March in San Francisco still belongs to the rainy season, and that's the single most important thing to know before booking. The city averages 104mm of rainfall across roughly 11 days this month, with temperatures sitting between 8.5°C (47°F) at night and 14.1°C (57°F) during the day. Those numbers sound mild, and they are. But the rain, combined with wind off the Pacific, can make 12°C feel noticeably colder than you'd expect. Layers matter more than any single coat.
To be fair, March rain in San Francisco tends to arrive in defined spells rather than all-day grey. You might get 3 wet days followed by 4 dry ones with cool sunshine and crisp views of the Golden Gate Bridge from Baker Beach. The city starts showing early spring color in Golden Gate Park, and the cherry trees in the Japanese Tea Garden typically begin blooming toward the end of the month. Hotel rates in neighborhoods like the Mission District and North Beach sit well below the September and October peaks, sometimes 25-35% lower for comparable rooms.
That said, if you're choosing between March and September (20°C highs, 5mm total rainfall), the honest answer is that September is a far better bet for reliable weather. March is for travelers comfortable with an umbrella who'd rather have a quieter, cheaper San Francisco than a guaranteed sunny one. The trade-off is real, but so are the rewards. Post-rain mornings from Twin Peaks offer some of the clearest views of the year, and you'll have the Ferry Building Marketplace largely to yourself on a Tuesday.
Why visit in March
- Hotel rates in SoMa and Union Square run 25-35% below September and October peaks, with weeknight rooms often available same-day
- Cherry blossoms begin appearing in the Japanese Tea Garden and around Japantown by late March, weeks before the main April festival crowds arrive
- Dungeness crab season is still active through spring, and restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf and in North Beach have full supply and shorter waits than the November rush
- The city feels noticeably local. Lines at Alcatraz are shorter (though still book a week ahead), and popular restaurants in Hayes Valley and the Mission take walk-ins that would require reservations in summer
- Post-rain air clarity produces sharp, dramatic light. Photographers working the Marin Headlands or Lands End trail get conditions that the summer fog rarely allows
Worth knowing
- With 104mm of rain spread across 11 days, you'll likely lose 2-3 full days to weather that makes outdoor plans difficult. The rain isn't tropical downpour, but it's steady and wind-driven enough to soak through a light jacket
- Highs of 14.1°C (57°F) mean the Pacific Ocean is genuinely cold, around 11-12°C (52-54°F). Beach days at Ocean Beach or Baker Beach are for walking, not swimming
- Some outdoor attractions feel diminished. Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge in 10°C wind and drizzle is a different experience than doing it in September sunshine
- March straddles an awkward gap. April's dramatic rainfall drop (from 104mm to 22mm) is still a month away, and you're paying more than January or February rates without noticeably better weather
Best for
Think twice if
March sits firmly in San Francisco's wet season, with 104mm of rain across about 11 days. Temperatures hold steady between 8.5°C (47°F) at night and 14.1°C (57°F) during the day. Humidity averages around 78%, which makes the cool air feel damp against your skin. The rain typically comes in multi-day spells separated by dry stretches of 2-4 days with cool sunshine. Wind off the Pacific adds a chill factor, particularly near the coast at Ocean Beach and along the Embarcadero. Mornings often start overcast and clear by early afternoon. The weather is nearly identical to January and February, though daylight extends noticeably as the month progresses, with sunset pushing past 7pm by month's end.
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 March
Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturday morning
foodThe Saturday outdoor market at the Ferry Building runs year-round, but March brings the first spring produce. Green garlic, fava beans, blood oranges, and Meyer lemons fill the stalls. The indoor hall stays open all week with artisan food vendors.
Early spring produce appears for the first time, and the smaller winter crowds mean you can actually browse without shuffling shoulder-to-shoulder.Booking tipArrive before 9am for the best selection and smallest crowds. The market runs 8am to 2pm.
Explore SFMOMA on a rainy afternoon
cultureSan Francisco's Museum of Modern Art on 3rd Street in SoMa holds over 33,000 works across 7 floors. The photography collection on the 3rd floor is one of the strongest in the country, and the sculpture garden on the rooftop terrace offers a different feel on overcast days.
March rain gives you an excellent reason to spend 3-4 hours inside. Weekday crowds are noticeably thinner than summer.Booking tipBook online to skip the ticket line. First Thursdays offer discounted evening admission.
Walk the Lands End Trail to the Sutro Baths ruins
outdoorsThis 2.5km coastal trail runs from the Legion of Honor museum to the ruins of the Sutro Baths at Point Lobos. The path hugs the cliffs above the Pacific, passing through Monterey cypress groves. On clear post-rain days, you can see the Farallon Islands 48km offshore.
Post-rain air clarity in March produces visibility that summer fog rarely allows. The trail is also far less crowded than it gets from May through October.Booking tipStart from the Legion of Honor parking lot for easier access. The trail is exposed, so check wind conditions before heading out.
Visit the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park
cultureThis natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium sits under a living roof of native California plants. The 4-story rainforest dome feels particularly striking when it's grey and cool outside. The aquarium holds over 40,000 live animals.
Rainy days make the indoor exhibits feel like a reward rather than a consolation. March also brings fewer school groups than spring break weeks in April.Booking tipThursday evenings the academy hosts NightLife events for adults only, with cocktails and DJ sets in the exhibit halls.
Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge from the Marin Headlands
outdoorsDrive or bike across the bridge to Hawk Hill or Battery Spencer for the classic south-facing view of the bridge with the San Francisco skyline behind it. The pull-off at Battery Spencer sits about 5 minutes past the north end of the bridge.
March post-storm mornings produce the clearest atmospheric conditions of the year. Summer fog obscures this view roughly 60% of the time from June through August.Booking tipArrive before 8am for the best light and to avoid traffic at the small parking areas.
Eat through the Mission District on a taco crawl
foodThe Mission District along 24th Street and Valencia Street has one of the densest concentrations of taquerias in the United States. La Taqueria, El Farolito, and Taqueria Cancún have been debated for decades. A proper crawl covers 4-5 stops over 2-3 hours.
March's cooler weather and lighter foot traffic mean shorter lines at the popular spots. You'll actually get a seat at La Taqueria on a weekday afternoon.Booking tipStart at the south end of 24th Street and work north. Most spots are cash-only or cash-preferred.
Ride the historic cable cars on the Powell-Hyde line
sightseeingThe Powell-Hyde line runs from Powell and Market streets near Union Square up and over Nob Hill, then drops steeply down to the turnaround at Aquatic Park near Fisherman's Wharf. The descent past Lombard Street offers the best views of Alcatraz and the bay.
March wait times at the Powell Street turnaround typically run 20-30 minutes, compared to 45-90 minutes in July and August.Booking tipBoard at the California Street line instead for almost no wait. It's less scenic but still runs historic cable cars.
Day trip to Muir Woods for the coastal redwoods
natureMuir Woods National Monument sits 19km north of the Golden Gate Bridge in Mill Valley. The park protects old-growth coast redwoods, some over 75 meters tall and 1,000 years old. The main loop trail is 3.2km on boardwalks.
March rain keeps the forest floor lush and the creeks running. The mossy, damp atmosphere among the redwoods feels more alive than during the dry summer months.Booking tipParking reservations through the National Park Service are required year-round. Book at least 3-5 days ahead, even in March.
What to eat in March
In season: fruit
Meyer lemons
California's Meyer lemon season peaks from December through March. These sweeter, thinner-skinned lemons show up at farmers markets and in cocktails, desserts, and vinaigrettes across the city. The Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturday mornings tends to have the best selection from Marin County and Central Valley growers.
On menus now
Dungeness crab
The commercial season runs November through June, and March still brings fresh, full-sized Dungeness to restaurants along Fisherman's Wharf and throughout North Beach. The supply is steady and prices have typically eased from the premium November opening rates. Look for whole roasted crab or crab cioppino at spots along Jefferson Street.
Cioppino
San Francisco's signature tomato-based seafood stew traces back to the Italian fishermen of North Beach in the 1800s. March is arguably the ideal month for it. The weather is cool enough to want a bowl of hot, brothy stew, and the Dungeness crab that anchors the recipe is still in prime season. You'll find versions at most seafood-focused restaurants near Fisherman's Wharf and in North Beach.
In markets
Green garlic
This mild, leek-like spring garlic appears at the Ferry Building Farmers Market starting in early March. Local chefs at restaurants in Hayes Valley and the Mission wait for it all year. It tastes like a gentler, grassier version of regular garlic, and you'll find it folded into pasta, soups, and scrambled eggs across the city's farm-to-table restaurants.
Spring artichokes
Half Moon Bay, about 45 minutes south on Highway 1, is the self-proclaimed artichoke capital of the world. The spring harvest begins in March, and Bay Area restaurants feature them grilled, steamed, and stuffed. You'll find them at the Ferry Building Farmers Market and on menus throughout the Mission and Hayes Valley.
Regular events in March
San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival
Annual film festival screening ocean-themed documentaries, shorts, and features at Fort Mason Center. The festival has run since 2004 and typically draws filmmakers from over 20 countries.
Mid-MarchSt. Patrick's Day ParadeFree
San Francisco's St. Patrick's Day Parade runs along Market Street from 2nd Street to Civic Center. The celebration dates back to the 1850s, making it one of the oldest on the West Coast. The nearby bars in SoMa and the Marina fill early.
Weekend closest to March 17San Francisco Flower and Garden Show
Annual garden show featuring landscape installations, demonstrations, and nursery vendors. Held at the San Mateo Event Center, about 30 minutes south of the city by Caltrain.
Late MarchBest places this March
Ferry Building Marketplace
food and marketThe 1898 Beaux-Arts building on the Embarcadero waterfront houses artisan food vendors, a Saturday farmers market, and restaurants. March mornings here are quiet enough to linger at a coffee counter and watch the fog lift off the Bay Bridge.
EmbarcaderoGolden Gate Park
park and gardensThe 412-hectare park stretches from the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood to Ocean Beach. March brings early spring blooms in the Botanical Garden and the cherry trees near the Japanese Tea Garden. The Conservatory of Flowers stays warm and humid inside on rainy days.
Richmond / SunsetChinatown
neighborhoodSan Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North America, established in the 1840s. Grant Avenue runs through the tourist-facing heart, but the parallel Stockton Street holds the grocery markets and dim sum spots where you'll hear more Cantonese than English.
ChinatownAlcatraz Island
historic siteThe former federal penitentiary sits 2.4km offshore in San Francisco Bay. The ferry from Pier 33 runs multiple departures daily. The audio tour narrated by former guards and inmates takes about 45 minutes, but most visitors spend 2-3 hours on the island total.
Fisherman's Wharf (departure)The Presidio
park and historyThis former military base at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge covers 600 hectares of forest, trails, and historic buildings. The Walt Disney Family Museum sits inside. March wildflowers start appearing along the Batteries to Bluffs trail.
Presidiode Young Museum in Golden Gate Park
museumThe copper-clad museum holds American art from the 17th century to the present, plus textiles and art from Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. The observation tower on the 9th floor offers free panoramic views of the park and the city.
Golden Gate ParkNorth Beach
neighborhoodSan Francisco's Little Italy neighborhood centers on Columbus Avenue. The cafes along upper Grant Avenue still feel like 1950s Beat-era hangouts. City Lights Bookstore, founded by Lawrence Ferlinghetti in 1953, is worth an hour of browsing on a wet March afternoon.
North Beach
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Insider tips
The fog and rain patterns vary dramatically by neighborhood. The Mission District sits in a microclimate that's often 3-4°C warmer and drier than the Sunset District on the same day. If it's raining at Ocean Beach, check the weather on Valencia Street before scrapping outdoor plans.
The Ferry Building Farmers Market on Tuesday and Thursday is smaller than Saturday's, but it's where local chefs actually shop. You'll see fewer tourists and more serious cooking conversations happening at the stalls.
BART from SFO to downtown takes about 30 minutes and costs a fraction of a rideshare. The Civic Center and Powell Street stations put you within walking distance of most central hotels.
Alcatraz sells out, even in March. The night tour tends to book out 1-2 weeks ahead, while day tours are usually available 5-7 days out. Book through the official concessioner site, not resellers.
The cable car lines at Powell Street get long by 10am even in low season. Walk 2-3 blocks up the line to board at a less popular stop, or take the California Street line from the Financial District, which rarely has a wait.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing for 'California weather' and bringing only shorts and sandals. March in San Francisco feels closer to London than Los Angeles. The 14°C highs and Pacific wind catch visitors off guard every year.
- Assuming the whole city has the same weather. San Francisco's microclimates are real. The Sunset and Richmond districts near the ocean can be socked in with fog while the Mission District, 5km east, sits in full sunshine.
- Driving into the city and paying for parking. San Francisco's parking is limited, steep, and expensive. BART, Muni, and walking cover nearly everything a visitor needs. The hills make driving stressful anyway.
- Skipping the Japanese Tea Garden because it's not cherry blossom season yet. The garden is worth visiting in any month, and late March often brings the first early blooms before the crowds arrive in April.
- Only eating at Fisherman's Wharf. The Wharf has its place, but the city's strongest food neighborhoods are the Mission District, Hayes Valley, North Beach, and the Inner Richmond along Clement Street.
Practical tips for March
Book Alcatraz tickets at least a week ahead through the official site, even in low season. Carry a waterproof layer and an umbrella daily. Muni and BART cover most visitor destinations, so skip the rental car unless you're planning day trips to Muir Woods or Half Moon Bay. Restaurant reservations are less critical than in summer, but popular spots in the Mission and Hayes Valley still fill up on Friday and Saturday nights. The Clipper Card works on Muni, BART, and Caltrain, and saves time over buying individual tickets. March daylight runs roughly 7am to 7:15pm by month's end, giving you solid sightseeing hours even on shorter days.
FAQ
Is March a good time to visit San Francisco?
March is a fair-to-decent month. You'll get rain on roughly 11 of 30 days, but the trade-off is lower hotel rates (25-35% below peak), thinner crowds at Alcatraz and the cable cars, and clear post-rain visibility that summer fog typically blocks. If you're comfortable with an umbrella and layers, March offers a quieter, more affordable version of the city.
How cold does San Francisco get in March?
Daytime highs average 14.1°C (57°F) and nighttime lows around 8.5°C (47°F). The Pacific wind makes it feel colder, especially near the coast at Ocean Beach and on the Golden Gate Bridge. It's not freezing, but it's cooler than most visitors expect from California. Pack layers and a waterproof jacket.
Can you swim at the beach in San Francisco in March?
Not comfortably. Ocean water temperatures in March hover around 11-12°C (52-54°F), and air temperatures of 14°C don't warm you up after. Ocean Beach and Baker Beach are for walking and photography in March, not swimming. The currents at Ocean Beach are also strong year-round.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in March?
March averages about 104mm of rainfall across 11 days. The rain tends to come in multi-day spells rather than constant drizzle, so you'll likely get stretches of 2-4 dry days between wet periods. The rain is wind-driven off the Pacific, so a proper waterproof jacket matters more than a flimsy poncho.
What should I wear in San Francisco in March?
Layers are the key. Start with a base layer, add a fleece or wool sweater, and top with a waterproof jacket with a hood. Bring closed-toe shoes with some water resistance for the rain-wet hills. Long pants, not shorts. The temperature can shift 5-6°C between a foggy morning at Ocean Beach and a sunny afternoon in the Mission District.
Things to Do in San Francisco in March
Free cancellation Muir Woods and Sausalito Tour (Return by Bus or Ferry)
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Free cancellation Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
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Free cancellation Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
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Free cancellation Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Tour from San Francisco w Pickup
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Free cancellation San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch
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Free cancellation San Francisco Love Tour
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