United States, North America
San Francisco in October
Fleet Week air shows and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park. Watch for occasional wildfire smoke drifting in from inland fires.
The straight answer
October is one of the best months of the year to visit San Francisco. Fleet Week air shows and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park. Watch for occasional wildfire smoke drifting in from inland fires.
- Weather
- Warm and clear, highs near 69F (21C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 4 of 5
What October is like in San Francisco
October is nearly as good as September. Highs are near 69F (21C), skies are mostly clear, and the summer fog has faded. The city is busy with events: Fleet Week brings Navy ships and Blue Angels air shows over the waterfront, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fills Golden Gate Park with free music. Hotel rates are high, driven by conventions.
It suits nearly everyone, from families to couples to hikers. Watch for occasional wildfire smoke drifting in from inland fires, and check air-quality forecasts before outdoor plans. If you want lower prices and calmer streets, November is a good fallback.
Make the most of October
What is especially good about San Francisco this month.
Fleet Week
Navy ships fill the bay and the Blue Angels fly over the northern waterfront in early October. Watch free from Marina Green and the piers.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
A free, multi-stage music festival in Golden Gate Park in early October, with huge crowds and a great local feel.
Warm evenings
Some of the year's mildest nights make outdoor dinners and waterfront walks a pleasure.
What to pack for October
- Light layers for warm days
- A jacket for evenings
- A blanket or low chair for park concerts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Our timing tip
Get to Marina Green early on Fleet Week air show days, since the best spots fill up by late morning.
Book San Francisco for October.
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- Hotels for October
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in San FranciscoOpens a hotel search for San Francisco in October, 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 October. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in October
Fleet Week
Early October
Navy ships in the bay and Blue Angels air shows over the northern waterfront. Free to watch from Marina Green and the piers.
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Early October
A free, multi-stage music festival in Golden Gate Park. Huge crowds and a great local tradition.
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 October, quick answers
Is October a good time to visit San Francisco?
October is one of the best months of the year to visit San Francisco. Fleet Week air shows and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park. Watch for occasional wildfire smoke drifting in from inland fires.
What is the weather like in San Francisco in October?
Warm and clear, highs near 69F (21C).
Is San Francisco crowded in October?
Crowds in San Francisco are moderate in October; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in San Francisco in October?
Fleet Week (early october); Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (early october).
Keep planning San Francisco.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in October
Before you book.
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