What January feels like in San Francisco
For San Francisco, January is the heart of winter. Days are on the cool side, the kind of weather that suits brisk sightseeing. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights are cold and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in San Francisco in January
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. When rain comes it is heavy, about 10.6 mm (0.4 in) per wet day, often in short, strong bursts. Across the year San Francisco averages about 9.6 mm per rainy day, so January is typical. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in January
In mid-January, sunrise is at about 7:24 am and sunset at about 5:13 pm (local time) — 9 h 49 min of daylight. Since mid-December the day has gained 15 min. Measured sunshine covers about 75% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How January compares to the rest of the year
January is the 2nd coolest month of the year in San Francisco. Compared with December, afternoons are 0.4°C (0.7°F) warmer, with 10 mm less rain. Temperatures keep climbing into February. By February, typical highs are 14.6°C (58.3°F).
Who January suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting San Francisco in January
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Light Jacket
A light jacket or knit layer is enough for most of the day.
Sunglasses
Plenty of sun, so bring sunglasses and a cap.
Quick questions
How warm is San Francisco in January?
Afternoons average 13.8°C (56.8°F) and nights about 6.8°C (44.2°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in January?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 96 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in San Francisco in January?
The numbers point to rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is January or February better for visiting San Francisco?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among San Francisco's months, against #10 for the other. February has fewer rainy days.