Best time to visit San Francisco
Best time of year to visit San Francisco
The balmiest weather and moderate crowds make September to October the best time to visit San Francisco. Why not heading to the beach with fresh Fuyu persimmons in your bag? Bargain hunters will be glad to know that many hotels offer deals as the rainy winter takes over the city. December–January offer lots of nature-based experiences like whale watching and spotting thousands of monarch butterflies. Winter celebrations of New Year will blow your socks off with breathtaking fireworks. A relatively dry and warm period from March to May is sated of various parades like St. Patrick’s Day Parade or St. Stupid’s Day Parade. Summertime seems to be all about fun and draws a good deal of tourists from all over the country in hope of eternal sunshine and abyss of activities. And even though chilly fog and sea winds beg to differ, June through August are great for kiteboarding.
21 THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO (MARCH 04 - MARCH 13)
Monarch Butterflies
Tens of thousands of North American monarchs head to California for their honeymoon, and wedding night falls on Valentine's Day
Almond Bloom
The first sign of spring on the Pacific Coast
Cherry Blossom
Delicate sakura opens the tree blooming season in the Golden State
Calla Lily Valley & Garrapata Beach
One of the most picturesque coastal areas in Big Sur
Mustard Flowers in Napa Valley
The vineyard beds explode with a vivid yellow carpet of mustard blooms creating cheerful vibes among the dull winter colors
Scenic Road Trips
Driving along a large number of picturesque roads with stops near the highlights and most unique spots can be a perfect vacation plan
Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway
An enormous drain hole which looks a portal into another world is especially impressive during the rainy season
Point Reyes National Seashore
If you are looking for a stunning coastal scenery, you are on the right path
Oyster Season
Oysters are consumed in San Francisco and other cities on the California's coast in accordance with “R” myth that determines the oyster season
South Yuba River Swimming Holes
A great way to relax during hot summer days
Land's End Labyrinth
A secret labyrinth built by a local artist became a lovely attraction for Land's End visitors
Alcatraz
Visit the most sinister attraction in San Francisco Bay
Walt Disney Family Museum
Visit one of the best museums in San Francisco
Hummingbirds
A plentitude of rare treats await the avid birdwatchers in both Southern and Northern California
American Discovery Trail
You'll find no better way to discover America than this lengthy hike across 15 states, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. For such a long journey, one needs at least a year of time reserved
Сlam Chowder
The finest way to warm oneself up on a chilly summer day is to eat a portion of American clam chowder
Shark Fin Cove
A great sunset spot and one of the best beaches in California
Mexican Riviera Cruises
The best cruise destination for the active type of travelers
Kitesurfing and Windsurfing
Nothing can beat the Windy City in terms of wind sports
Magnolias in San Francisco Botanical Garden
You will be carried away by magnolia’s incredible beauty and fragrance
Spring Flowers
Everyone gets dazzled at the sight of spring floral colours
94 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Folsom Street Fair
out of rangeProbably the most kinky event in San Francisco and maybe the whole world
Corgi Con SF
unconfirmedA fun day on the beach with hundreds of cute short-legged dogs
California State Fair
out of rangeThe Fair has been attracting people for over 150 years. Come and join this spectacular celebration
San Francisco Fleet Week
out of rangeYou have never been so close to the formidable American armed forces
4th of July Weekend Events & Fireworks
out of rangeBay City is a great spot to celebrate America's independence
420 Hippie Hill
out of rangeEvery year, on April 20 or 4/20, thousands flock to Sharon Meadows to celebrate cannabis culture
San Francisco Pride
out of rangeHuge and spectacular LGBT weekend with over 40 years of history
Berkeley Kite Festival
on holdCome fly a kite in an atmosphere of total fascination!
Great Dickens Christmas Fair
out of rangeGo back to Victorian London at the historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls
Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
out of rangePeople come to Japantown to celebrate spring’s arrival and the joys of life in a Japanese way
Alameda County Fair
out of rangeA summer celebration full of carnival rides, lawn concerts, adorable animals, and funnel cakes
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in SF
out of rangeWitness breathtaking New Year's celebration with spectacular waterfront fireworks at midnight
Bring Your Own Big Wheel Race
unconfirmedIf you think that tricycle bikes are designed for 3-year-old kids only, you are wrong. Even an adult can have fun riding it if one knows where and when to try it. Annual tricycle races down the curviest street in the world welcome enthusiasts to San Francisco
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
out of rangeThe size of those pumpkins will blow your mind
Lunar New Year
out of rangeLion dancers, Chinese acrobats, stilt walkers and the heat of treasure hunt make unforgettable impressions
San Francisco Street Food Festival
on holdGourmets will be carried away by San Francisco’s food
California Fall Colors
out of rangeAdmire bronze and amber foliage throughout the Golden State
World's Ugliest Dog Contest
out of rangeBeauty varies. Even the ugliest living being can make someone happy
Monterey Jazz Festival
out of rangeTop names of jazz gather together in one place to share their talent among real fans. Don't miss one of the greatest jazz events in the world!
Stinko Ginkgo
out of rangeYellow fruit of ancient ginkgo trees: aromatic or stinky – you are to decide
St. Stupid’s Day Parade
out of rangeBored with solemn processions? St. Stupid’s Day allows to play a fool in the silliest walk of all times
Stern Grove Festival
out of rangeImmerse yourself into incredible traditional performances
Hunky Jesus & Foxy Mary Contests
out of rangeHalf-naked men cross-dressed into Jesus and pregnant women playing Mary—San Francisco's way to celebrate Easter
How Weird Street Faire
out of rangeThe world’s weirdest show proves that San Francisco is an idyllic spot where you can be your odd self
Los Altos Festival of Lights Parade
out of rangeA popular holiday event draws spectators from all over Silicon Valley
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
out of rangeWear your best green attire and attend St. Patrick’s Day Parade to feel the spirit of San Francisco’s Irish community
Cinco de Mayo SF
unconfirmedCinco de Mayo introduces the best of Mexican culture preserved in San Francisco
SantaCon
out of rangeStreets and pubs of San Francisco are taken by joyful drunken Santas
Gilroy Garlic Festival
out of rangeA three-day celebration of garlic and other delicious foods
Christmas Lights
out of rangeFeel the holiday atmosphere in the city and get amazed by the festive lights
Fall Colors
out of rangeAutumn shows off spectacular foliage in the vineyards of California's Wine Country
Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival
out of rangeCelebration in the name of mystery and glory of the moon
Ladybug
out of rangeEverybody loves when a cute ladybug lands on one's palm. What about hundreds of thousands at once? This can happen near San Francisco in California
Easter
out of rangeSpiced with local humour, Easter in San Francisco definitely stands out in the crowd
Bay to Breakers
out of rangeHave you ever seen a race of 50,000 chickens, bunnies, aliens, spidermen, batmen, and other pop-culture heroes?
Carnaval
out of rangeCarnival introduces Latin-American and Caribbean cultures which constitute a part of multicultural California
Oakland Restaurant Week
out of rangeTen days to get the best of Oakland's restaurant scene
Winter Fancy Food Show
out of rangeThe largest specialty food and beverage show on the West Coast
Napa Valley Jazz Getaway
out of rangeA must-do event for a true jazz enthusiast in Yountville
Outside Lands Music and Art Festival
out of rangeThis event combines the best music line-up, amazing performances, and art works, as well as a great variety of delicious food
Sierra Nevada World Music Festival
out of rangeGroove to the sweet vibes of roots reggae and world music
Presidio Picnic
out of rangeLounge on a lawn with mouthwatering delicacies in your hand
Point Reyes Whale Watching
out of rangeThose who venture along the rocky trails will be rewarded with the sight of rare gray whales
Bay Area Book Festival
out of rangeSee Downtown Berkeley transform into a literary utopia!
Tarantula Migration
out of rangeWatch a fascinating natural phenomenon in California's parks and deserts
San Francisco Marathon
out of rangeA great energetic way to explore the city
Dia de los Muertos
out of rangePut on your best black outfit on, paint your face pale white, take a candle – ready for the mystic life and death celebration
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
out of rangeAmerican country music is mixed with modern genres at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass festival
Surfing
out of rangeAutumn soft offshore breezes create perfect consitions for surfing
FAN EXPO San Francisco
out of rangeJoin tens of thousands of geeks at a three-day comic convention
Hawaii Cruises
out of rangeBe prepared for adventures when cruising the Pacific
Lick Observatory
out of rangeVisit the first permanent mountain top observatory in the world
San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM)
out of rangeThe longest-running film festival in America
Fogs
out of rangeWhen a misty season arrives, the city and the bay area are covered with thick fog, which sometimes creates spectacular photo opportunities
Napa Valley Harvest Season
out of rangeWatch Napa Valley come to life with the thrill and rush of the harvest
Beach Season
out of rangeA huge number of varied beaches with white sands and clear waters give you the chance to choose a perfect spot within the coastline of the Golden State
California's Great America WinterFest
out of rangeThe Bay Area’s newest popular holiday tradition
BottleRock Napa Valley
out of rangeThis music festival in Napa Valley combines amazing performances with culinary shows
Union Street Festival
out of rangeThe highlight of Union Street Festival is the waiters' race
San Francisco Restaurant Week
out of rangeEnjoy the delicious food with world-class dining community of San Francisco
Napa Valley Restaurant Week
out of rangeDiscover all the culinary delights and secret eateries at the most famous epicurean’s destination in America
San Francisco Coffee Festival
out of rangeThis fest is more than just a coffee event
Wine Season
out of rangeGrape harvest season in SF comes along with beautiful yellow foliage and pleasant temperatures
Olallieberry
out of rangeSummer in San Francisco is the best time to fill up one’s vitamin supplies through toothsome olallieberries
Napa Truffle Festival
out of rangeDiscover some of the finest Californian truffles
Cycling
out of rangePicturesque scenery, varied terrain, and gentle weather conditions attract cyclists to the Golden State
Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival
canceledThe sweetest event in the Bay Area
San Francisco Beer Week
out of rangeHigh time to find your favorite brewery!
Cool Patch Pumpkins Corn Maze
out of rangeKick off the holiday season and get lost in the world’s largest corn maze
San Francisco Iconic Strawberry Mochi
out of rangeAfternoon may be too late to find strawberry mochi at Benkyodo, they are usually sold out in the morning
Labor Day Weekend
out of rangeSoak up all the fun and joy during the unforgettable three-day celebration
Paddleboarding (SUP)
out of rangeOne of the most enjoyable and fun water activities is popular all along the California coastline
Kiteboarding
out of rangeJust choose the right season and the right spot to enjoy your favourite water activity in the Sunny State
Sea Otter Classic
out of rangeCheck out these fascinating racing competitions and one of the largest bike expos in the US—this event is a real celebration of cycling
Monkey Puzzle Seeds
out of rangeSoft starchy seeds have been feeding humans, rodents and birds since Jurassic Period
Halloween
out of rangeFrom spooky science in the lab to the Napa Valley ball,—there are a lot of new things to try in October
Great White Sharks
out of rangeAs ocean waters warm up, white sharks start their annual migration between Mexico and Southern California
Sailing
out of rangeThe vast San Francisco Bay has multiple sailing options for both beginners and professionals
San Francisco Jazz Festival
out of rangeEnjoy over 40 shows in 12 days in The City
Cactus Pear
out of rangeThe spiky peel of the cactus pear covers surpeisingly tasty melon-like juicy pulp
Fuyu Persimmons
out of rangeLatins called Fuyu persimmon “the fruit of the gods”
Macy's Flower Show
overLose yourself in all of the jaw-dropping flower exhibits
Treasure Island Music Festival
on holdBay area event, with an eclectic lineup of diverse musicians
Plum Trees Bloom
out of rangeThe look of plum trees rosy blossoms warm hearts in winter
Christmas in the Park in San Jose
out of rangeThis beautiful holiday tradition in San Jose makes Christmas in San Francisco unforgettable
Memorial Day Weekend
on holdVisit the largest Memorial Day commemoration on the West Coast
Dahlia Season
out of rangeDahlia is an official flower of San Francisco and in summer it blooms everywhere
No Pants BART Ride Day
on holdDrop your pants, if you are not too shy
Artichoke Festival
unconfirmedA food festival in the "Artichoke Center of the World"
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
out of range"The Coolest Show on Earth" showcases cars, trucks, motorcycles, and aircraft
Northern California Renaissance Faire
out of rangeThe fictional village of Willingtown comes to life every fall
Benicia Christmas Parade & Holiday Market
out of rangeA great local celebration to kick off the holiday season
The Red Flowering Gum
out of rangeIn spite of its name, a red gum blooms with bright red, pink, orange and even white flowers
Hydrangeas
out of rangeFashionable hydrangeas are abundunt in San-Francisco
