San Francisco in November

November works well for travelers who prefer fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. It suits those comfortable packing layers and planning for some indoor time alongside outdoor sightseeing.

The Weather in November

November brings a high of 19 degrees Celsius and a low of 7 degrees Celsius to San Francisco, marking a significant shift from the summer peak. July and August both reach 32 degrees Celsius at their warmest, making November feel cool by comparison. At the other end of the year, January and December drop to around 15 degrees Celsius during the day, so November sits between these extremes.

Rainfall measures 33 millimetres on average, signaling the start of the wetter season. Humidity holds at 76 percent, and daylight shrinks to 9.9 hours per day. The evenings and early mornings will feel noticeably brisk, and you should not expect long summer-like days for sightseeing.

The City This Month

November means quieter streets compared to the busy summer months. Attractions see fewer visitors, and restaurants and hotels may offer better availability. The reduced crowds make it easier to move through popular areas at a relaxed pace.

Veterans Day falls on November 11 and Thanksgiving on November 26. Some businesses, museums, and attractions close on these federal holidays, so it is worth checking ahead before visiting. The closures also mean lighter traffic on those specific days, which can work in your favour for getting around.

With 9.9 hours of daylight, you lose several hours of usable outdoor time compared to summer. Morning starts come later in terms of useful light, and evenings arrive sooner. This shorter window affects how you schedule sightseeing, particularly outdoor activities.

What to See

The Golden Gate Bridge, opened in 1937, is a road bridge that ranks among the most photographed structures in the city. November offers a quieter approach to the bridge and its surrounding areas, though fog can roll in during the mornings. Bring a layer for wind and potential dampness.

Golden Gate Park, an urban park opened in 1870, stretches across a large area and contains gardens, lakes, and walking paths. Autumn foliage adds colour to the park grounds. Wet paths are possible, so waterproof footwear is advisable.

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, an art museum opened in 1935, provides a dry and climate-controlled environment for several hours of viewing. The shorter days and rain make this a logical choice for part of your itinerary, especially if the weather turns wet.

The Transamerica Pyramid, opened in 1969, is an office building that shapes the city skyline. It sits in the Financial District and can be appreciated from nearby streets or viewpoints. Interior access for visitors is limited, but the exterior view remains a straightforward stop.

Planning the Days

With limited daylight and possible rain, mornings become the most reliable window for outdoor sightseeing. Head outside early when light is best and the city feels less crowded. Save museums and indoor attractions for the afternoon or for days when rain arrives.

Evenings cool quickly to around 7 degrees Celsius or lower. Restaurants, bars, and indoor venues become the natural focus after dark. Dress in layers that you can add or remove as you move between the cool outdoors and heated interiors.

A mix of outdoor and indoor activities each day keeps plans flexible. November weather in San Francisco can shift between dry and damp within hours, so an itinerary that allows you to pivot helps. Having at least one backup option for wet weather ensures you can still enjoy the city if rain arrives.

Practical Notes

The currency is the United States dollar. Card payments are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for smaller vendors and tips remains useful.

English is the primary language. You should not encounter significant language barriers in tourist areas, hotels, or restaurants.

Pack layers including a warm jacket, sweaters, and long trousers. A light rain jacket or waterproof outer layer handles both the damp air and occasional rain. Comfortable walking shoes that handle wet conditions are advisable. The range from 7 to 19 degrees Celsius means you will need different weights of clothing throughout the day.

What to pack

• A warm jacket for temperatures that drop to 7 degrees Celsius in the evenings
• Layers including sweaters and long trousers for variable daytime conditions
• Waterproof outer layer or rain jacket for the 33 millimetres of expected rainfall
• Comfortable walking shoes suited for damp and uneven paths
• A smaller day bag to carry layers as you move between indoors and outdoors

Questions