What's the Weather like in San Francisco in March
Temperature
The weather in March in San Francisco is gradually warming up as the winter comes to an end and spring approaches. It is still a fairly cool month with average temperature at 110C in San Francisco, USA, with the average high and low temperatures ranging from an overnight low temperature of 90C to a daytime high of 160C. These weather conditions are similar to Milan, Italy in terms of precipitation and temperature. The highest recorded temperature in March in the city was 280C in March 2004 and the lowest was 40C in 2006. If outdoor activities are on the travel itinerary, then summer months such as July may be a better time of year to travel to San Francisco.
Rain
March has less rainfall than the winter months such as January, but is still a fairly wet time of year and it may be wise to keep an umbrella handy when exploring the city. The average rainfall during March is 79mm which falls over an average of 10 days throughout the month. The chance of rain is higher at the beginning of the month and decreases as March progresses. These rainy days are more likely to see light or moderate rain rather than heavy downpours.
The wettest March on record was in 1973 when 355mm rain fell throughout the month, with 127mm rainfall in a single day. The driest year was 1988 with only 2.5mm falling during the entire month. The weather conditions vary from year to year depending on the El Nio which brings warmer wetter conditions or the cooler, dryer La Nia years that bring less rain.
Sunshine Hours
The average hours of sunshine during this month is 9 hours and this is gradually increasing as the month goes on. The length of the daytime hours is increasing during March as summer draws closer, increasing by 1.13 hours from the 1st of the month to the 31st. Cloud cover is usually at 50-60% and the sky tends to become clearer towards the end of March. The earliest sunrise is at the start of the month at around 6.30am and the earliest sunset is at 6pm. Daylight savings time begins in March each year and the clocks go back, moving the sunrise and sunset times to an hour later.
Humidity
The humidity is highest at the start of the month and becomes drier as March comes to an end. The average humidity ranges from 53% to 92%.
Sea Temperature
Sea temperatures are still low in March at 120C so are not ideal conditions for water activities. Wind speeds are generally low to moderate, ranging from 0m/s to 9 m/s, and a calm 4 m/s on most days during March. A 25 day forecast is available for detailed travel planning for the coming weeks.
San Francisco Hotels in March
Four Seasons
The Four Seasons hotel is a luxurious 5* hotel centrally located in the SoMa district close to restaurants and nightlife with a spa and concierge service as well as a swimming pool and children's activities available. Union Square and the shopping areas are only two blocks away and the hotel contains a collection of art that reflects San Francisco's rich and diverse art scene. The fitness centre offers a gym and steam room, while the MKT restaurant in the hotel offers a California-focused menu in a chic and relaxed atmosphere or the option of private or in-room dining.
Travelodge
For those travelling on a tighter budget, the Travelodge located in Lombard street is a 2* hotel two blocks from the Exploratorium and Palace of Fine Arts in a quiet but easily accessible location with limited free parking. The hotel is pet friendly and offers amenities such as Wi-Fi in all rooms, free breakfast, cable TV in all rooms as well as coffee making facilities, a fridge and access to a business centre.
Bars and Restaurants
Biscuits and Blues
Biscuits and Blues located in the theatre district near Union Square, has a restaurant, bar and nightclub and live shows Tuesday through to Sunday. With fantastic live blues bands playing, this is the best nightspot for blues music fans to take in a show and enjoy some great local and national music.
Restaurant Gary Danko
For a night of fine dining, try Restaurant Gary Danko located at Fisherman's Wharf, this restaurant features high quality service with American cuisine cooked by world-renowned chef Gary Danko. The luxurious setting provides a relaxed yet refined atmosphere for those special occasions dining experiences.
Things to do in San Francisco in March
Laser Maze Challenge
The weather is still cool and the days may be wet, so plan for indoor activities during March. The laser maze challenge at Pier 39 offers a fun day for all age groups. Navigate through a maze of criss-crossing laser beams in a challenging solo or group mission, crawling, jumping and stretching your way through the tangle of beams. Working against the clock and each other, this exciting activity will challenge your speed, agility and confidence.
California Academy of Sciences
For those who prefer a more relaxed day out, the California Academy of Sciences is home to an aquarium, planetarium, natural history museum and research centre. Suitable for all ages, this centre is home to penguins, a four story rainforest, a 2.5 acre living roof and a coral reef ecosystem, while the planetarium provides a unique perspective of the universe while transporting you through time and space.
