Honestly, if you've lived in the city for more than a minute, you know the Drill. One morning you’re bundled in a parka waiting for the Muni, and by noon you’re regretting every life choice that led to wearing wool.
This week is looking like a classic example of that San Francisco moodiness. We aren't seeing any of those crazy atmospheric rivers that usually dominate the headlines this time of year. Instead, the 5-day weather forecast for san francisco is shaping up to be surprisingly chill—and by chill, I mean mostly sunny with just enough cloud cover to keep things interesting.
What’s Actually Happening Outside Right Now?
Right now, it’s 57°F and sunny. The wind is coming in from the northeast at about 10 mph, which is just enough to make you wish you had a light scarf but not enough to ruin your hair.
We’re looking at a high of 61°F today, Friday, January 16. It’s the kind of day where the Mission is going to be packed because everyone is trying to soak up that "winter" sun. Tonight stays pretty mild, dipping down to 49°F with some periodic clouds. Basically, it’s perfect sleeping weather.
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Breaking Down the 5-Day Weather Forecast for San Francisco
If you're planning your weekend or trying to figure out if you can finally wash your car without the sky mocking you, here is the trajectory for the next few days.
Saturday: The Gray "Blah" Day
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is the outlier. It’s going to be cloudy all day and all night. We’re looking at a high of 59°F and a low of 49°F. There is a tiny 10% chance of rain, but don’t go canceling your plans. It’s more of a "misty windshield" situation than a "break out the galoshes" situation. The humidity is bumping up to 71%, so it might feel a bit more damp than today.
Sunday & Monday: The Return of the Sun
Sunday, January 18, bounces right back. We’re hitting 61°F again under sunny skies. Even though there's a 10% chance of a stray shower during the day, it’s mostly going to be a bright, crisp January day.
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Monday, January 19, keeps the streak alive with a high of 60°F. If you’ve got the day off or you’re working from a cafe with outdoor seating, this is your window. The wind stays low at 8 mph, and the UV index is a steady 2, so you won't fry, but the light will be great for those Golden Gate Bridge shots.
Tuesday: The Humidity Creeps In
By Tuesday, January 20, things get a little "soupy." It’ll be partly sunny with a high of 59°F, but the humidity jumps to 77%. That usually means the air feels a bit heavier, and the clouds start rolling back in for the evening.
The Microclimate Reality Check
You know the deal. A 5-day weather forecast for san francisco is really just a polite suggestion for the city as a whole.
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If the forecast says 61°F, the Sunset District is probably sitting at 55°F in a wall of fog, while Dolores Park is hitting a crisp 64°F. This week, the northeast winds are actually helping keep the coast a bit clearer than usual, but the "Marine Layer" is a fickle beast.
Why It’s Not Actually "Cold"
People from the Midwest love to laugh at us when we complain about 49°F nights. But let’s be real—San Francisco cold is a damp, bone-chilling cold. However, with the UV index hovering around 2 and the humidity staying below 80% for most of the week, this is actually a very dry, comfortable stretch for mid-January.
Making the Most of the Week
Since we aren't dealing with any major storms or high-wind warnings, it's a great time for outdoor stuff that usually gets rained out in January.
- Layers are non-negotiable. The 12-degree swing between the daily high of 61°F and the nightly low of 49°F feels much bigger than it looks on paper.
- Saturday is for indoor errands. Since it's the only truly cloudy day of the bunch, save your Netflix binge or grocery haul for then.
- Check your tires. Even though the rain chance is low (5-10%), the roads can get slick with the morning dew and high humidity on Tuesday.
This stretch of weather is basically the city’s way of apologizing for the wind. It’s consistent, it’s predictable, and honestly, it’s why we pay the "sun tax" to live here. Just don't forget your hoodie when the sun goes down at 5:16 PM.