Updated October 2026. Tennis City SF › Playing Tennis While Visiting San Francisco
September and October are the warmest months in San Francisco, with average highs near 70°F and almost no rain. June to August are dry but cooler and often foggy, and December to February bring the most rain and sunsets before 6pm. The table below uses NOAA’s official 1991-2020 normals for the downtown San Francisco station.
Month by month
Highs and lows are average daily temperatures. “Rain days” is the average number of days with at least a tenth of an inch of rain. Sunset is for the 15th of the month, from the US Naval Observatory.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain (in) | Rain days | Sunset on the 15th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57.8°F | 46.6°F | 4.40 | 8.0 | 5:15pm |
| February | 60.4°F | 47.9°F | 4.37 | 7.9 | 5:49pm |
| March | 62.1°F | 48.9°F | 3.15 | 6.7 | 7:17pm |
| April | 63.0°F | 49.7°F | 1.60 | 4.2 | 7:46pm |
| May | 64.1°F | 51.4°F | 0.70 | 2.1 | 8:13pm |
| June | 66.5°F | 53.0°F | 0.20 | 0.6 | 8:33pm |
| July | 66.3°F | 54.4°F | 0.01 | 0.0 | 8:31pm |
| August | 67.9°F | 55.5°F | 0.06 | 0.1 | 8:02pm |
| September | 70.2°F | 55.6°F | 0.10 | 0.3 | 7:17pm |
| October | 69.8°F | 54.4°F | 0.94 | 2.0 | 6:32pm |
| November | 63.7°F | 50.7°F | 2.60 | 4.8 | 4:58pm |
| December | 57.9°F | 47.0°F | 4.76 | 8.0 | 4:52pm |
What each season is like on court
Summer (June to August)
The National Weather Service describes San Francisco summers as cool marine air with persistent low cloud and fog. Mornings often start overcast across the whole city, then clear on the warmer bay side while the ocean side only partly clears. A strong sea breeze builds in the afternoon and evening, with 20 to 30 mph typical at its peak. Rain is almost nonexistent, so summer is reliable for play if you bring layers and expect wind after lunch.
Fall (September and October)
The NWS calls spring and fall the transition seasons with the most cloud-free days, and notes that the city’s three hottest days on record came in September and October, when offshore winds replace the sea breeze. The normals agree: September has the highest average high of the year and fewer than one rain day. If you can choose when to visit, this is the window.
Winter (November to March)
More than 80 percent of the city’s rain falls from November through March, according to the NWS. Highs stay in the upper 50s to low 60s, so cold is rarely the problem; wet courts and early darkness are. Sunset falls before 5pm in mid-November and mid-December. Plan daytime play, or use one of the lighted courts, and check rainy-day options.
Spring (April and May)
Rain tapers off quickly after March, and days get long: sunset is after 7:30pm from mid-April. Afternoon wind starts to return as the season moves toward summer.
Planning tips
- Book mornings in summer. Tip: since the sea breeze peaks in the afternoon, a morning slot is usually the calmer one. Most Rec & Park courts release 7 days ahead at 8am; see how to book.
- Pick the side of town. Neighborhoods across the city can have very different weather on the same day. See the sunniest courts and wind and fog.
- Know the rain rules. rec.us gives full credits only for city-wide rain, as of when it starts. Goldman Tennis Center credits rain-interrupted court time.
- The clock change. The Naval Observatory times switch from daylight to standard time between mid-October and mid-November, which is why sunset moves from 6:32pm to 4:58pm.
FAQ
What is the best month to play tennis in San Francisco?
September, closely followed by October. They have the highest average highs (about 70°F) and very little rain.
Can you play tennis in San Francisco in winter?
Yes. Highs average 58 to 62°F from December to March. Expect about 8 rain days a month from December to February, and sunset between about 4:50pm and 5:50pm.
Is it cold for tennis in San Francisco in summer?
It is cooler than most visitors expect. Average July highs are about 66°F downtown, and fog and wind can make it feel colder, especially on the west side.
Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals, San Francisco Downtown station (USW00023272), US Naval Observatory sun data, NWS Climate of San Francisco (NOAA Tech Memo WR-126), SF Rec & Park, Goldman Tennis Center court policies, checked October 2026.
Related guides
- Playing Tennis in San Francisco Wind and Fog
- Rainy-Day Tennis in San Francisco
- Lighted Tennis Courts in San Francisco for Night Play
- Planning a Tennis Weekend in San Francisco
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