Things to do in San Francisco in August

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Overview

August is a less popular time to visit San Francisco. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 56—72°F (13—22°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in San Francisco during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a guided tour of the murals in the Mission District, take a sunset cruise on the San Francisco Bay, attend the Pistahan Parade and Festival, and more!

San Francisco has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your August trip to San Francisco. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to August. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in San Francisco in August. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout August, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Don't take our word for it
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Best events and things to do in San Francisco in August

Top experiences in August
Take a guided tour of the murals in the Mission District
The Mission District is known for its vibrant street art scene, and many local organizations offer guided tours that provide insight into the history, culture, and social issues represented in the neighborhood's murals. It's a great way to learn about the artistic and political movements that have shaped the Mission's identity.
Take a sunset cruise on the San Francisco Bay
August is a great time to enjoy the beautiful weather and stunning views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island from the water. Many companies offer sunset cruises with live music, drinks, and appetizers, providing a relaxing and memorable way to take in the city's beauty.
Attend the Pistahan Parade and Festival
This annual event celebrates Filipino culture and heritage with a colorful parade, live performances, traditional food and drinks, arts and crafts, and activities for the whole family. It's a vibrant and lively celebration that showcases the rich traditions and contributions of the Filipino community in San Francisco.
Attend the Outside Lands Music Festival
This annual music festival takes place in Golden Gate Park and features a diverse lineup of musicians and bands across multiple stages. In addition to the music, there are also art installations, food and drink vendors, and interactive activities, making it a unique and immersive experience for music lovers.
Take a hike in Muir Woods National Monument
August is a great time to explore the ancient redwood forest just north of San Francisco, as the weather is mild and the trails are less crowded. The park offers a variety of hiking options for all skill levels, and the towering trees and peaceful surroundings provide a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
Take a day trip to Napa Valley for wine tasting
August is a great time to visit Napa Valley, as the vineyards are lush and the weather is warm and sunny. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, and there are also special events and festivals throughout the month, making it a perfect opportunity to explore the region's world-renowned wine culture.
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Holidays in San Francisco in August
August

There are no holidays in San Francisco in August

Other notable holidays
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Weather in San Francisco in August

Temperatures on an average day in San Francisco in August

The average temperature in San Francisco in August for a typical day ranges from a high of 72°F (22°C) to a low of 56°F (13°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in San Francisco, September, has days with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows of 56°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 57°F (14°C) and lows of 45°F (7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in San Francisco in August based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in August
72°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
0%
Chance of rain
0.022 in
Amount
12.0 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
13.6 hrs
Daylight length
6:24 AM
Sunrise
8:01 PM
Sunset
84%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in August
With an average high of 72°F (22°C) and a low of 56°F (13°C), it generally feels mildly cool with a gentle breeze. With that in mind, most people would dress in something light like your favorite t-shirt
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Best attractions for San Francisco in August

Besides the array of exciting events and activities San Francisco has to offer for travelers in August, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in San Francisco that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in San Francisco for August.
Alcatraz Island
1. Alcatraz Island
4.7
(38553)
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Notorious prison & once home to Al Capone, now a museum with an audio tour, accessible by ferry.
Golden Gate Bridge
2. Golden Gate Bridge
4.8
(74301)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Famed 4,200 ft art deco suspension bridge open to car, bike & foot traffic.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
3. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
4.7
(5599)
Rail museum
Transportation
Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment.
PIER 39
4. PIER 39
4.6
(121141)
Sights & Landmarks
Fishing pier
Bustling bayside pier featuring scenic views, sea lion sightings, eateries, shops & entertainment.
Fisherman's Wharf
5. Fisherman's Wharf
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
Fisherman’s Wharf, on the northern waterfront, is one of the city's busiest tourist areas. Souvenir shops and stalls selling crab and clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls appear at every turn, as do postcard views of the bay, Golden Gate and Alcatraz. There’s also a colony of sea lions to see and historic ships to tour. At Ghirardelli Square, boutiques and eateries reside in the famed former chocolate factory.
Lombard St
6. Lombard St
4.6
(1567)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Street with scenic steep section featuring 8 hairpin turns & views of the bridge, Coit Tower & bay.
Golden Gate Park
7. Golden Gate Park
4.8
(43267)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
The city's 1,017-acre oasis draws hikers, bikers, art lovers & music fans, plus gardens & museums.
San Francisco Bay Area
8. San Francisco Bay Area
Nature & Parks
Bodies of Water
The San Francisco Bay Area is a region in Northern California spanning the city of San Francisco and surrounding counties. On a peninsula, hilly San Francisco is known for its cable cars, Victorian houses and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. North, the Sonoma and Napa valleys are renowned wine-producing regions with hundreds of hillside vineyards. Gourmet food is showcased in Oxbow Public Market in the city of Napa.
Ferry Building
9. Ferry Building
4.6
(32309)
Historical landmark
Shopping
Vendors sell produce, cheese, coffee, candy & prepared food in this soaring, restored 1898 space.
Oracle Park
10. Oracle Park
4.7
(27083)
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
Home to the San Francisco Giants, this ballpark with bay views offers tours & hosts special events.
Chinatown
11. Chinatown
Sights & Landmarks
Neighborhoods
This is one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. Beyond iconic Dragon’s Gate, a bustling maze of streets and alleys brims with dim sum joints and other traditional eateries. Also found are herbalists, bakeries, souvenir shops, and dark cocktail lounges and karaoke bars. There are ornate temples, including the landmark Tien How, as well as the Chinese Historical Society of America Museum.
Twin Peaks
12. Twin Peaks
4.7
(12689)
Park
Sights & Landmarks
Renowned, 180-degree views of the Bay Area are offered at this 64-acre park with hiking trails.
California Academy of Sciences
13. California Academy of Sciences
4.6
(5044)
Science museum
Museums
Natural history museum with an aquarium, planetarium & scientists conducting a variety of research.
Coit Tower
14. Coit Tower
4.5
(13385)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Storied 1930s-era building known for its WPA murals, 360-degree views & resident flock of parrots.
Palace of Fine Arts
15. Palace of Fine Arts
4.7
(22465)
Event venue
Concerts & Shows
This Greco-Roman palace & architectural attraction hosts an ever-changing roster of performing arts.
San Francisco Cable Car Museum
16. San Francisco Cable Car Museum
4.7
(5599)
Rail museum
Transportation
Antique cable cars on exhibit in the historic building that houses the cable-pulling equipment.

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in San Francisco?

Get inspired for your trip to San Francisco with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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