Playing Tennis in San Francisco Wind and Fog

Updated October 2026. Tennis City SF › San Francisco Tennis Guides

San Francisco tennis is shaped by two things: fog that rolls in from the ocean, mostly in summer, and wind that builds through the afternoon. Knowing when and where to play makes a big difference.

Best times to play

  • September and October are usually the warmest, calmest months.
  • Mornings are often calmer than afternoons. Wind off the ocean tends to pick up after midday, especially from spring through summer.
  • Summer (June to August) can be cool and foggy, particularly on the west side.
  • Winter brings most of the rain but also clear, still days between storms.

Sunnier and more sheltered areas

The fog usually reaches the Sunset and Richmond first. The east side of the city is often sunnier and warmer:

  • Mission: Mission Dolores Park (6 courts), Mission Playground, James Rolph Jr. Playground.
  • Potrero Hill and Mission Bay: Potrero Hill Rec Center, Jackson Playground, Mission Creek Park.
  • Glen Park: Glen Canyon Park, partly sheltered by the canyon.

Courts on hilltops and near the ocean, like those in the Outer Sunset and Outer Richmond, are the most exposed.

Adjusting your game in the wind

  • Play with more margin over the net and inside the lines; the ball moves more than you expect.
  • Into the wind, swing out more; with the wind behind you, add topspin to bring the ball down.
  • Toss lower on your serve, and wait for gusts to pass before tossing.
  • Switch ends every odd game, as in a match, so both players get the good side.
  • Dress in layers. A cool, foggy day can feel 10 degrees colder at the court.

Evening play

Wind often drops toward evening. For after-work tennis, see lighted courts.

Looking for someone to play with? Join nearly 1,800 San Francisco players in the Tennis City SF Slack group and post a day, time and court at your NTRP level.

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