What to Expect from San Francisco in July
By July, San Francisco's typical weather pattern includes lots of fog and on the average, you'll encounter fewer days of sunshine than in the spring or fall. That fog is wet and the winds that accompany it make it all feel much cooler than the thermometer reading might imply.
"Isn't this California?" you may ask. Of course it is, but think about it - all those television shows and movies that gave you the idea that that whole state is sunny were filmed in Los Angeles, weren't they?
For the same reasons, July isn't the best of months to go to the beach in San Francisco. It's likely to be gray and foggy, and the water is frigid.
San Francisco Weather in July
Average High Temperature: 69°F/21°C
Average Low Temperature: 55°F/13°C
Rain & Clouds Index: 0.04 inches (0.1 cm) rain, 66% sunshine
What Pack, What to Wear in July
Many visitors find it hard to believe, but July is not the months for shorts and tank tops in San Francisco. Cold fog and breezes can easily make Fourth of July night can feel colder than New Year's Eve. To watch San Francisco's Fourth of July fireworks, I wear warm, full-length pants and take 3 to 4 layers of long-sleeved shirts and/or sweatshirts. If you aren't prepared for it with proper clothing, you will most likely be improving the local economy by purchasing warmer clothes from a street vendor. Or heading for a warmer spot before the fireworks start.
Foggy, gray skies often make visitors from other areas think it's going to rain, but July is one of the driest months. You're not likely to need an umbrella or rain coat, but the fog can make you damp and miserable, so a hooded jacket is a good idea.
San Francisco July Events
- Independence Day in San Francisco: There's a day-long celebration, capped by twin fireworks displays over the waterfront.
- Fillmore Jazz Festival: Jazz music is the focus here, along with some great food.
- San Francisco Marathon: Runners in this unique, urban marathon get a good tour of the city - which can make it hard for the rest of us to get around until they're done.
Especially Fun in July
Summer is the time for outdoor concerts and June through August is the season for the Stern Grove Festival. You can't beat the performers, the price (free) or the laid-back San Francisco ambiance at this outdoor summer concert series.If you get caught feeling half-frozen on a foggy day, it's a good time to try one of the real San Francisco treats. Irish coffee first landed on US shores in San Francisco and the bar that introduced it is still going strong. Find out more.
Major League Baseball season runs from March through early October and San Francisco has one of the prettiest stadiums around. If the San Francisco Giants are playing at home, watching a game is fun way to spend a few hours. We like afternoon games better than night because it's warmer.
