Visiting San Francisco in September Is As Good As It Gets!
If you are looking for the best month to travel to the City By Bay, then San Francisco in September is a great idea! You can enjoy the best activities like visiting Alcatraz or biking to the Golden Gate Bridge under the sunshine and warm weather!
As far as San Francisco weather goes for September, the average high temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit while the average low temperate is 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature is a brisk 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In regards to what to wear for your trip to San Francisco, pack your jacket and cool weather clothes. There is a famous quote that says, “the coldest winter can be a summer’s day in San Francisco.”
Top Events Happening in San Francisco In September:
Portola Music Festival
Sept. 20-21
Portola Festival 2025 is coming to San Francisco’s Pier 80 on September 20–21, and it’s going to be an epic weekend of music and good vibes. Big names like LCD Soundsystem, The Chemical Brothers, Christina Aguilera, and Moby will hit the stage, along with top DJs like Peggy Gou and Dom Dolla. One of the coolest parts? A special vinyl-only sound setup called Despacio that plays music all day in a huge speaker-filled tent. Add in great food, chill crowds, and amazing views of the Bay, and you’ve got one unforgettable party.
The Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival is back and it’s free to attend! Held on Grant Avenue from 11 AM to 5 PM, this fun weekend event celebrates Chinese culture with lion dances, kung fu shows, live music, and lots of tasty food like mooncakes and dumplings. Each day kicks off with a big parade, and this year’s theme is the Monkey King, so expect fun costumes and performances. Don’t miss the White Crane Dragon Parade on Sunday!
Cruises from Fisherman’s Wharf
Daily
San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf area (mainly Pier 39 and Pier 43½) offers plenty of 1–2 hour sightseeing cruises in September—perfect for soaking in the skyline, Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, the Bay Bridge, and local wildlife. These cruises are a fun and relaxing way to experience the city from the water, with cool bay breezes and great photo ops around every corner. Some cruises offer live or recorded narration to share interesting history and facts about the city, while others simply let you enjoy the ride.
Head To Yosemite National Park
Taking a day trip to Yosemite from San Francisco in September is a long but rewarding adventure. The weather is usually clear and mild, making it a great time to see famous sights like El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls without the summer crowds. The drive takes about 4 hours each way, so it’s an early start, but worth it for a full day of hiking, scenic views, and fresh mountain air. Whether you join a guided tour or drive yourself, it’s one of the best ways to experience California.
FREE Museum Days
Various Dates
San Francisco is full of amazing museums and cultural experiences. You can find a different experience every day of your trip! We have highlighted which days are free for each of the most popular museums.
- SF Botanical Gardens: Second Tuesday of every month, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, & New Year’s Day
- Asian Art Museum: First Sunday of every month
- Exploratorium: Four to five times a year
- California Academy of Sciences: Select Sundays throughout the year thanks to Pacific Gas & Electric Company
- Conservatory of Flowers: First Tuesday of every month
- Contemporary Jewish Museum: First Tuesday of every month
- de Young: First Tuesday of every month
- GLBT: First Wednesday of the month
- Legion of Honor: First Tuesday of every month
Catch a Giants Baseball Game at Oracle Park
April through October
Go for the home team or watch your favorite team play against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in Downtown San Diego! The stadium is located on the waterfront so plan on visiting some great bars for fun pregame and post-game entertainment!
Present your same-day baseball ticket to a receptionist at ITH Hostels and save $5 on your reservation.
Find tickets for all games this month
Go Hiking In San Francisco
Lands End Trail – Golden Gate Recreation Area
the Lands End Trail is a perfect coastal escape right in the city: a roughly 3.3‑mile round‑trip hike along a mostly easy, old railroad‑bed path, weaving through cypress groves and rugged cliffs with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and Marin Headlands. Along the way you’ll pass the atmospheric Sutro Baths ruins, a historic warship memorial, and even spot shipwreck remnants at low tide. Plan around 1.5–2 hours with stops to enjoy overlooks, a hidden beach detour to Mile Rock, and fresh sea air.
San Francisco Surf Break Of The Month
Fort Point
Fort Point is one of the most unique surf spots in San Francisco, tucked right beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. While winter brings the biggest swells for experienced surfers, September is a great time for beginners—the waves are smaller and more manageable, and the scenery is unbeatable. It’s not the easiest break to reach, and the crowd can be serious about their lineup, but if you’re respectful and careful, it’s a memorable place to catch a few waves while soaking in iconic city views.
Skateboard in San Francisco
Street Skating
San Francisco is a street skater’s dream, thanks to its endless hills, smooth pavement, and mix of urban spots. Whether you’re bombing steep streets, cruising through mellow neighborhoods, or hitting ledges and rails in hidden corners of the city, there’s always a new line to find. September’s sunny days and cooler breezes make it an ideal time to explore the city on your board—just bring good brakes and maybe a helmet, because those hills aren’t messing around!
Weekly Local Events In San Francisco:
San Francisco is one of the most unique places in America. From the historic building to scenic attractions, you will never run out of things to do.
Check out Fun Cheap SF for a full list of things to do in San Francisco
For the live music scene, check out Song Kick for the best venue and upcoming shows.
Tuesdays: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Saturdays: Ferry Plaza Farmers Market
Sundays: Fort Mason Farmers Markert
Everyday:
Yoga Garden SF
Satori Yoga Studio
Glow Yoga & Wellness
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