
San Francisco climate in November 2026
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 7 rainy days across the month, on average.
November in San Francisco feels like the city exhaling. Daytime highs average 16.7°C (62°F) with mornings dipping to 10°C (50°F), making layering essential. You'll see about 61.7mm of rain spread across roughly 7 days, so showers are scattered rather than relentless—mornings often break clear by mid-morning. Sunshine clocks in at 8.4 hours daily, enough to warm your face on a walk through the Mission but not enough to skip a jacket. The air carries that crisp Pacific bite, especially near the Golden Gate, and evenings cool quickly after sunset.
The city shifts into a quieter rhythm. Summer's tourist crush has evaporated, cable cars have breathing room, and restaurants stop fighting for reservations. Locals reclaim their neighborhoods. You'll catch the tail end of fall foliage in Golden Gate Park, and the Ferry Building Marketplace feels genuinely local again. Street fairs thin out, but that's when independent galleries and smaller museums get your undivided attention. Hotel rates drop noticeably—mid-range rooms hover 20-30% below summer pricing. It's the month when San Francisco remembers it's a working city, not just a postcard.
Over the past decade, November has remained reliably mild for the Bay Area. 2026 conditions track close to the historical norm—no dramatic warming or cooling shifts. Rainfall patterns have stayed consistent, though climate data suggests slightly fewer rain days in some recent years. If anything, this November should feel like the San Francisco locals expect: cool, occasionally wet, but rarely harsh.
November suits travelers who want the real city without the performance. Photographers thrive here—soft light, minimal haze, dramatic skies. Hikers find Marin trails perfect (muddy in spots, but manageable). Families appreciate uncrowded museums and parks. Budget-conscious travelers get the most value in 2026—lower accommodation costs and shorter queues everywhere. Pack layers, bring a compact rain jacket, and plan for introspection as much as sightseeing.
The fog has a name — Karl — and it belongs to Twitter. Neighborhoods change climate zones within blocks: Noe Valley bakes while the Outer Sunset shivers. Never call it 'San Fran' or 'Frisco' — locals will correct you to 'SF' or 'the city.' The Mission burrito is not a wrap; it's foil-swaddled and eaten from one end, and La Taqueria doesn't put rice in theirs, which is the whole argument.
What to pack for San Francisco in November
Layer up for cool mornings and crisp afternoons. November demands flexibility: shed pieces as the day warms, rebuild your cocoon as evening falls. Rain is occasional but genuine, so waterproof protection matters. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable—San Francisco's hills punish flimsy footwear.
- Lightweight merino wool sweater
- Water-resistant rain jacket
- Dark jeans or wool trousers
- Waterproof walking boots or trail shoes
- Cashmere or wool scarf
What to pack for San Francisco in November
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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→Estimated November trip to San Francisco
Off-season pricing — good value if the weather works for you. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to San Francisco?
Flights to San Francisco in November can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Golden Gate Park strolls, Marin Headlands hiking, Ferry Building farmer's market browsing, Mission District gallery hopping and vintage shopping.
November vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in San Francisco. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit San Francisco
While November has its own character in San Francisco, the data-backed best months to visit San Francisco are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for San FranciscoOther places with a similar climate right now
San Francisco in November — FAQ
Q01Is November a good time to visit San Francisco?
Is November a good time to visit San Francisco?
Yes — it is a good time to visit, with pleasant, comfortable weather. In November, San Francisco averages a high of 17°C (62°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F), with 62mm of rainfall across roughly 7 rainy days. September-October is 'Indian Summer' when the fog retreats and the city sees its only real warm weather; Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fills Golden Gate Park.
Q02What is the average temperature in San Francisco in November?
What is the average temperature in San Francisco in November?
The average high temperature in San Francisco during November is 17°C (62°F), with an average low of 10°C (50°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive).
Q03How many rainy days does San Francisco have in November?
How many rainy days does San Francisco have in November?
San Francisco averages approximately 7 rainy days in November, with a total monthly rainfall of about 62mm. 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 November?
What should I pack for San Francisco in November?
For San Francisco in November, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. Windproof shell layer — Karl the Fog rolls through the Sunset at 40mph even in July while downtown stays clear.
Q05How crowded is San Francisco in November?
How crowded is San Francisco in November?
Tourist crowds in San Francisco during November are typically moderate. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. The fog has a name — Karl — and it belongs to Twitter. Neighborhoods change climate zones within blocks: Noe Valley bakes while the Outer Sunset shivers. Never call it 'San Fran' or 'Frisco' — locals will correct you to 'SF' or 'the city.' The Mission burrito is not a wrap; it's foil-swaddled and eaten from one end, and La Taqueria doesn't put rice in theirs, which is the whole argument.



