The single most important thing to know about San Francisco in July is that it will likely be colder than you expect. Daytime highs average 18°C (65°F), and the famous Pacific fog, locally nicknamed Karl, tends to pour over Twin Peaks and through the Golden Gate most mornings and evenings. Mark Twain never actually said the coldest winter he spent was a summer in San Francisco, but the misattribution has survived for over a century because it rings true. You will see tourists in shorts shivering on Fisherman's Wharf while locals walk past in fleece jackets, and that scene repeats every single day of July.
That said, July has real appeal. Rain is essentially nonexistent, with 0mm on average for the entire month. Daylight stretches past 8:30 p.m. The city's cultural calendar is packed, with the Fillmore Jazz Festival, Stern Grove's free Sunday concerts, and the SF Marathon all landing in July. And San Francisco's famous microclimates mean that while the Sunset District sits under a grey blanket, the Mission District, protected by hills to the west, might be sitting in full sun at 24°C (75°F). Learning to chase the warm pockets is half the fun.
July is peak tourist season, and hotel rates reflect it. If you're looking for the warmest, clearest weather, September and October are the months locals quietly prefer. But if your schedule locks you into July, you'll find a dry, lively city with 15 hours of daylight and no rain to worry about, as long as you pack layers and leave the tank tops at home.
Why visit in July
- Zero rainfall on average for the entire month, so outdoor plans rarely get disrupted by weather
- Daylight lasts until roughly 8:30 p.m., giving you an extra 2-3 hours of sightseeing compared to winter months
- The Mission District and Potrero Hill neighborhoods stay notably warmer than the rest of the city, often reaching 22-24°C (72-75°F) when the western half sits at 15°C (59°F)
- Cultural calendar is dense, with free events like the Stern Grove Festival every Sunday and the Fillmore Jazz Festival in early July
- Wildflowers still appear on the Marin Headlands trails across the Golden Gate Bridge, particularly along the Coastal Trail near Point Bonita
Worth knowing
- Average highs of 18.2°C (65°F) disappoint visitors expecting a warm California summer. Evenings regularly drop to 13°C (55°F) or lower near the coast
- Peak-season hotel rates run well above the annual average, with Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf properties commanding the steepest premiums in the city
- Fog obscures views from popular spots like Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, and Coit Tower for much of the morning and evening, sometimes all day
- Alcatraz tickets sell out 2-4 weeks in advance at this time of year, and popular restaurants in North Beach and the Mission may need reservations 3-5 days ahead
Best for
Think twice if
July in San Francisco feels more like early spring in most other cities. The Pacific Ocean keeps temperatures remarkably cool, and the marine layer (fog) is at its thickest. Mornings typically start grey and around 13°C (55°F). By early afternoon the fog may burn off in eastern neighborhoods like the Mission and SoMa, with highs reaching 18°C (65°F) on average, though inland pockets can hit 22-24°C. The fog often returns by 4-5 p.m., carried by a stiff westerly breeze that picks up near Ocean Beach and the Presidio. Rainfall is essentially zero. Humidity sits at 81%, but the cool temperatures mean it rarely feels muggy. The sensation is more damp wool than tropical sweat.
Seasonal caution
- Wildfire smoke from inland California fires can drift into San Francisco for multi-day stretches, occasionally pushing AQI above 100. Check airnow.gov before planning outdoor activities, and consider packing a KN95 mask if you have respiratory sensitivity.
- Rip currents at Ocean Beach are strong year-round but catch summer visitors off guard. The water is dangerously cold at 12-14°C (54-57°F), and hypothermia risk is real even for strong swimmers. Swim only at Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square, where the cove provides protection.
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 |
Best things to do in July
Fog photography from the Marin Headlands
photographyThe Hawk Hill and Battery Spencer overlooks on the north side of the Golden Gate Bridge offer views of low fog pouring through the strait. July mornings produce some of the thickest fog of the year, and the effect at sunrise is striking. You'll want to arrive by 6 a.m. to catch the best light.
July's marine layer is at its annual peak, producing the densest and most photogenic fog formations over the Golden Gate.Booking tipParking at Battery Spencer fills quickly on weekends. Arriving before 6 a.m. usually secures a spot.
Biking the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito
outdoorThe 4-kilometer ride across the bridge itself is the centerpiece, but the full loop continues down into Sausalito, where you can catch the ferry back to the Ferry Building. The cool July temperatures, typically 15-17°C on the bridge deck, make the ride comfortable even at midday. Wind from the west can be stiff on the bridge, so grip the handlebars.
Dry roads, cool temperatures, and long daylight hours make July one of the best months for this ride without overheating.Booking tipRent bikes from shops near Fisherman's Wharf and start early to avoid the afternoon headwind on the bridge.
Stern Grove Festival
musicFree outdoor concerts every Sunday at 2 p.m. in a natural eucalyptus amphitheater in the Sunset District. The festival has run since 1938 and books a mix of genres, from symphony orchestras to funk bands. The grove stays cool and often foggy, so bring a blanket to sit on and a jacket. Arrive by noon to get a decent spot on the grass.
The festival runs from mid-June through August, but July Sundays are the heart of the season with the strongest lineups.Booking tipFree, no tickets needed. The 28-19th Avenue Muni bus drops you within a 5-minute walk of the entrance.
Explore the Mission District's murals and taquerias
cultureBalmy Alley and Clarion Alley together hold more than 100 murals that change regularly. The 24th Street corridor from Mission to Potrero is the commercial heart. July's microclimate advantage matters here, because the Mission sits in a rain shadow that keeps it 5-8°C warmer than the western neighborhoods on many afternoons.
July's fog pattern means the Mission is often the warmest, sunniest neighborhood in the city, making it ideal for walking the murals and eating outdoors.Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturday morning
foodThe Saturday market runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. along the Embarcadero. In July, peak stone fruit season fills the stalls with Blenheim apricots, white peaches, and pluots from Central Valley farms like Frog Hollow and Kashiwase. The indoor market hall has permanent vendors selling local cheese, bread, and coffee.
July is the transition from cherry to stone fruit season, and the variety of California summer produce at the Saturday market reaches its widest point.SF Marathon or Half Marathon
sportsThe San Francisco Marathon typically takes place on the last Sunday of July. The full course crosses the Golden Gate Bridge, loops through the Presidio, and finishes near the Embarcadero. The half marathon starts on the bridge. July's cool 13-15°C morning temperatures are close to ideal for distance running.
The marathon is a fixed July event, and the cool fog-season temperatures create genuinely good running conditions compared to most American cities in late July.Booking tipRegistration typically opens months in advance. The half marathon sells out before the full.
Day trip to Muir Woods
natureThe old-growth coast redwood grove sits 19 kilometers north of the Golden Gate Bridge. The trees here are between 400 and 800 years old, and the canopy filters the light into green columns. July's dry conditions mean the trails are firm, though the grove stays cool and damp under the canopy, usually around 15°C even at midday.
Dry trails, long daylight, and fog that keeps the grove cool while inland areas heat up. The parking reservation system is mandatory and limits crowds to manageable levels.Booking tipParking reservations through recreation.gov are required and often sell out 1-2 weeks ahead. The Marin Transit Route 66 shuttle from Sausalito is an alternative.
Catch a Giants game at Oracle Park
sportsThe San Francisco Giants play home games throughout July at Oracle Park along McCovey Cove. The ballpark sits on the waterfront in the South Beach neighborhood, and the views of the Bay from the upper deck are part of the draw. Evening games start around 18°C and can drop to 13-14°C by the 7th inning, so layers matter even here.
July is the heart of the MLB season, with the most home games per month. The dry weather means almost no rain delays.What to eat in July
In season: fruit
Blenheim apricots
These small, intensely flavored apricots from the Blenheim variety peak in early-to-mid July at Bay Area farmers markets. They bruise easily and don't ship well, so you'll rarely find them outside Northern California. The Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturdays tends to have 2-3 vendors carrying them.
Cherries from Brentwood
Late-season Bing and Rainier cherries from the Brentwood area east of San Francisco still appear at the first Saturday and Tuesday farmers markets in July, though supply drops off by mid-month.
California stone fruit
White peaches, yellow nectarines, and pluots from the Central Valley hit their stride in July. Frog Hollow Farm, a well-known Bay Area grower, sells at the Ferry Building on Saturdays and tends to draw long lines by mid-morning.
On menus now
Dungeness crab cioppino (off-season note)
Dungeness crab season typically ends in late June, so July marks the transition to frozen or imported crab in San Francisco's cioppino. Locals tend to skip cioppino this month and pivot to other seafood. Worth noting because tourists order it year-round without realizing the difference.
In markets
Dry-farmed Early Girl tomatoes
Grown without irrigation in the sandy soils around Napa and Sonoma, these start appearing at markets in mid-to-late July. The water stress concentrates their flavor. They're smaller than supermarket tomatoes but dramatically more intense.
Regular events in July
Fillmore Jazz FestivalFree
A free 2-day street festival on Fillmore Street between Jackson and Eddy, typically held the first weekend of July. Multiple stages feature jazz, blues, and R&B acts. The surrounding blocks fill with food vendors and local art booths. The Fillmore District has deep roots in jazz history dating to the 1940s and 1950s.
First weekend of JulyStern Grove Festival (weekly)Free
Free Sunday afternoon concerts at 2 p.m. in the Sigmund Stern Grove, running every week through the summer. Genres rotate weekly. The eucalyptus-ringed amphitheater holds roughly 10,000 people and gets crowded by 1 p.m. for popular acts.
Every Sunday, mid-June through mid-AugustFourth of July Fireworks at Crissy FieldFree
The city's main fireworks display launches from barges near the waterfront, visible from Crissy Field, Fort Mason, and the Marina Green. On a clear night, the fireworks frame the Golden Gate Bridge. Mind you, fog obscures the show roughly half the time, which locals consider part of the charm. The Muni system runs late service afterward.
July 4San Francisco Marathon
The full and half marathon courses cross the Golden Gate Bridge and wind through the Presidio, Haight-Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and the Embarcadero. The event draws around 27,000 runners. Road closures affect the northern waterfront and bridge access from early morning until midday.
Last Sunday of JulyAnime Expo alternative events
While the main Anime Expo is held in Los Angeles, San Francisco's Japantown hosts smaller anime and manga pop-up events and screenings at the AMC Kabuki 8 and New People Cinema throughout July. The Japan Center mall on Post Street has specialty shops that stock limited-run merchandise during summer.
Various weekends in JulyBest places this July
Lands End Trail
natureA 2.6-kilometer coastal trail along the northwest edge of the city, running from the Sutro Baths ruins to Eagle's Point. On foggy July mornings, the trail feels remote despite being inside city limits. You'll hear foghorns from the Golden Gate and see cypress trees bent by decades of wind. The Sutro Baths ruins at the trailhead date to 1896.
Outer RichmondFerry Building
foodThe 1898 Beaux-Arts terminal on the Embarcadero houses a permanent indoor market with cheese, bread, and coffee vendors, plus the Saturday farmers market along the waterfront. In July, the stone fruit vendors dominate the outdoor stalls. The building faces the Bay Bridge, and the morning light on the clock tower is worth seeing.
EmbarcaderoGolden Gate Park
parkThe 412-hectare park stretches from the Haight to Ocean Beach. In July, the eastern half near the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences tends to be warmer than the western end, which catches fog off the ocean. The Conservatory of Flowers, a Victorian greenhouse from 1879, stays warm and humid inside regardless of the weather outside.
Inner Sunset / HaightDolores Park
parkThe sloped lawn at 20th and Dolores in the Mission District is San Francisco's de facto summer gathering spot. On a sunny July afternoon, the park fills with picnickers, and the views of downtown and the Bay Bridge from the southwest corner are wide open. The J-Church Muni line stops at the park's east edge.
MissionChinatown
cultureThe oldest Chinatown in North America, centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street. July doesn't bring any specific festivals here, but the neighborhood is less fog-affected than the western half of the city, and the combination of dim sum restaurants, herbal shops, and produce markets on Stockton makes it one of the most sensory-dense walks in the city. The Dragon's Gate arch at Grant and Bush marks the southern entrance.
ChinatownAlcatraz Island
historicThe former federal penitentiary sits 2.4 kilometers offshore in the Bay. The audio tour narrated by former inmates and guards is the main draw. In July, the island's gardens are at their peak bloom, maintained by volunteers who've been restoring them since the 1990s. Fog can obscure the skyline views, but it adds atmosphere to the cellhouse.
San Francisco BaySutro Baths ruins
historicThe concrete ruins of Adolph Sutro's 1896 saltwater swimming complex sit in a cove at the western edge of the city, below the Cliff House site. At low tide you can walk among the foundation walls. In July, the site is almost always foggy and windswept, which is part of the appeal. The cave tunnel at the north end of the cove is accessible at lower tides.
Outer RichmondNorth Beach and City Lights Bookstore
cultureSan Francisco's Italian-American neighborhood sits between Chinatown and Fisherman's Wharf. City Lights, the Beat Generation bookstore founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, is still open and stocked with independent press poetry and literature. The cafes along Columbus Avenue serve espresso in the Italian style, and Washington Square Park at the neighborhood's center offers benches under the spire of Saints Peter and Paul Church.
North Beach
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Insider tips
The 1-California Muni bus runs from the Financial District straight through Chinatown and up to Presidio Heights. It's one of the best ways to see the city's vertical terrain without walking every hill yourself.
If the fog is thick on the west side, check the weather in the Mission District before changing plans. The temperature difference between the Sunset and the Mission can be 8-10°C on the same July afternoon, and it takes about 20 minutes on the 14-Mission bus to cross between them.
The Wave Organ at the tip of the Marina jetty is a little-known acoustic sculpture that amplifies the sound of waves through concrete pipes. It works best at high tide and is usually deserted even in peak season. Check the NOAA tide tables for San Francisco before visiting.
Tartine Manufactory on Alabama Street in the Mission serves the same bread as the original Tartine Bakery on Guerrero but with shorter lines, especially on weekday mornings. The country loaves come out of the oven around 5 p.m. at both locations.
For the Fourth of July fireworks, locals tend to watch from the hill at Fort Mason rather than the crowded Marina Green. The elevation gives a clearer sightline, and you can still see the Golden Gate Bridge in the background when the fog cooperates.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing for a warm California summer. San Francisco in July averages 18°C (65°F), and the fog can make it feel colder. Visitors in tank tops and flip-flops are the easiest tourists to spot.
- Assuming you can walk in to Alcatraz. Island ferry tickets from Alcatraz City Cruises sell out 2-4 weeks ahead in July. Book as early as your trip planning allows, and check for cancellations if your dates are already full.
- Spending the whole trip at Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39. These areas are the most crowded and least representative of how San Franciscans actually live. The neighborhoods worth exploring, like the Mission, Hayes Valley, the Castro, and North Beach, are a 15-minute bus ride south.
- Renting a car for getting around the city. Parking in San Francisco is expensive, scarce, and subject to aggressive enforcement. Muni, BART, and rideshare cover nearly every destination a visitor would want. A car is useful only for day trips to Muir Woods, Point Reyes, or Napa.
- Ordering Dungeness crab in July. The commercial season typically ends in late June, so July cioppino and crab dishes at Fisherman's Wharf restaurants use frozen or imported crab. Locals wait until November for the fresh season to reopen.
Practical tips for July
Book Alcatraz tickets and any Muir Woods parking reservations at least 2-3 weeks before your trip, as both sell out consistently in July. Bring layers for every outing regardless of the morning forecast, because San Francisco's microclimates mean you can cross from 14°C fog into 23°C sunshine in a 20-minute bus ride. Muni and BART are the most practical ways to move around the city. A Clipper card works on both systems and can be loaded at any station. Restaurant reservations at popular spots in North Beach, the Mission, and Hayes Valley should be made 3-5 days ahead for dinner, though lunch is usually walk-in friendly. If you're attending the Fourth of July fireworks, arrive at your viewing spot by 7 p.m. and dress for cold wind off the Bay.
FAQ
Is July a good time to visit San Francisco?
July is a good but not ideal time. The city is dry, daylight runs until 8:30 p.m., and the cultural calendar is full. But temperatures average only 18°C (65°F) and fog blankets much of the city most mornings and evenings. Locals tend to prefer September and October, when the fog retreats and temperatures are warmer. That said, July's lack of rain and packed events schedule make it a solid month if you dress for the weather.
How cold does San Francisco get in July?
Average highs sit around 18°C (65°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F). Near the ocean and on the Golden Gate Bridge, wind chill can make it feel closer to 10-12°C. The Mission District and other eastern neighborhoods tend to run 5-8°C warmer than the foggy western half of the city. Evenings anywhere in the city call for a proper jacket.
Can you swim at the beach in San Francisco in July?
Ocean Beach has dangerously strong rip currents and water temperatures around 12-14°C (54-57°F), so open-water swimming there is not recommended even in summer. Aquatic Park near Ghirardelli Square has a protected cove where swimmers, including the South End Rowing Club's daily swimmers, go in year-round. A wetsuit is still advisable. Baker Beach is popular for sunbathing on rare warm days but the water is cold and currents are present.
Do I need to book Alcatraz tickets in advance for July?
Yes. Alcatraz City Cruises operates the only ferry to the island, and July tickets typically sell out 2-4 weeks before the visit date. Book as early as possible through the official site. If your dates show sold out, check back for cancellations, which appear most often 1-2 days before the departure date. The night tour, which runs on limited evenings, sells out even faster.
What should I wear in San Francisco in July?
Layers are the standard local approach. A medium-weight fleece or jacket for mornings and evenings, a long-sleeve shirt for midday, and a windbreaker for exposed areas like the Golden Gate Bridge and Ocean Beach. Long pants are more practical than shorts for most of the day. Comfortable shoes with good grip matter because the hills are steep and sidewalks can be slick with fog moisture in the morning.
Is the fog really that bad in July?
July is typically the foggiest month of the year in San Francisco. The marine layer tends to roll in through the Golden Gate in the late afternoon and linger through the morning. It can obscure the Golden Gate Bridge, Twin Peaks, and the western half of the city for hours at a time. To be fair, many visitors find the fog atmospheric rather than disappointing, and it does tend to burn off in the eastern neighborhoods by early afternoon most days.
Things to Do in San Francisco in July
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?