Interpreting the San Francisco Weather Forecast

It is a challenge to interpret the San Francisco Weather Forecast. I created this section to explain the forecast and how to read San Francisco weather information, so you are fully prepared for your trip.

If you are watching the weather forecast on TV or looking at in on line, you'll notice three different readings:

One is for the coast which is along the Pacific Ocean

One is for the bay which is along the San Francisco Bay

One is for the inland areas. This is for all of the areas outside of San Francisco

Here is how to interpret the three ranges:

Pacific Ocean Temperatures

This is for the areas in San Francisco and near San Francisco that are along the ocean. This is the temperature for those visiting Ocean Beach, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio.

San Francisco Bay Temperatures

This is for the other half of San Francisco. It's also for the locations just north and east of San Francisco that are on the water. These temperatures are usually about 10 to 15 degrees warmer.

This is the temperature for those visiting Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz and other sites on the east side of San Francisco. It's also the temperature for those visiting Berkeley, Oakland, Sausalito or Tiburon.

Inland Area Temperatures

The inland area temperatures are the temperatures for areas that are not along the water. These temperatures are usually about 35 to 40 degrees warmer in the summer. In the winter, they can be up to 20 to 25 degrees cooler.

These temperatures are for those visiting San Jose, Santa Rosa and areas to the east such as Walnut Creek. There is a wide variation in temperatures based on location.

I hope this section helps explain the San Francisco weather forecast in a little more detail. For more information on what to expect when you visit, go to the San Francisco Weather section for month by month information.