Average Temperature in San Francisco in July
August 27, 2026·MyPerfectStay
The average high in San Francisco in July is about 71°F (21.7°C), the average low is about 55°F (13°C), and the July mean is near 64°F (17.9°C). That's mild weather, not hot summer weather, so pack for layers rather than heat.
The popular advice to “dress for summer” is misleading here. San Francisco's July climate is defined by cool mornings, modest afternoon warmth, Pacific wind, and evenings that can feel distinctly chilly near the water. The city's summer label is accurate on the calendar, but not in the way visitors from inland Europe, the Middle East, or much of the United States expect.
The practical answer is simple: bring light daytime clothing, a proper jacket, and shoes suited to walking. Leave the heavy coat behind, but don't leave your accommodation without a layer.
Table of Contents
- Why San Francisco in July Is Not the Summer You Expect
- Average High, Low, and Daily Mean for July
- How the Marine Layer Shapes San Francisco Summer
- How July Compares to June and August
- What a Typical July Day Actually Feels Like
- Microclimate Differences Across the City
- What to Pack for San Francisco in July
- Quick Reference for San Francisco July Weather
- Common July Planning Questions Answered
Why San Francisco in July Is Not the Summer You Expect
San Francisco's July is the city's mildest version of summer, and the Pacific is responsible. Cold ocean water and the marine layer limit afternoon warming, while coastal wind keeps exposed streets feeling cooler than a forecast suggests. The result is a pronounced shift between sunlit daytime conditions and chilly evenings, especially near the waterfront.
July can deliver clear skies downtown while fog sits over the western districts. The marine layer often arrives overnight, lingers through the morning, then retreats as inland areas warm. It may return quickly in the afternoon when onshore winds strengthen. A bright start does not guarantee a warm finish.
The misleading summer label
Shorts and sandals suit a sunny afternoon in sheltered neighborhoods. They become poor choices early in the day, after sunset, and along open streets exposed to ocean wind. Pack a light jacket you can carry comfortably, not a heavy coat you will resent.
San Francisco rewards flexible plans. Fog can shape the morning near Ocean Beach, sunshine can reach downtown later, and the same day can end with a cold walk along the Embarcadero. Treat the city as a group of microclimates rather than one uniform weather zone.
Practical rule: Dress for the coldest part of your day, not the warmest forecast number.
That mildness is a genuine advantage. Walking, sightseeing, and outdoor dining are rarely disrupted by oppressive heat, but comfort depends on having a layer available. A San Francisco July feels pleasant because it stays moderate, changes quickly, and refuses to behave like conventional summer weather. Check the July climate averages for San Francisco for the broader monthly pattern, then plan around the marine layer rather than the calendar.
Average High, Low, and Daily Mean for July
San Francisco's July “summer” is mild by design. The average temperature in San Francisco in July sits near 71°F (21.7°C) for the high, 55°F (13°C) for the low, and 64°F (17.9°C) for the daily mean. The National Weather Service uses San Francisco International Airport as the city's official climate station, and its 1991–2020 normals for July are an average maximum of 72.6°F, an average minimum of 56°F, and a mean of 64°F. July 2026 came in close to that: a mean of 64.2°F, an average maximum of 71.3°F, and an average minimum of 57.2°F, per the monthly climate report issued 1 August 2026. That page always shows the most recent month, so the figures move as the season does.
Station location accounts for most of the spread between summaries, and the gap is large enough to matter. The downtown NOAA/NCEI record, gathered near Buchanan and Hermann Streets, gives an average July high of about 66°F and a low of about 54°F, according to the downtown San Francisco July averages. The airport, sheltered on the bay side, runs several degrees warmer. For planning, use the pattern rather than chase a single supposedly exact number: afternoons stay cool to mild, and evenings turn cool quickly.
| Metric | °F | °C |
|---|---|---|
| Average high | About 71°F | About 21.7°C |
| Average low | About 55°F | About 13°C |
| Daily mean | About 64°F | About 17.9°C |
What the extremes tell you
Monthly averages hide San Francisco's occasional departures from the norm. Across the airport station's 1927–2026 record, July has reached 105°F (17 July 1988) and fallen to 44°F (29 July 1951), so a typical forecast does not cover every possible day. The San Francisco July weather summary places the usual pattern near 17.9°C / 64.2°F, with highs near 22.8°C / 73°F and lows near 13°C / 55°F, and notes that the warmest July days normally top out near 30°C (86°F) rather than anywhere near the record.
The Pacific remains cold, with the July sea temperature averaging about 13°C (55°F) and the annual average sitting at 12.9°C. That temperature matters even if swimming is not on your itinerary. Cold coastal water supports the marine layer and sharpens wind along the waterfront.
Pack for the low, not the headline high. A shirt may work during a sheltered afternoon, but a light jacket earns its place once the wind rises or your evening plans take you outdoors.
How the Marine Layer Shapes San Francisco Summer
July is San Francisco's mildest kind of summer. The Pacific keeps daytime heat in check, while the day-to-night swing makes the city feel colder than a single average high suggests. Cold coastal water chills air near the surface, and warmer air over land draws that cooler air inland. The result is a marine layer of fog, low cloud, and damp wind.
The daily pattern is usually predictable:
- Overnight cooling: Temperatures drop after sunset, especially in coastal neighborhoods and on exposed hills.
- Morning marine layer: Fog or low cloud often settles over the western side and may spread inland.
- Partial clearing: Sun can reach central neighborhoods while the coast stays gray.
- Afternoon sea breeze: As land warms, cooler air moves inland and wind often strengthens later in the day.
- Evening return: After sunset, the marine air becomes more noticeable again.
This cycle creates the city's pronounced temperature swing. The marine layer limits afternoon warmth, while ocean-cooled air prevents nighttime temperatures from retaining much of the day's heat. July remains mild overall, but nights can feel distinctly cold, especially near the coast.
Fog doesn't follow the city map
Fog changes by neighborhood and by day. The Sunset and Richmond districts face the Pacific directly, while downtown and the Mission may clear sooner or warm faster when the marine layer weakens. A morning near Ocean Beach can feel wintry, then turn comfortably mild around Union Square.
The key distinction is air temperature versus felt temperature. Wind removes warmth from exposed skin, and damp fog makes moderate conditions feel colder when you are standing still. Bring a jacket for July. That is practical planning, not overpacking.
The marine layer should shape your sightseeing strategy. Keep plans flexible, carry an extra layer in your day bag, and treat a gray morning as a local weather pattern rather than a forecast for the entire city. The Current climate data for San Francisco in July also reflects July's mild profile, including the possibility of notably cool nights.
How July Compares to June and August
July is San Francisco's mildest “summer” month in name only. June runs cooler, while August nearly mirrors July. The small differences matter less than the daily swing between cool mornings, moderate afternoons, and chilly evenings.
On the 1991–2020 normals, June's daily mean is roughly 63°F, with an average high near 72°F and a low near 54°F. July reaches a mean near 64°F, an average high around 73°F, and an average low around 55°F. August edges slightly warmer, with a high near 74°F, a low near 56°F, and a mean around 65°F. The San Francisco monthly climate table shows how narrow that summer range is: about two degrees Fahrenheit separates the three months' means.
| Metric | June | July | August |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | About 72°F | About 73°F | About 74°F |
| Average low | About 54°F | About 55°F | About 56°F |
| Daily mean | About 63°F | About 64°F | About 65°F |
July and August are statistical twins
For the warmest daytime conditions in San Francisco's coastal summer, choose September rather than July. September's average high reaches 24.2°C (76°F) against July's 22.8°C, making it the warmest month on the same climate table. The city's warmer spells often arrive later than visitors expect, after the traditional summer peak.
Rainfall reinforces July's dry-season pattern. June averages roughly 0.2 inches, while July and August typically receive only a trace, according to the San Francisco July climate overview. Plan for dry sightseeing, but pack for cool air. Dry weather does not make San Francisco hot.
Treat July and August as near-neighbors. Either month works well for walking, provided you plan around neighborhood exposure, wind, and evening activities instead of chasing a midsummer heat peak. July offers no reliable advantage over August for warmth, so choose based on your itinerary and tolerance for cool coastal conditions.
What a Typical July Day Actually Feels Like
A typical July day starts cool and often looks less summery than the calendar suggests. At 6 a.m., expect overcast conditions in many western neighborhoods, with patchy fog around the Sunset and Richmond and temperatures in the mid-50s°F. Downtown can feel slightly more open, but it won't usually feel warm.
By 9 a.m., the marine layer may begin thinning in central areas. Downtown readings climb into the upper 50s°F, while the western districts can remain gray and cooler. This is the wrong time for a single outfit decision if you're planning to cross the city.
The afternoon comfort window
Around noon, fog often burns off in many neighborhoods, and temperatures reach the low to mid-60s°F. The most comfortable sightseeing window usually arrives from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., when inland and sheltered districts can reach the upper 60s°F to low 70s°F.
That warmth is neighborhood-dependent. Downtown streets can feel pleasant in direct sun, while Ocean Beach and Lands End remain breezy. Golden Gate Park can also feel cooler than exposed urban blocks because of its western position and open green spaces.
At 5 p.m., the wind commonly picks up from the Pacific and readings slide back toward the low 60s°F. The timing matters if you're planning a long waterfront walk or an outdoor meal. A light jacket that seemed unnecessary at lunch can become the item you're most grateful for before dinner.
By 8 p.m., coastal neighborhoods may fall into the high 50s°F, while sheltered locations such as the Mission can remain near 62°F. At midnight, readings near 55°F are entirely plausible. That's why a compact layer belongs in your day bag even when the afternoon forecast looks comfortable.
San Francisco July rewards travelers who carry one extra layer and punishes those who dress for the postcard version of summer.
Microclimate Differences Across the City
San Francisco's official station readings help with broad planning, but they cannot describe every neighborhood. Pacific exposure, hills, pavement, wind channels, and shifting fog boundaries produce sharp local contrasts within a short distance.
SFO sits south of the city on the sheltered bay side, not the ocean side, and its July normals run near 72°F for the high and near 56°F for the low — several degrees warmer by day than the downtown station. City neighborhoods can feel markedly different again. Airport or downtown conditions are a poor stand-in for Ocean Beach, the Mission, or Twin Peaks.
| Neighborhood | Typical July High (°F) | Typical July Low (°F) | Marine-Layer Exposure |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFO and the bayside airport zone | Near 72°F | Near 56°F | Moderate |
| Sunset and Richmond | Cooler than downtown | Cool | Very high |
| Financial District and SoMa | Low 70s on sunny afternoons | Mild | Lower |
| Mission | Warmer than the coast | Mild | Sheltered |
| Twin Peaks and southwest slopes | Upper 70s to low 80s during offshore flow | Variable | Mixed and exposed |
West versus shelter
The Sunset and Richmond districts face the Pacific directly. Sea breeze and fog can keep afternoon highs 5°F to 10°F below downtown, particularly while the marine layer remains in place. Ocean Beach, Lands End, and western Golden Gate Park are the neighborhoods most likely to deliver a cool, gray July afternoon.
The Financial District and SoMa warm more readily under clear skies. Dense buildings and paved surfaces retain and reflect heat, while the Mission sits farther from the direct westerly flow. Radiant pavement can push Mission readings 4°F to 7°F above the coast.
These differences matter more than the citywide label. A sunny Mission afternoon does not predict conditions at Ocean Beach later the same day.
Hills change the equation again
Twin Peaks and sun-exposed southwestern slopes can run 8°F to 12°F warmer than the Sunset on the same day. During offshore flow, those areas can reach the upper 70s°F to low 80s°F, creating a completely different experience from the nearby fog belt.
Plan around your route, not only your destination. A day linking the Golden Gate, Ocean Beach, downtown, and the Mission crosses several thermal zones. Carry a versatile layer, because one citywide forecast cannot account for every block.
What to Pack for San Francisco in July
Pack for a 71°F afternoon, a 55°F night, and wind that can make both feel cooler. The right suitcase is light, flexible, and built around layers. Heavy winter clothing is unnecessary, but a single thin top won't carry you through a full day across the city.
Daytime basics
For sunny or sheltered afternoons, wear a short-sleeve base with breathable pants or shorts. Add sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen, especially when the marine layer clears and you spend time outside.
Choose fabrics that handle changing conditions. A breathable shirt works downtown, while lightweight trousers are more versatile than shorts if you're moving between the Mission, the waterfront, and the western districts.
- Daytime: Short-sleeve base, breathable pants or shorts, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Evening: Medium-weight jacket, fleece, or hoodie, plus closed shoes.
- Windy coast: Windbreaker, long pants, and a light beanie for Ocean Beach, Lands End, and the Cliff House area.
- Walking: Cushioned shoes with grippy soles are a better choice than sandals on long urban routes and damp morning pavement.
The layer that earns its space
Evenings deserve more attention than most packing lists give them. Readings can drop by roughly 16°F between the average afternoon high and average low, and waterfront gusts amplify the chill. Bring a jacket that fits over your daytime top without becoming a burden when the sun returns.
An umbrella is poor use of luggage space. July is San Francisco's driest month, and both the downtown record and the citywide climate table put July rainfall at zero. A packable rain shell is optional at best, while a wind-resistant layer is very useful.
If you're comparing coastal packing strategies, the same principle applies to weather in San Diego in March, though San Francisco's July wind and evening chill demand more layering discipline. Leave the heavy coat at home, but never leave without a compact layer.
Quick Reference for San Francisco July Weather
Bookmark these figures before you pack. The average temperature in San Francisco in July is near 64°F (17.9°C), with an average high of about 71°F (21.7°C) and an average low near 55°F (13°C). The typical daily range is roughly 16°F, and the airport station's full 1927–2026 record spans 44°F to 105°F — extremes you are very unlikely to meet.
Rainfall is effectively zero: the downtown record shows no rain at all in a normal July. The city averages about 66 percent sunshine and 14 hours 27 minutes of daylight a day this month, and July is also its windiest, at about 11 mph.
At-a-glance rules
- Average high: About 71°F (21.7°C).
- Average low: About 55°F (13°C).
- Mean temperature: About 64°F (17.9°C).
- Rainfall: Near zero, with July among the driest months.
- Seasonal comparison: June is cooler, while July and August are near-parity months.
- Western districts: Expect cooler conditions under persistent marine layer and fog.
- Sheltered neighborhoods: The Mission and nearby inland-facing areas can feel warmer than the coast.
- Evening routes: The Embarcadero and Twin Peaks can cool quickly once the sun drops.
Any route that crosses the city moves between exposed shoreline and sheltered urban streets, so plan your layers around the neighborhoods you will actually stand in. Check the specific areas on your itinerary through destination planning resources.
Common July Planning Questions Answered
Will it rain? July is San Francisco's driest month. The downtown climate summary records no rain days at all in a normal July, and heavy rainstorms are not expected. Leave the umbrella at home. A rain shell is rarely necessary, but a windbreaker is useful — July is also the city's windiest month.
Can I swim in the ocean? The July sea temperature averages about 13°C (55°F), and the same source is blunt about it: the sea here is very cold for swimming all year. That's wetsuit water, not casual swimming water. Plan beach time around walking, views, and sunbathing unless you're properly equipped.
Do I need sunscreen? Yes. Wear SPF 30+ when the fog clears, because cool air can disguise strong sun exposure.
When should I spend time outdoors? Late morning through early evening is the most reliable comfort window. Western neighborhoods are generally better from roughly 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the Mission and downtown can work from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Golden Gate Park may feel several degrees cooler than downtown, so bring one extra layer.
If you're building a longer coastal itinerary, check the practical driving time from LA to San Francisco before fixing your schedule — arriving late in the day means arriving into the cool part of it.
MyPerfectStay helps groups turn conflicting travel preferences into a clear shared plan, from choosing San Francisco experiences to organizing a day that works across different energy levels and budgets. Visit MyPerfectStay to compare activities, vote with your group, and build an itinerary that leaves room for San Francisco's shifting July microclimates.