San Francisco in November: What to Expect

San Francisco in November is mild, foggy, and uncrowded. One of the better months to visit. Here's what to expect visiting San Francisco in November.

San Francisco in November is a solid choice for visitors who've ruled out summer on fog grounds (reasonable) and want to catch the city in a more manageable season. Temperatures are mild by any sensible standard, the tourist crowds have thinned considerably, and the city's excellent food scene, cultural institutions, and neighbourhood character are all fully accessible.

Weather

Daytime temperatures sit between 12°C and 16°C, with some rain arriving through the month. November is the beginning of San Francisco's wetter season, but the city's famous fog is less prevalent than in summer. Mornings can be cool and damp; afternoons are often clear. The Golden Gate Bridge and the bay views are excellent in November's clear light. Pack layers and a light waterproof jacket; the wind off the bay can be sharp.

Crowds and Prices

Quieter than summer, with hotel rates dropping from peak levels. The Alcatraz ferry, which books out weeks in advance in summer, is more accessible in November though still worth booking ahead. The California Academy of Sciences, the de Young Museum, and the SFMOMA are all more comfortable to visit. Fisherman's Wharf, always touristy, is at least slightly less overwhelming.

What's On

Thanksgiving is a major event in San Francisco, with the city's food-obsessed culture taking the holiday seriously. The Ferry Building Marketplace and the city's restaurants run special Thanksgiving menus. The Thanksgiving weekend brings a domestic US travel surge to the city.

The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in Golden Gate Park is an October fixture, but the wider music season continues through November at venues like the Fillmore and the Warfield.

One Thing to Watch

Alcatraz is the most popular attraction in San Francisco and ferry tickets sell out weeks in advance even in the quieter season. Book before you travel or accept you're visiting the exterior from the bay ferry instead. The evening and night tours, which are excellent, book out even faster than the day visits.