Does It Snow In San Francisco? A Local’s Guide to the Unthinkable

San Francisco is a beautiful city located on the west coast of the United States. It’s known for its hilly streets, its diverse population, and its cable cars. But what about its weather? Does it snow in San Francisco?

Does it Snow in San Francisco,?
San Francisco, United States

Does it Snow in San Francisco?

The answer is no, it does not snow in San Francisco. The city experiences a Mediterranean climate, which means that it has mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers. 

But this doesn’t mean that there has never been any snowfall in San Francisco.

San Francisco has only seen two official reports of accumulating snow: Dec. 11, 1932, amounting to 0.8 inches, and Jan. 15, 1952, ranging around 0.3 inches, In lower areas of the city.

So if you’re looking to escape the cold weather, San Francisco is definitely the place to be!

How Often Does it Snow in San Francisco?

Although it rarely snows in San Francisco, the city does experience a few cold winters every now and then.

 According to Weather.com, the average snowfall in San Francisco is about 0.3 inches per year. The most snowfall ever recorded in the city was 3.7 inches, which happened because of a snowstorm back in 1887.

When Does it Snow in San Francisco?

San Francisco’s greatest snowstorm on Feb. 5, 1887 | Does it Snow in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s greatest snowstorm on Feb. 5, 1887 @Image credit: San Francisco Chronicle Archives.

It is very rare for it to snow in San Francisco, but it has happened! The last time it significantly snowed in San Francisco was on February 5, 1976. Before that, the last time it snowed was on January 17, 1952. So, while it is rare, it does happen!

The Climate in San Francisco

San Francisco has a temperate climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

The average high temperature in July is 78 degrees Fahrenheit (26 Celsius), while the average low in January is 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 Celsius).

Despite its reputation for being a chilly city, San Francisco actually rarely sees snowfall. In fact, the last time it snowed in the city was on February 5, 1976!

However, if you’re hoping to see a white Christmas, you’re out of luck – the chances of seeing snow on Christmas Day in San Francisco are less than 1%.

The Seasons in San Francisco

San Francisco has a reputation for being a cool and foggy city, but the truth is that the city experiences a wide range of weather conditions throughout the year.

The summers in San Francisco are usually warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The city also experiences a fair amount of fog during the summer months, especially in the morning.

The winters in San Francisco are mild, with temperatures ranging from 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit. It occasionally snows in San Francisco, but it is very rare. When it does snow, it is usually only for a few days, and then the weather quickly returns to normal.

Things to Do in San Francisco in Winter

Marshall's Beach, San Francisco, United States | Snow in San Francisco, USA?
Marshall’s Beach, San Francisco, United States

San Francisco might not be the first place you think of when it comes to winter, but there are actually plenty of things to do in the city during the colder months.

 From festivals and markets to holiday lights and ice skating, there’s something for everyone.

Here are some of the best things to do in San Francisco in winter:

Visit the Christmas Tree at Union Square: 

One of the most popular things to do in San Francisco during winter is to visit the huge Christmas tree at Union Square. The tree is usually up from early November until early January and is a must-see for any visitors during that time.

Go ice Skating at Union Square: 

Another popular activity in Union Square is ice skating! The ice rink is open from late November until mid-January, and it’s a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the square.

See the Holiday Lights: 

San Francisco is known for its holiday lights, and there are plenty of places to see them. From Chinatown to Ghirardelli Square, you’ll find beautiful displays all around the city.

Visit a Christmas Market:

If you’re looking for unique gifts or just want to browse some festive markets, then head to one of San Francisco’s Christmas markets. There are several around the city, including markets at Ghirardelli Square and Justin Herman Plaza.

Take a Sightseeing Tour:

One of the best ways to see San Francisco is on a sightseeing tour. And there are plenty of companies that offer tours specifically geared towards wintertime visitors. These tours typically include stops at all of the city’s major attractions, as well as some less well-known gems.

Conclusion: Does it Snow in San Francisco?

After looking at all of the data, it seems that it is very unlikely to snow in San Francisco. The temperatures simply don’t get cold enough on a consistent basis for snow to form. In addition, the relative humidity is usually too high for snow to form.

While it’s possible that a freak weather event could occur which would cause it to snow in San Francisco, it’s very unlikely. So if you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and hoping to see some snow, you’re probably out of luck!

FAQs About Snow in San Francisco

Can it Snow in San Francisco?

It is very rare for snow to accumulate in San Francisco. The last time it snowed was on February 5, 1976, when a few inches fell on Twin Peaks.

What Is the Average Snowfall in San Francisco?

There is no accurate measurable average snowfall in San Francisco. The last time it snowed properly was on February 5, 1976, when a few inches fell on Twin Peaks.

When Was the Last Time it Snowed in San Francisco?

The last time it snowed was on February 5, 1976, when a few inches fell on Twin Peaks.