San Francisco weather in May
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 2 rainy days across the month, on average.
In may, San Francisco settles into its quieter, cooler pace. The city keeps a different pulse than in summer or midwinter, and travellers who arrive with the right expectations are rewarded.
Days average around 18°C (64°F), cooling to 11°C after sunset. Rain is rare enough that you can plan without a contingency. Long days of sunshine reward early starts.
These figures are climatological averages, drawn from a decade of daily records via the Open-Meteo Archive — not a forecast. But they are honest, and they are the sort of thing a good travel guide ought to tell you before you book the flight.
What to pack for San Francisco in May
- •A light layer for cool mornings and evenings
- •Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes
- •A small daypack that won't look like a tourist beacon
What to pack for San Francisco in May
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Where to stay in San Francisco
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in San Francisco across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→May vs. the rest of the year
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highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit San Francisco
May is one of the best months to visit San Francisco — alongside June, July, August. Ten-year climate data confirms it: comfortable temperatures, manageable rainfall, and a healthy dose of sunshine.
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for San FranciscoOther places with a similar climate right now
San Francisco in May — FAQ
Q01Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
Is May a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In May, San Francisco averages a high of 18°C (64°F) and a low of 11°C (53°F), with 16mm of rainfall across roughly 2 rainy days.
Q02What is the average temperature in San Francisco in May?
What is the average temperature in San Francisco in May?
The average high temperature in San Francisco during May is 18°C (64°F), with an average low of 11°C (53°F). These figures are averaged from ten years of daily records (2015–2024, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does San Francisco have in May?
How many rainy days does San Francisco have in May?
San Francisco averages approximately 2 rainy days in May, with a total monthly rainfall of about 16mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for San Francisco in May?
What should I pack for San Francisco in May?
For San Francisco in May, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on the ten-year weather averages for this specific month.
Q05How crowded is San Francisco in May?
How crowded is San Francisco in May?
Tourist crowds in San Francisco during May are typically moderate — shoulder season, a sweet spot between crowds and weather. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely.