at the Ferry Building Saturday market typically sells out before noon.
In markets
Hog Island oysters
Tomales Bay oysters from Hog Island Oyster Co. are available year-round, but August's dry weather makes the drive up Highway 1 to the farm particularly pleasant. The Ferry Building outpost shucks them fresh at the counter, and you can taste the cold, briny Pacific in each one.
Regular events in August
Stern Grove FestivalFree
Free outdoor concert series in a natural eucalyptus amphitheater in the Sunset District. The final performances of the summer season fall in August. Past acts have included the San Francisco Symphony, Kool & the Gang, and Janelle Monáe. Arrive 2 hours early to claim a spot on the grassy hillside.
Sundays in August (final 1-2 concerts of the season)Sunday StreetsFree
San Francisco closes several blocks to car traffic on select Sundays, turning them into open-air walking, cycling, and community gathering spaces. August routes have included the Tenderloin, the Bayview, and the Excelsior. Local vendors set up food stalls along the closed streets.
Select Sundays in AugustNihonmachi Street FairFree
A weekend street fair in Japantown celebrating Japanese American culture with taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and food stalls selling takoyaki, yakisoba, and shaved ice. The fair has run for over 50 years and fills the pedestrian mall between Post and Sutter Streets.
First or second weekend of AugustSF Beer Week Summer Edition
Bay Area breweries host tap takeovers, beer dinners, and brewery open houses across the city. Events run at breweries in SoMa, the Dogpatch, and the Mission. The summer edition is smaller than the February flagship but features seasonal releases and outdoor tastings.
Various dates throughout AugustBest places this August
Ferry Building Marketplace
foodA 1898 Beaux-Arts terminal turned food hall on the Embarcadero. The Saturday farmers market is the main draw in August, but the indoor vendors sell artisan cheese, chocolate, and olive oil year-round. The building faces the Bay Bridge, and the morning light through the arched windows is warm even on foggy days.
EmbarcaderoDolores Park
parkA sloping green park at 18th and Dolores Streets with views of downtown and the East Bay hills. The Mission's microclimate keeps this park sunnier and warmer than most of the city. On August weekends, the hillside fills with picnickers, and you can smell grilled corn from the street vendors at the park's edges.
MissionGolden Gate Park
parkA 4.1-km-long park stretching from the Haight to Ocean Beach. The de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers all sit within its boundaries. August brings Outside Lands to the western end and free concerts at the bandshell.
Inner Sunset / RichmondSutro Baths ruins
landmarkThe concrete ruins of a massive 1896 public bathhouse sit at the western edge of the city where the land drops into the Pacific. At low tide, you can walk down to the foundation pools where seawater still collects. The salt spray and the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs below make this feel remote despite being within city limits.
Outer RichmondChinatown
neighborhoodThe oldest Chinatown in North America, centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. The produce markets on Stockton sell bok choy, bitter melon, and live fish. Dim sum restaurants along Jackson Street fill by 10am on weekends. The dragon-gate archway at Bush and Grant marks the southern entrance.
ChinatownPresidio
natureA former military base turned 600-hectare national park at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. The forested trails wind through eucalyptus and Monterey pine groves. August's dry weather makes the overlooks at Batteries to Bluffs particularly clear. The Walt Disney Family Museum sits on the Main Post.
PresidioTwin Peaks
viewpointTwo 280-meter hills near the geographic center of the city. The summit parking lot gives 360-degree views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, and the Pacific. On clear August afternoons, visibility can reach 50 km. On foggy days, the peaks sit above the cloud layer, and the city disappears beneath a white blanket.
Twin PeaksPier 39 and Fisherman's Wharf
sightseeingThe sea lions at Pier 39's K-Dock have been hauling out since 1990, and August's colony typically numbers between 100 and 300 animals. The barking carries across the waterfront. Fisherman's Wharf is touristy, but the crab stands at the foot of Taylor Street and the sourdough bread bowls at Boudin Bakery are worth a stop.
Fisherman's Wharf
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Insider tips
The fog line in August typically sits around Divisadero Street, running north-south. West of Divisadero tends to be foggy. East tends to be clearer. If your hotel is in the Richmond or Sunset and you want sun, take the N-Judah or 38-Geary bus east to the Mission or SoMa.
Alcatraz has a limited number of evening tour tickets that go on sale well before day tickets sell out. The evening tour includes access to areas the day tour skips, and the return ferry crosses the bay at sunset.
The best fog photography happens from the Marin Headlands, not from San Francisco itself. Drive or bike across the bridge to Hawk Hill or Battery Spencer for the classic shot of the bridge towers rising through the fog layer. August mornings between 7am and 9am are the most reliable window.
The Mission Community Market on Thursdays (4pm-8pm at 22nd and Bartlett) is smaller and less crowded than the Ferry Building Saturday market, with many of the same farms. You'll actually be able to talk to the growers.
If wildfire smoke settles over the city, the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park and SFMOMA on 3rd Street are the two best indoor options. Both have climate-controlled galleries and enough content for 3-4 hours.
Locals treat Dolores Park like a beach on sunny August afternoons. Bi-Rite Creamery on 18th Street, a 2-minute walk from the park, sells salted caramel ice cream that has had a line out the door since 2006.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing for a California summer and leaving the jacket at home. San Francisco in August is colder than London in August. The average high is under 20°C (68°F), and wind chill near the coast makes it feel colder.
- Booking a hotel in the Sunset or Richmond without realizing those neighborhoods sit under fog most of the day. The Mission, SoMa, and South Beach are sunnier and still have good transit connections.
- Trying to swim at Ocean Beach. The water temperature is around 13°C (55°F), rip currents are strong year-round, and hypothermia is a real risk. Even surfers wear full wetsuits here.
- Waiting until arrival to book Alcatraz. August tickets sell out 3-4 weeks in advance. If you miss the window, the ferry circling the island from Pier 39 offers exterior views, but it's not the same experience.
- Assuming BART or Muni will get you everywhere quickly. San Francisco's public transit is functional but not fast. Budget 40-50 minutes for cross-city trips. Rideshare or biking is often quicker for short hops between neighborhoods.
Practical tips for August
August in San Francisco requires a layering strategy more than any single piece of clothing. Mornings start cool and foggy (12-14°C), afternoons in eastern neighborhoods can reach 22-24°C, and evenings drop again as the fog returns. Carry a packable jacket everywhere. Book Alcatraz tickets and popular restaurant reservations at least 3 weeks ahead. BART connects SFO to downtown in about 30 minutes. Muni buses and the historic F-Market streetcar cover most tourist areas. The Clipper card works on both BART and Muni. For wildfire smoke days, check AirNow.gov each morning and have at least one indoor activity planned as a backup. Tipping at restaurants runs 18-22% in San Francisco, and many restaurants add a service charge automatically, so check the bill before adding more.
FAQ
Is August a good time to visit San Francisco?
August is a good but not ideal month. The weather is dry and the cultural calendar is full, with Outside Lands and the tail end of Stern Grove's free concert series. The tradeoff is fog, peak hotel prices, and the possibility of wildfire smoke. September and October tend to be warmer and slightly less crowded, making them the city's best months overall.
How cold does San Francisco get in August?
The average high is 19.9°C (68°F) and the low is 14.1°C (57°F). Western neighborhoods like the Sunset and Richmond can stay below 15°C (59°F) all day when fog settles in. Eastern neighborhoods like the Mission and SoMa typically run 5-8°C warmer. Wind chill near Ocean Beach and the Golden Gate Bridge makes it feel colder than the thermometer reads.
Can you swim at San Francisco beaches in August?
Ocean Beach water temperature averages 13°C (55°F) in August, and rip currents are strong year-round. Swimming without a wetsuit is dangerous. Aquatic Park near Fisherman's Wharf has a small sheltered cove where open-water swimmers train, but the water is still cold. For warm swimming, Stinson Beach in Marin County, about 45 minutes north, is the closest option with lifeguards.
How far ahead should I book Alcatraz tickets for August?
Book at least 3-4 weeks before your visit. August is peak season and both day and evening tours sell out. Evening tours tend to sell out first but offer access to additional areas of the cellhouse and a sunset ferry ride back to the city.
What happens if wildfire smoke affects San Francisco during my August trip?
Wildfire smoke has impacted the Bay Area in multiple recent Augusts, including 2018, 2020, and 2023. When smoke settles, outdoor activities become uncomfortable and potentially unhealthy. Monitor AirNow.gov for real-time AQI readings. If AQI exceeds 100, consider indoor alternatives like SFMOMA, the California Academy of Sciences, or the de Young Museum. Bring an N95 mask if you have respiratory sensitivities.
Things to Do in San Francisco in August
Free cancellation Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry)
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
Day trip — free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
Day trip — 14 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco w Pickup
Outdoor experience — 15 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
Day trip — 11 hours, free cancellation.
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Free cancellation San Francisco Love Tour
City tour — 2 hours, free cancellation.
via ViatorLast verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 23, 2026. What is automated review?