San Francisco weather in March 2026

March mornings in San Francisco feel damp and cool—expect highs around 16°C (61°F) and lows hovering at 9°C (48°F). You'll get roughly 87mm of rain spread across 10 days, so it's not constant drizzle but rather scattered showers that punctuate the month. What makes March interesting is the sunshine: you're looking at 9.5 hours per day, which means afternoons often clear up and feel genuinely pleasant, especially if you're on a hill overlooking the bay. The wind picks up as it does most months, but March doesn't have the bone-chilling edge of February.

The city feels caught between seasons. Cherry blossoms are just starting around Golden Gate Park, and locals begin venturing outdoors again after winter. Crowds at major attractions like Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge are noticeably lighter than summer, and restaurant reservations are easier to snag. Prices for hotels and flights are moderate—you're past peak winter rates but not yet into spring-break territory. The waterfront can feel brisk and a bit raw on windy days, but neighborhoods like the Mission and Hayes Valley have cafes spilling onto patios by mid-afternoon.

Historically, March in San Francisco has remained fairly consistent over the past decade. Rainfall patterns haven't shifted dramatically, and temperatures tend to align with the 16–9°C range year to year. 2026 is tracking normally for the season, so you won't encounter unusual extremes. The month does occasionally surprise with a warm spell mid-March, pushing highs toward 18–19°C, but cold snaps can pull things back down just as quickly.

March suits travelers who don't mind layering and appreciate fewer tourists. Photographers love the soft light and dramatic cloud formations. If you're planning hikes around the Bay Area, the trails are usually dry enough by late March. Families find it manageable because kids aren't confined to rainy-day activities every single day. Budget travelers benefit from lower accommodation prices in 2026. Pack flexibility into your itinerary—have indoor backup plans, but don't skip outdoor exploration.