San Francisco in March is cool and showery, with highs near 62°F, lows near 50°F, wind, and brighter breaks between storms.
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A March trip can feel like two San Franciscos in one day: damp air near the waterfront, a sunnier patch in the Mission, then a sharp breeze at the Golden Gate Bridge. The practical answer to what is the weather in San Francisco in March is simple: expect mild temperatures, real rain risk, and enough wind to make a light jacket feel too thin.
March is not beach weather in San Francisco, and it is not deep winter either. The month sits at the tail end of the Bay Area rainy season, so visitors get a useful mix: fewer peak-season crowds, greener parks, lower odds of summer fog walls, and some days that turn crisp and clear by afternoon.
San Francisco March Weather: Temperatures, Rain, And Wind
San Francisco March weather is usually cool, damp, and breezy rather than cold or hot. Plan on afternoon highs around 60–63°F and evening temperatures around 48–51°F.
The city’s weather changes by neighborhood because ocean air, bay exposure, and hills split San Francisco into small microclimates. Fisherman’s Wharf and the Embarcadero can feel colder than the forecast, while the Mission District and Noe Valley may run several degrees warmer during sunny breaks.
Rain is the main planning variable. March commonly brings about 3 inches of rain across the month, but that rarely means all-day rain every day. A more typical pattern is a wet morning or a passing front, then dry sidewalks and cooler air later.
How Cold Does San Francisco Feel In March?
San Francisco feels colder than the thermometer suggests because damp air and bay wind pull heat away quickly. A 60°F afternoon on the waterfront can feel like the low 50s when the wind comes through.
Pack for layers rather than one heavy coat. A useful March outfit is a T-shirt or light base layer, a sweater or fleece, a rain shell, long pants, and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
- For mornings: wear a light jacket before coffee or ferry rides.
- For afternoons: carry sunglasses, since clear spells can be bright.
- For evenings: add a warmer layer for outdoor dining or bay views.
- For Alcatraz or Golden Gate Bridge: bring wind protection, not just warmth.
March Rain, Fog, And Daylight At A Glance
March in San Francisco is a transition month with winter rain easing and spring daylight increasing. The weather is still changeable enough that a flexible plan beats a rigid hour-by-hour schedule.
| March Detail | Typical Weather | Trip Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Afternoon temperature | About 60–63°F | Comfortable for walking with a jacket |
| Night temperature | About 48–51°F | Cool enough for a sweater or light coat |
| Monthly rain | Roughly 3 inches | Carry a compact umbrella or rain shell |
| Rainy days | Often about 8–10 days | Leave museum or cafe time in the plan |
| Wind | Often brisk near the bay and ocean | Waterfront walks feel cooler than inland streets |
| Fog | Possible, but less dominant than summer fog | Views may clear later in the day |
| Daylight | About 11.5 to 12.5 hours | Enough light for a full sightseeing day |
For official climate normals, daily records, and local weather data, the National Weather Service San Francisco Downtown Climate page is the source to check before locking weather-sensitive plans.
March Flights And Hotel Prices
March can be a useful month for airfare and hotel value because it falls before the busiest summer visitor window. Prices still jump during major conferences, spring break weeks, and big events, so weekdays usually give travelers more room to save.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the main airport for most visitors, with Oakland International Airport (OAK) and San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC) sometimes worth checking for cheaper fares. March weather rarely blocks city travel for long, but Pacific storms can still slow flights, so avoid tight same-day connections when rain is in the forecast.
Once your March dates are firm, compare fares across the Bay Area airports here:
Where To Stay For March Weather In San Francisco
A March stay works better near transit, indoor dining, and short rideshare routes than far from the places you plan to visit. Union Square, Nob Hill, the Embarcadero, and Hayes Valley make wet-weather logistics easier than outer neighborhoods for most first-time visitors.
Union Square has the most central transit access, which helps on rainy days. The Embarcadero is better for waterfront walks, ferry access, and easy rides to the Ferry Building, but it can feel windier. Hayes Valley works well for restaurants, performing arts, and a less tourist-heavy base.
Use the hotel map after choosing your neighborhood, not before. San Francisco blocks can change quickly in feel, slope, and transit access, so map position matters more than a small nightly price difference.
Compare March hotel locations across San Francisco before picking a base:
What To Do When March Weather Changes
March weather in San Francisco rewards flexible plans: save outdoor viewpoints for clear breaks and keep indoor stops ready for wet hours. The city is compact enough that you can switch plans without losing the day.
Good clear-weather choices include Golden Gate Park, Lands End, the Golden Gate Bridge overlook, Twin Peaks, and the Ferry Building waterfront. Good rainy-day choices include the California Academy of Sciences, SFMOMA, the Exploratorium, the Cable Car Museum, and long meals in Chinatown or North Beach.
March planning tip: put Alcatraz, bay cruises, and bridge walks on the driest forecast day of your trip, since wind matters as much as rain on the water.
For weather-flexible activities and guided city options, check what is running during your dates:
March Weather Verdict For San Francisco
March is a good San Francisco month for travelers who want lighter crowds, green parks, and mild walking weather, as long as rain does not ruin the mood. March is a weaker choice for travelers who want warm nights, beach days, or guaranteed clear bay views.
- Pick March for fewer crowds: major sights feel easier than in summer.
- Pick March for lower-stress sightseeing: cool weather works well for hills and long walks.
- Pick another month for warmth: September and early October usually feel warmer and drier.
- Pack for March like a local: light layers, a rain shell, walking shoes, and sunglasses.
The safe plan is to treat March in San Francisco as spring with a winter edge. Build each day around one outdoor priority, keep one indoor backup nearby, and you will still get a full trip even if one Pacific storm rolls through.
References & Sources
- National Weather Service.“San Francisco Downtown Climate.”Provides official San Francisco climate normals, records, and local weather data.