United States, North America
San Francisco in March
Wildflowers and green hills. Rain eases late month. A good value month.
The straight answer
March is a good month to visit San Francisco. Wildflowers and green hills. Rain eases late month. A good value month.
- Weather
- Mild, highs near 62F (17C), showers tapering
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What March is like in San Francisco
March is mild, with highs near 62F (17C) and showers tapering off as the month goes on. The hills are green, wildflowers appear along the coastal trails, and the city feels fresh after winter. Crowds are moderate and prices are fair, making it a good value month.
It suits hikers, photographers and families on spring break who want comfortable walking weather. You may still get a rainy day or two, especially early in the month. For the warmest, clearest weather of the year, wait for September or October. Spring break weeks can bring more families to the big sights, so book Alcatraz early.
Make the most of March
What is especially good about San Francisco this month.
Wildflowers on the coast
Coastal trails at Lands End and in the Presidio show spring wildflowers against green hills.
Muir Woods in spring
The redwoods are lush and the creek runs full after winter rain. Book parking or the shuttle ahead.
Good-value hotels
Rates stay reasonable before the summer rush, so you can stay in a nicer neighborhood for less.
What to pack for March
- A light rain shell
- Layers for cool mornings and mild afternoons
- Walking shoes with grip for steep hills
- A warm hat for windy viewpoints
Our timing tip
Aim for the second half of March, when rain usually eases and the green hills are at their best.
Book San Francisco for March.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for March
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San FranciscoOpens a hotel search for San Francisco in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in San FranciscoWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in San FranciscoTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in San Francisco for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in San Francisco
Golden Gate Bridge
Walk or bike across from the south end. The best photo spots are Battery Spencer on the Marin side and Baker Beach. Fog often clears midday.
Alcatraz Island
Tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer and on weekends. The first morning ferry and the night tour are the least crowded.
Golden Gate Park and the California Academy of Sciences
The Academy has an aquarium, planetarium, and rainforest dome under one living roof. A great rainy or foggy day plan.
Exploratorium
Hands-on science museum on Pier 15. Thursday evenings are adults-only After Dark nights.
Ferry Building Marketplace
Go Saturday morning for the farmers market, the best in the city. Weekdays are calmer.
Cable cars
The Powell lines have long waits at the turnarounds. Board a few stops up, or ride the California Street line with shorter lines.
Beat the crowds
- Book Alcatraz as soon as your dates are set. In summer, same-week tickets are rare.
- Visit Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Lombard Street before 9am. By noon they are packed.
- Stay outside Union Square: Hayes Valley, the Mission, or near the Presidio give you calmer mornings and better food.
- For sunshine in summer, go east or north. The Mission and the East Bay are often sunny when the western neighborhoods are socked in.
Know before you go
- Nearly everything runs year-round. Winter storms can close coastal trails and delay ferries for a day or two.
- Muir Woods requires advance parking or shuttle reservations. Arriving without one means turning around.
- Wildfire smoke from inland California can reduce air quality in late summer and fall. It varies year to year, so check air-quality forecasts before outdoor plans.
- Large conventions (Moscone Center) can push hotel prices sharply higher for a week at a time. Check the convention calendar when comparing dates.
San Francisco in March, quick answers
Is March a good time to visit San Francisco?
March is a good month to visit San Francisco. Wildflowers and green hills. Rain eases late month. A good value month.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in March?
Mild, highs near 62F (17C), showers tapering.
Is San Francisco crowded in March?
Crowds in San Francisco are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning San Francisco.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in March
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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