Things to do in San Francisco in September

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Overview

September is a great time to visit San Francisco. The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 56—75°F (14—24°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 Presidio, attend the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival, attend the Ghirardelli Chocolate 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 September trip to San Francisco. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. 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 September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in San Francisco in September

Top experiences in September
Take a guided tour of the Presidio
September is a great time to explore the historic Presidio, a former military base turned national park. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the Presidio's rich history, including its role in the Spanish colonization of California and its military significance during the Civil War and World War II. The tour also highlights the park's natural beauty, with scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It's a fascinating and educational experience for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
Attend the San Francisco International Dragon Boat Festival
This annual event takes place in September and features dragon boat races, cultural performances, and a lively marketplace. Visitors can watch teams from around the world compete in the traditional sport of dragon boat racing, while also enjoying live music, dance performances, and delicious Asian cuisine. The festival is a vibrant celebration of Asian culture and a fun way to experience something unique to San Francisco in September.
Attend the Ghirardelli Chocolate Festival
This annual event takes place in September and celebrates all things chocolate. Visitors can sample a variety of chocolate treats, watch chef demonstrations, and even participate in a chocolate eating contest. The festival also features live music, wine tastings, and a marketplace with chocolate-themed gifts and souvenirs. It's a must-visit for any chocolate lover visiting San Francisco in September.
Explore the San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park
September is a great time to visit the Botanical Garden, as many of the plants and flowers are in bloom. The garden features a diverse collection of plants from around the world, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can wander through themed gardens, such as the Mesoamerican Cloud Forest and the Mediterranean Garden, and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere.
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Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
September is a great time to explore the stunning coastline just outside of San Francisco. The Pacific Coast Highway offers breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, and picturesque beaches. Visitors can stop at charming coastal towns, such as Half Moon Bay and Santa Cruz, and enjoy fresh seafood, local art galleries, and outdoor activities like hiking and surfing.
Take a cruise to Alcatraz Island at sunset
While Alcatraz Island is a popular tourist destination year-round, visiting in September offers the chance to experience the iconic prison at sunset. The evening tours provide a different perspective of the island and its history, and the sunset views of the San Francisco skyline are truly breathtaking. It's a memorable way to explore this historic landmark.
Explore the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival's Free Shakespeare in the Park
Every September, the San Francisco Shakespeare Festival presents free outdoor performances of a Shakespeare play in various parks throughout the city. This is a unique opportunity to experience the works of the Bard in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy a timeless classic under the open sky.
Attend the San Francisco Symphony's Opening Night Gala
This annual event marks the beginning of the symphony's concert season and features a special performance by the orchestra, followed by a glamorous black-tie dinner and after-party. The gala is a chance to dress up and enjoy a night of world-class music and entertainment, all while supporting the arts in San Francisco.
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Holidays in San Francisco in September
September
  • Labor Day (September 2)
  • California Admission Day (September 9)
  • Patriot Day (September 11)
  • Constitution Day and Citizenship Day (September 17)

Weather in San Francisco in September

Temperatures on an average day in San Francisco in September

The average temperature in San Francisco in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 75°F (24°C) to a low of 56°F (14°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 September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
75°F
highs
56°F
lows

General weather summary

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze
Feels like
2%
Chance of rain
0.018 in
Amount
11.4 mph
Wind speed
71%
Humidity
12.5 hrs
Daylight length
6:50 AM
Sunrise
7:17 PM
Sunset
82%
Cloud cover
T-shirt
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 75°F (24°C) and a low of 56°F (14°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 September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities San Francisco has to offer for travelers in September, 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 September.
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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