Things to Do in San Francisco in November

VerdictGood
Ranked#8 of 12
PricesModerate

November in San Francisco is the month the fog finally retreats and the rain arrives to take its place. After October's warm "Indian Summer" days, which often push past 21°C (70°F), November drops the average high to 16.2°C (61°F) and brings roughly 78mm of rainfall across about 7 rainy days. It's a real transition month. The golden light that photographers chase all through September and October starts fading, the mornings feel genuinely cold at 9.9°C (50°F), and you'll want layers.

That said, November has its own pull. Dungeness crab season typically opens around mid-November, and the city's restaurants shift overnight. The Mission District's Día de los Muertos celebration on November 2nd is one of the largest in the United States, filling 24th Street with altars, marigolds, and thousands of participants. Thanksgiving week tends to quiet the city down in a pleasant way, too. Hotel rates sit below the summer peak, and the tourist crowds at Fisherman's Wharf and Alcatraz thin out noticeably.

To be fair, you're gambling with the weather. Some November weeks in San Francisco stay dry and cool with sharp blue skies. Others bring days of steady, chilly rain that turns the steep hills slippery and makes outdoor plans difficult. You might get both in the same trip. If you can handle that uncertainty and you like eating crab at the waterfront while wearing a warm jacket, November rewards the flexible traveler.

Why visit in November

Dungeness crab season opens mid-November, and San Francisco's restaurants, fish markets, and waterfront stalls serve it at peak freshness within days of the first catch
Tourist crowds drop significantly from summer and early fall, meaning shorter lines at Alcatraz, easier parking near Lands End, and walk-in tables at popular restaurants in North Beach
Hotel rates sit roughly 20-30% below peak summer pricing, with good availability even for last-minute bookings
The Día de los Muertos celebration in the Mission District on November 2nd is a genuinely moving cultural event, with community altars along 24th Street and a procession that draws thousands
On clear November days, the light over the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge has a low, warm quality that's distinct from the flat summer fog-light

Worth knowing

Rainfall reaches 78mm across roughly 7 rainy days, and when it rains in San Francisco it tends to be all-day drizzle rather than quick showers, which can wipe out a full day of outdoor plans
Sunset comes early, around 5:00 PM by mid-November, cutting sightseeing short and making late afternoon walks at Baker Beach or Lands End feel rushed
The temperature swing between a sunny afternoon at 16°C and a damp, windy evening at 10°C catches visitors off guard, especially near the waterfront where wind chill drops it further
Some outdoor attractions like bike rentals across the Golden Gate Bridge see reduced hours, and ferry schedules to Angel Island typically end for the season

Best for

Think twice if

Weather measured 16° / 10°C 78mm rain · 7 rainy days · 79% humidity rains perceptibly ~1.2h/day · 88% of mornings dry

Crowds medium

Pack Layers are non-negotiable. A waterproof shell jacket that blocks wind is the single most important item. Underneath, a medium-weight fleece or wool sweater handles the 10-16°C range. Bring one warmer layer for evening waterfront walks. Closed-toe waterproof shoes or boots with good grip for wet, steep sidewalks. An umbrella that can handle wind, not a flimsy travel one. Jeans or pants, not shorts. A light scarf for windy viewpoints.

November marks San Francisco's shift into the wet season. The average high sits at 16.2°C (61°F) and the low at 9.9°C (50°F), with 78mm of rain spread across roughly 7 days. Humidity tends to hover around 79%. Mornings often start with fog or low clouds that may burn off by midday, or may not. Wind picks up along the waterfront and at exposed spots like Lands End and the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints, where it can feel 4-5 degrees colder than downtown. On dry days, the weather is genuinely pleasant for walking. A crisp 15°C with no wind and clear skies is a good day in any city. But the rain days are gray, damp, and persistent.

Seasonal caution

King tides occasionally coincide with storm systems in late November, flooding parts of the Embarcadero and low-lying waterfront areas near Crissy Field. Check tide charts if you plan to walk Ocean Beach at low points.
Wind gusts on the Golden Gate Bridge and at exposed viewpoints like Hawk Hill in the Marin Headlands can reach 50-65 km/h (30-40 mph) during storms. The bridge pedestrian path may close in extreme conditions.

Year-round climate

Averages from the last 5 years.

Monthly climate averages for San Francisco
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

Citywide Free

Día de los Muertos San Francisco

November 2

The Mission District's Día de los Muertos celebration is one of the largest in the United States. The community procession runs along 24th Street from Bryant to Potrero, passing dozens of handmade altars (ofrendas) decorated with marigolds, candles, photographs, and personal offerings. Face painting, live music, and Aztec dance groups fill the surrounding blocks. The smell of copal incense and fresh marigolds saturates the cool evening air. It is a genuine community ritual, not a commercial event, and visitors who approach it respectfully find it deeply affecting.

#DiaDeLosMuertosSF

Best things to do in November

Eat Dungeness crab at the Fisherman's Wharf crab stands

food

The outdoor crab stands along Fisherman's Wharf start serving freshly boiled whole Dungeness crab as soon as the season opens in mid-November. You pick your crab, they crack it, and you eat it standing at a counter overlooking the water with a view of Alcatraz. The steam rises off the bright red shells into the cold air, and the smell of salt water and melted butter fills the block.

Dungeness crab season typically opens mid-November, and the first weeks bring the freshest, most anticipated catch of the year

Booking tipNo reservations needed at the outdoor stands, though lines form on weekends. Weekday afternoons are calmer.

Walk the Día de los Muertos procession in the Mission District

culture

On November 2nd, the Mission District's 24th Street fills with a candlelit procession, handmade ofrendas, face-painted participants, and the heavy scent of copal incense and fresh marigolds. Aztec dance groups perform at intersections, and local families set up altars for their loved ones along the sidewalk. The event runs from late afternoon well into the evening.

Día de los Muertos falls on November 2nd, and the Mission District's celebration is one of the largest in the country

Booking tipArrive by 5 PM to see the altars before the procession starts. The 24th Street BART station puts you right in the middle of it.

Browse the Ferry Building Farmers Market for fall produce

food

The Saturday morning farmers market at the Ferry Building runs year-round, but November brings the heart of Northern California's fall harvest. Persimmons, pomegranates, winter squash, fresh-pressed apple cider, chanterelle mushrooms, and local olive oils fill the outdoor stalls. The indoor hall has permanent vendors selling local cheeses, bread, chocolate, and coffee. The whole building smells like roasting coffee and baking bread on a cold morning.

November is peak fall harvest in Northern California, with persimmons, chanterelles, and pomegranates all arriving at once

Booking tipThe Saturday market (8 AM to 2 PM) is the big one. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Visit SFMOMA on a rainy afternoon

culture

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in SoMa holds one of the largest modern and contemporary art collections on the West Coast, spread across 7 floors. November's rainy days make it an ideal retreat. The building itself, designed by Snøhetta and Mario Botta, is worth the visit. The top-floor terrace, when open between showers, offers views of the downtown skyline.

Rainy November days make SFMOMA a natural destination, and fall exhibitions tend to overlap with major new installations

Booking tipBuy tickets online to skip the ground-floor line. Weekday mornings are the quietest.

Hike Lands End trail on a clear day

outdoors

The Lands End trail runs along the northwest edge of San Francisco from the ruins of the Sutro Baths to Eagle's Point, with views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean. The 2.6 km coastal path cuts through Monterey cypress trees and passes above rocky coves. On a clear November day, the low-angle sunlight and empty trail make it feel like a different city from the tourist zones downtown.

November's lower crowds mean you might have stretches of the trail to yourself, and the low autumn light over the Pacific is hard to beat

Booking tipPark at the Lands End Lookout visitor center lot. It fills by mid-morning on weekends, so aim for early.

Explore the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park

culture

The California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park houses an aquarium, a planetarium, a rainforest dome, and a natural history museum under one living roof. The 4-story rainforest dome is warm and humid, a welcome contrast to November's chill outside. The aquarium's Philippine coral reef exhibit holds over 4,000 fish. Thursday evenings, the Academy hosts NightLife events for adults with cocktails and DJs.

November rain makes indoor attractions more appealing, and the Academy's NightLife Thursday events offer a different experience from daytime visits

Booking tipBook NightLife tickets in advance. Thursday evening events tend to sell out, especially around the holidays.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge on a clear morning

outdoors

On a fog-free November morning, walking the 2.7 km span of the Golden Gate Bridge offers views of the city skyline, Alcatraz, Angel Island, and the Marin Headlands. The wind is likely to be brisk, sometimes strongly so, but the visibility on clear fall days can stretch all the way to the Farallon Islands. The pedestrian path on the east side is open daily.

November has more fog-free mornings than summer months, and the lower tourist volume means fewer pedestrian bottlenecks on the bridge walkway

Booking tipStart from the San Francisco side. The parking lot at the Welcome Center fills by mid-morning on weekends. Weekday mornings before 10 AM are best.

Tour Alcatraz Island

culture

The ferry to Alcatraz Island departs from Pier 33 and the audio tour of the former federal penitentiary takes about 2-3 hours including the boat ride. November's reduced visitor numbers mean shorter lines at the dock and more breathing room inside the cellhouse. The audio tour, narrated by former guards and inmates, is one of the better-produced museum experiences in the Bay Area. The island also offers views back toward the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge.

November has significantly fewer visitors than summer, making the cellhouse less crowded and the experience more atmospheric

Booking tipEven in November, Alcatraz tickets sell out days to weeks ahead. Book through the official concessioner's website as early as possible.

What to eat in November

In season: fruit

Hachiya and Fuyu persimmons
November is peak persimmon season in Northern California, and both varieties show up at the Ferry Building Farmers Market and smaller produce stands across the city. Fuyu persimmons are crisp and eaten like apples. Hachiya persimmons need to be fully soft, almost translucent, before they lose their mouth-puckering astringency. Local bakeries fold them into puddings and quick breads. You'll see them piled in wooden crates at farmers market stalls, their orange skins glowing against the gray November light.

On menus now

Dungeness crab
The commercial Dungeness crab season typically opens in mid-November, and San Francisco's relationship with this crab is close to religious. Freshly cracked crab with sourdough bread and melted butter appears on menus across the city within days. The Ferry Building and Fisherman's Wharf stalls sell whole crabs by the pound. The meat is sweet, briny, and tender in a way that feels distinct from East Coast blue crab. You'll smell the steam and seasoning from half a block away at the waterfront crab stands.
Cioppino
San Francisco's signature seafood stew has roots in the Italian fishing community of North Beach and Fisherman's Wharf. November's cooler evenings and the start of crab season make it a natural fit. The tomato-based broth is loaded with Dungeness crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and firm white fish. It tends to arrive at the table in a wide bowl with crusty sourdough for dipping. Restaurants along the Wharf and in North Beach have been serving versions of it for over a century.

In markets

Chanterelle mushrooms
Wild chanterelle mushrooms foraged from the coastal forests north of San Francisco appear at farmers markets and on restaurant menus starting in November, once the rains begin. They have an earthy, slightly peppery flavor and a golden color that looks right at home next to autumn squash. You'll find them at the Ferry Building Saturday market and on seasonal menus at farm-to-table restaurants in the Mission and Hayes Valley.

Regular events in November

SF Craft Beer Week

A multi-day series of tap takeovers, brewery tours, and tasting events at breweries and bars across San Francisco, including spots in SoMa, the Mission, and Dogpatch.

Early to mid-November

Illuminate SF Festival of LightFree

Light art installations appear across San Francisco's waterfront and downtown starting in November. The Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge, a permanent LED installation spanning the western span's cables, is the centerpiece. Other pieces illuminate the Embarcadero and Ferry Building area.

Throughout November and December

San Francisco International Hip Hop DanceFest

One of the longest-running hip hop dance festivals in the country, held at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. Multiple dance crews perform over 2-3 evenings of competition and showcase.

Mid-November

Thanksgiving at the WharfFree

Fisherman's Wharf hosts a Thanksgiving-themed weekend with seasonal food vendors, local artisan markets, and live music. The event runs the weekend before Thanksgiving and draws a local crowd alongside visitors.

Weekend before Thanksgiving

Best places this November

Ferry Building Marketplace
food and market
The 1898 Beaux-Arts ferry terminal at the foot of Market Street houses permanent food vendors, a Saturday farmers market, and some of the best local food shops in the city. November brings fall produce, fresh crab, and seasonal baked goods. The building's arched nave smells like fresh bread and roasted coffee on cold mornings.
Embarcadero
Mission District murals and Balmy Alley
culture and street art
The Mission District's mural tradition dates to the 1970s Chicano art movement, and Balmy Alley between 24th and 25th Streets holds the densest collection. The colors pop against gray November skies. After the Día de los Muertos celebration, you'll still see remnants of altars and marigold petals along 24th Street.
Mission District
Golden Gate Park
park and museums
The 412-hectare park stretches from the Haight-Ashbury to the Pacific Ocean. November brings autumn color to the eastern end near the Conservatory of Flowers, and the Botanical Garden's California section shows off native plants adapted to the wet season. The park is less crowded than summer, and the de Young Museum and California Academy of Sciences sit near the park's center.
Inner Sunset / Richmond
Sutro Baths ruins and Lands End
historic site and coastal trail
The ruins of the 1896 Sutro Baths sit at the northwest tip of San Francisco where the Pacific meets the Golden Gate. In November, high surf crashes into the remains, and the coastal trail above offers some of the most dramatic views in the city. The nearby Cliff House site overlooks Ocean Beach. Wind can be fierce here.
Outer Richmond
Chinatown
neighborhood and food
San Francisco's Chinatown, centered on Grant Avenue and Stockton Street, is the oldest in North America. November's cooler weather makes it a good time for dim sum and hot pot. The narrow alleys like Ross Alley and Waverly Place hold temples, herbalists, and bakeries that have been here for decades. The fortune cookie was popularized here.
Chinatown
The Presidio
park and history
This former military post turned national park covers 600 hectares at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge. November hiking on the Batteries to Bluffs trail or the Ecology Trail is quiet and scenic, with Monterey cypress and eucalyptus lining the paths. The Walt Disney Family Museum and the Officers' Club are good rain-day stops within the park.
Presidio
Twin Peaks
viewpoint
The 282-meter summit of Twin Peaks offers a 360-degree panorama of San Francisco, the Bay, and the Pacific. November's clear days, which tend to cluster after storms pass, produce some of the sharpest visibility of the year. Sunset from up here on a clear evening, with the city lights starting to flicker on, is worth the wind chill.
Twin Peaks
North Beach and City Lights Bookstore
neighborhood and culture
San Francisco's Italian-American neighborhood is home to City Lights Bookstore, founded in 1953 by Lawrence Ferlinghetti and a landmark of the Beat Generation. November evenings are good for browsing the stacks, then walking to one of the neighborhood's old-school Italian restaurants for a warm plate of pasta. The smell of garlic and fresh bread drifts from the restaurant row on Columbus Avenue.
North Beach

Your packing checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.

0 of 8 packed

Waterproof shell jacketWind-resistant and breathable. San Francisco rain is light but persistent, and the wind along the waterfront makes an umbrella unreliable on its own.Shop
Medium-weight fleece or wool sweaterThe 10-16°C temperature range calls for a solid mid-layer. Merino wool handles the damp well.Shop
Waterproof walking shoes or bootsSan Francisco's hills get slippery when wet. Grippy soles matter more here than in flat cities.Shop
Compact wind-resistant umbrellaA flimsy travel umbrella will invert at the Golden Gate Bridge or Lands End in about 3 seconds. Bring one rated for wind.Shop
Light scarf or buffThe wind at exposed viewpoints like Twin Peaks, Hawk Hill, and the Golden Gate Bridge pedestrian path cuts right through jackets. A scarf covers the gap.Shop
Jeans or long pantsShorts are not practical in November San Francisco. The damp chill and wind make bare legs uncomfortable by late afternoon.Shop
Warm evening layerA heavier jacket or insulated vest for evening waterfront walks, Alcatraz ferry rides, or outdoor dining. The temperature drops noticeably after 4 PM.Shop
Daypack with rain coverUseful for carrying layers as you shed them when the sun breaks through. A rain cover keeps electronics dry during surprise showers.Shop

Insider tips

The Dungeness crab at the outdoor stands along Fisherman's Wharf is generally the same quality as what you'll get at a sit-down restaurant nearby, at a fraction of the cost. Locals tend to buy whole crabs to take home rather than eating at the Wharf, so weekday afternoons have the shortest lines.
San Francisco's microclimates are extreme in November. The Mission District can be 5°C warmer and drier than the Sunset District on the same afternoon. If it's raining on the west side of the city, check the Mission or SoMa before giving up on outdoor plans.
The 24th Street BART station puts you directly in the Día de los Muertos procession route. If you're coming for the November 2nd celebration, take BART instead of driving. Street parking in the Mission disappears entirely that evening.
The California Academy of Sciences NightLife events on Thursday evenings are adults-only (21+) with cocktails and music. They're a different experience from the daytime family visits, and the rainforest dome at night, with the lights dimmed and the birds quiet, feels almost eerie.
If the Golden Gate Bridge pedestrian path is too windy, drive across to the Marin Headlands instead. Battery Spencer, about 2 minutes past the bridge's north end, gives you the classic Bridge-plus-city photo without the wind tunnel of being on the bridge itself.

Avoid these mistakes

Packing for California sunshine. November in San Francisco is not Southern California. Visitors who arrive in shorts and sandals are cold and wet by noon. The average high is 16°C, and the wind makes it feel colder.
Skipping Alcatraz because they assume tickets are available day-of. Even in the lower-traffic month of November, Alcatraz tours sell out days in advance. Book ahead through the official site.
Assuming all of San Francisco has the same weather at the same time. The city's microclimates mean the Sunset District might be socked in with fog while the Mission District is clear and warm. Check conditions neighborhood by neighborhood.
Eating only at Fisherman's Wharf. The Wharf has its place for fresh crab, but the city's best food tends to be in the Mission, Hayes Valley, North Beach, and the Inner Sunset. Limiting yourself to the waterfront means missing most of what San Francisco's food scene offers.
Planning all-outdoor itineraries with no rain backup. November averages 7 rainy days, and the rain can last all day. Have at least one strong indoor option (SFMOMA, the de Young, the Academy of Sciences) ready for each day.

Practical tips for November

Layer up and carry a waterproof jacket every day, even if the morning looks clear. San Francisco weather in November can shift from sunshine to drizzle within an hour, and the wind along the waterfront and at elevated viewpoints like Twin Peaks adds a real chill. Book Alcatraz tickets and any Thanksgiving-week restaurant reservations well in advance. MUNI and BART cover most of the city, and driving is often more hassle than it's worth given the steep hills, limited parking, and one-way streets. If you're renting a car for trips north to Muir Woods or the wine country, pick it up only for the days you'll leave the city. November daylight is limited, with sunset around 5 PM, so start outdoor activities early and save indoor museums and restaurants for late afternoon.

FAQ

Is November a good time to visit San Francisco?

November is a solid shoulder-season choice. You'll get lower hotel rates, fewer crowds at spots like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, and the opening of Dungeness crab season. The trade-off is rain, with about 7 rainy days and 78mm of precipitation on average. If you're flexible with your plans and have indoor backups ready, November can be genuinely rewarding. It ranks around 8th out of 12 months for visiting.

How cold does San Francisco get in November?

The average high is 16.2°C (61°F) and the average low is 9.9°C (50°F). It rarely drops below 7°C (45°F), but the wind chill along the waterfront, the Golden Gate Bridge, and elevated viewpoints like Twin Peaks can make it feel considerably colder. Layering is more important than heavy winter gear.

Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in November?

November averages about 78mm of rain spread across roughly 7 days. When it rains, it tends to be a steady, all-day drizzle rather than a quick tropical downpour. Some years November stays mostly dry, others are quite wet. You might get a week of clear skies followed by several days of persistent gray rain.

Is Dungeness crab available in San Francisco in November?

The commercial Dungeness crab season typically opens in mid-November, though the exact date varies and has occasionally been delayed due to environmental conditions. Once the season opens, fresh crab appears at restaurants, fish markets, and waterfront stands across the city within days. The first weeks of the season tend to draw the most excitement.

What should I pack for San Francisco in November?

A waterproof, wind-resistant jacket is the most important item. Layer a medium-weight fleece or wool sweater underneath. Bring waterproof walking shoes with good grip for the steep, wet sidewalks. An umbrella rated for wind, long pants, and a light scarf for exposed viewpoints round out the essentials. Leave the shorts and sandals at home.