What March feels like in San Francisco
March is early spring in San Francisco. Daytime feels cool and fresh rather than cold. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cool, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in San Francisco in March
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 8.3 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year San Francisco averages about 9.6 mm per rainy day, so March is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, San Francisco gets 11 h 53 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:23 am to sunset near 7:16 pm. Days are getting longer: 1 h 7 min more daylight than in mid-February. Measured sunshine covers about 81% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 4th coolest month of the year in San Francisco. Afternoons run 0.6°C (1.1°F) warmer than in February, with 4 mm less rain. The warm-up continues into April. The next month's average high: 16.4°C (61.5°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — the weather rarely gets in the way of a city walk.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — pleasant for gardens, parks and riversides.
- Beach: less ideal — the sea air is too cool.
Tips for visiting San Francisco in March
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
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 March?
Afternoons average 15.2°C (59.4°F) and nights about 8.5°C (47.3°F) — cool by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in San Francisco in March?
Quite a lot — 83 mm spread over about 10 days.
What should I wear in San Francisco in March?
Pack rain protection, a light jacket and sunglasses. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is March or April better for visiting San Francisco?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #11), rated Great against Good. April is warmer and has fewer rainy days.