What's the Weather like in San Francisco in August?
Temperature
August is summer in San Francisco, USA, and temperatures are fairly warm. The average temperature is 140C. Temperatures are fairly constant throughout this month with average high and low temperatures between a daytime high of 220C to a low of. The highest recorded temperature in the city in this month was 360C in 1993 and the lowest recorded temperature was 90C in 1969.
Rain
The amount of precipitation is similar to Los Angeles, USA. San Francisco is very dry at this time of year with average rainfall at 0mm across the month. If rain does fall it will probably only be light drizzle and outdoor activities will not be disrupted by rain, unlike the rainy months of December and January. The wettest August here on record was in 1977 when 17mm of rain fell and the driest was in 2012 when no rain fell all month.
Sunshine Hours
The average hours of sunshine is 12 hours and the length of the days are gradually decreasing as the summer comes to an end. From the start to the end of the month, the length of the day decreases by around one hour. Humidity ranges from 50% to 90% with higher humidity experienced in early August and becoming less humid as the month comes to an end. Sea temperatures are at their warmest at 150C so this is the best time of year to swim but it is still very chilly in the bay. Wind speeds vary from 1 m/s to 10 m/s which are light to fresh breezes, with the wind speed generally getting lighter later in the month.
Fog
Fog is a common occurrence throughout the summer months, including August. The hot inland air rises and the colder heavier ocean air rushes in to replace it causing the foggy conditions. The fog is pulled through the Golden Gate passage into the bay and is more common in the morning and evening, clearing before reaching the city itself. The best place to see the fog is from the Golden Gate Bridge or the marina but it can get a bit chilly when the fog rolls in. Another great viewing spot is from the top of one of the hills where you can see the bay blanketed in thick fog. A 25 day forecast is available for detailed travel planning for the coming weeks.
San Francisco Hotels in August
Cow Hollow Inn & Suites
For a budget hotel in the Marina district, try the Cow Hollow Inn & Suites, a 2* hotel within easy reach of the bay and other tourist attractions in the area. Offering free parking and internet access, this is an ideal place to base yourself during the summer months to explore the city and Fisherman's wharf during the warmer days.
Redwood Inn
Also in the Marina district, the Redwood Inn has free parking, internet access and children's activities available and is locate close to Fisherman's wharf, North beach and all the attractions in the area. This area is ideal for those wanting to explore the bay area and witness the fog rolling in off the Pacific Ocean during August.
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
For those wanting to stay in the city, try the Hilton San Francisco Financial District. Close to Union square, Chinatown and Nob Hill this 4* hotel has a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, spa and concierge services. Panoramic views of the city skyline and the bay area can be found on the top floors. The hotel is ideally located for shopping, theatres and restaurants in the city centre
San Francisco Beach for August
Sutro Baths
The Sutro Baths was a large, privately owned public saltwater swimming pool complex in the Lands End area of the Outer Richmond District in western San Francisco,
Built in 1896, it is located near the Cliff House, Seal Rocks, and Sutro Heights Park. The facility burned down in June 1966 and is now in ruins. The site is within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Sutro Historic District.[3]
Bars and Restaurants
Liholiho Yacht Club
The Liholiho Yacht Club is a great spot for dining in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Tasting plates are available with a selection of seafood, duck and other delicious offerings from octopus, clams, coconut curry and naans, this restaurant has food for everyone's taste. Great cocktails and a lively happy hour make this a great evening out.
Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar
The iconic Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar has been entertaining guests since 1945 and has a large selection of cocktails and food on the menu. Set in beautiful surroundings, with a swimming pool and a thatch covered dance floor area, this bar has a Tiki bar style and has an opulent yet relaxed ambiance that is unique to the Tonga Room. Enjoy a cocktail and soak up the ambiance in this unusual restaurant and bar.
Things to do in San Francisco in August
Golden Gate Park
When the August days are warm and the sun is shining, head down to Golden Gate Park, over 1,000 acres of parkland with gardens, lakes, picnic areas, trails and monuments. A variety of cultural events, activities and shows are often taking place here and there is always so much to see and do. This is the perfect place to relax, recharge and reconnect with nature in the city.
Union Square
Union Square is a must-see destination when in San Francisco and the warmer summer months are ideal for a bit of retail therapy. This main shopping district is located downtown and has many hotels, restaurants and theatres, and is known for its upscale boutiques, art galleries, gift shops and beauty salons. Union square will keep you entertained 24 hours a day as a vibrant cosmopolitan neighbourhood in downtown San Francisco.
Stern Grove Festival
Established in 1938, the Stern Grove Festival is an admission-free series of performing arts events held during the summer months at Sigmund Stern Grove, a eucalyptus-wooded natural amphitheater on a 33-acre (130,000 m2) site about two miles (3 km) south of Golden Gate Park in San Francisco that ranges from 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard west to 34th Avenue.
