August is a popular time to visit San Francisco due to the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment offerings. The month hosts several notable events, including:
- Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival: A three-day festival in Golden Gate Park featuring a diverse lineup of musicians, artists, and performers.
- Fog Fest on the Embarcadero: A celebration of the city’s famous fog, with live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
- San Francisco International Film Festival: A prestigious film festival showcasing independent and foreign films from around the world.
Additionally, August is a great time to experience San Francisco’s thriving culinary scene. The city is known for its award-winning restaurants, diverse food trucks, and bustling farmers’ markets, offering visitors a wide range of dining options.
Weather In San Francisco During August
Average August Weather in San Francisco, United States:
Temperature:
- Average high: 66°F (19°C)
- Average low: 54°F (12°C)
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 0.06 inches (1.5 mm)
- Number of rainy days: 1
Humidity:
- Average relative humidity: 70%
Wind:
- Average wind speed: 14 mph (23 km/h)
Other:
- Fog: Common in the mornings and evenings, especially near the coast.
- Sunshine: An average of 9 hours of sunshine per day.
- Air quality: Generally good, but can be affected by smog on hot days.
General Description:
August is one of the warmest months in San Francisco, with pleasant temperatures and mostly sunny weather. However, the city’s characteristic fog can often roll in during the mornings and evenings, particularly along the coastal areas. The low rainfall makes it an ideal month for outdoor activities.
Things To Do In San Francisco In August
August in San Francisco
Festivals and Celebrations:
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Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival (Early August): A multi-day festival featuring renowned musicians, art installations, and culinary delights in Golden Gate Park.
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Stern Grove Festival (Sundays in August): A free concert series in the scenic Stern Grove park, showcasing diverse musical genres from classical to jazz.
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San Francisco Fringe Festival (Mid-August): An annual celebration of experimental theater, dance, and performance art at various venues in the city.
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National Mustard Day Celebration (First Saturday of August): A quirky event at Ghiradelli Square, featuring a range of mustards, live music, and a costume contest.
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Fleet Week (Mid-August): A time when the U.S. Navy sets up a pier festival in the Marina District, offering tours of navy ships, helicopter demonstrations, and other maritime experiences.
Other Unique August Happenings:
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Fog Season: August is typically a foggy month in San Francisco, creating an enchanting atmosphere and providing opportunities for picturesque photos.
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Pier 39 Sea Lion Season: The large colony of California sea lions that reside on Pier 39 is at its peak in August, offering a chance to observe these playful creatures up close.
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Chinatown Moon Festival (Mid-August): A celebration of the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, featuring a parade, lion dances, and traditional food and lanterns in Chinatown.
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Exploratorium After Dark (Every Thursday in August): The Exploratorium science museum stays open late on Thursdays, offering adult-only experiences with cocktails, live music, and exclusive exhibits.
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Free Fun Fridays at the de Young Museum (Fridays in August): Enjoy free admission to the de Young Museum of Art, featuring modern and contemporary art, as well as stunning views of Golden Gate Park.
Tourism In San Francisco, United States During August
San Francisco in August bursts with lively festivals and cultural events. The Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, held in Golden Gate Park, attracts renowned musicians and a diverse crowd. The Folsom Street Fair, a spirited LGBTQ+ celebration, brings vibrant parades and lively street performers. The San Francisco Fleet Week showcases naval vessels and thrilling air shows along the waterfront, creating a spectacle for spectators.
For art enthusiasts, August offers a feast of exhibitions. The San Francisco Art Institute and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts host cutting-edge contemporary works, while the California Academy of Sciences unveils its latest scientific discoveries through engaging exhibits.
The vibrant theater scene comes alive with Tony Award-winning productions at the American Conservatory Theater and Orpheum Theatre. Classical music lovers can indulge in the San Francisco Opera’s summer season, featuring world-class vocalists and captivating performances.
Foodies flock to San Francisco in August to savor the city’s culinary delights. The Off the Grid food truck festival offers a global array of street food, while the Ferry Building Marketplace presents a tempting selection of artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, and delectable pastries. Michelin-starred restaurants showcase their culinary prowess, inviting diners to embark on exquisite gastronomic journeys.