What to pack for San Francisco in January
- long sleeves and a warm layer
- a medium jacket
- a compact umbrella or rain shell — rain is frequent
Humidity averages 83%; max daily wind around 24 km/h.
How January compares
Best months in San Francisco: April–October. See the full best time to visit San Francisco guide.
San Francisco in January: the details
In January, San Francisco sees average daytime highs of 14°C (56°F) and overnight lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall totals roughly 118 mm across 10.5 rainy days, and the sun shines about 6.9 hours per day with 9.7 hours of daylight mid-month. Relative humidity averages 83%.
In context: January is the 11th-warmest month and the second-wettest in San Francisco. The sunniest month is June (13.2 h/day).
| Metric | January average |
|---|---|
| Daytime high | 14°C / 56°F |
| Overnight low | 8°C / 46°F |
| Rainfall | 118 mm over 10.5 rainy days |
| Sunshine | 6.9 h/day (9.7 h daylight) |
| Humidity | 83% |
| Travel score | 6.3 / 10 |
These figures are climate normals computed from the ERA5 weather reanalysis (2019–2024) for San Francisco, United States (37.77, -122.42) — see our methodology. Actual conditions vary year to year.
Not set on San Francisco? Browse the best places to visit in January ranked by travel score.
Frequently asked questions
How hot is San Francisco in January?
Daytime highs in San Francisco in January average 14°C (56°F); nights drop to about 8°C.
Does it rain in San Francisco in January?
Expect around 10.5 rainy days and 118 mm of rainfall in January.
Is January a good time to visit San Francisco?
January is a fair shoulder-season month in San Francisco — decent conditions with some trade-offs. Overall travel score: 6.3/10. The best months are April–October.
Also good in January, near San Francisco
Where should you go next month?
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