If you’re staring at a weather app right now trying to figure out san francisco weather 10 days out, I have a bit of a reality check for you.
Honestly? The app is probably lying to you. Or at least, it's only telling you about 15% of the story.
San Francisco doesn't have "weather" in the way most cities do. We have atmospheric moods. We have microclimates that can change the temperature by 15 degrees just by crossing a single hill.
The 10-Day Reality Check: January 2026
Right now, as we sit in mid-January, the city is settling into a classic winter rhythm. Looking at the san francisco weather 10 days forecast from Saturday, January 17 through late next week, we are seeing a fairly consistent pattern of highs in the low 60s and lows in the high 40s to low 50s.
Today, for instance, we’re looking at a high of 64°F and a low of 53°F. It’s mostly cloudy with a light breeze from the north.
But here is the thing: a "mostly cloudy" day in San Francisco is a game of hide-and-seek. You might be in the Mission District basking in a patch of blue sky while your friend out in the Sunset District is currently being swallowed by a wall of grey mist.
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Here’s a quick breakdown of what the next week and a half looks like on paper:
- This Weekend (Jan 17-18): Expect steady highs around 64-66°F. It’s overcast today, but we might see more sun by Sunday.
- Early Next Week (Jan 19-21): The sun is making a comeback. We’re looking at clear, sunny days with highs sticking around 65°F and crisp nights hitting 47°F.
- The Late-Week Shift (Jan 22-26): Clouds return. Temperatures will dip slightly into the high 50s or low 60s.
Basically, it's "Goldilocks weather." Not too hot, not too cold, but just right for a light jacket you’ll be taking on and off every twenty minutes.
Why Your Forecast Might Feel Wrong
The biggest misconception about the san francisco weather 10 days outlook is the idea of a "uniform" temperature.
I’ve lived here long enough to know that "San Francisco" is actually five different weather zones wearing one trench coat.
If the forecast says 62°F, that’s usually measured at the airport or downtown. If you head to Ocean Beach, subtract 5 degrees and add wind. If you go to Noe Valley or the Mission, add 5 degrees and ditch your sweater.
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We call these microclimates. The city's 40+ hills act as physical barriers for the marine layer (that’s the fog, often nicknamed "Karl" by the locals). The hills like Twin Peaks literally block the cold Pacific air from reaching the eastern side of the city.
Packing for the "Invisible" Winter
If you’re visiting during this 10-day window, do not—I repeat, do not—pack based on the "high" temperature.
63°F in San Francisco feels significantly colder than 63°F in a place like Austin or Atlanta. Why? Humidity and wind. The dampness from the Bay has a way of sinking into your bones the moment you step into the shade.
You’ve gotta do the "layer dance."
- The Base: A t-shirt or light long-sleeve.
- The Insulator: A light fleece or a "puffy" down vest.
- The Shell: A windbreaker or a light raincoat.
Even if there is only a 10% chance of rain (which is the current forecast for today), that dampness is real.
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Is it actually going to rain?
January is historically one of our wettest months, but the current san francisco weather 10 days outlook is surprisingly dry.
We are currently under the influence of a weak La Niña pattern. Usually, that means the Pacific Northwest gets soaked while Southern California stays dry. San Francisco sits right on the "swing" line.
While the long-term averages suggest 10 or 11 rainy days in January, the next ten days are looking remarkably clear. Aside from some morning drizzle or "heavy fog" (which we basically treat as rain anyway), you probably won't need a heavy umbrella. A hooded jacket is almost always the better call here because the wind just breaks umbrellas for sport.
Expert Tips for Navigating the Forecast
- The "Sunny Side" Rule: If you’re cold, literally just cross the street. The difference between the shady side of a San Francisco street and the sunny side can feel like moving between two different seasons.
- Morning vs. Afternoon: Don't trust the 8:00 AM sky. It’s almost always grey. Usually, the "burn off" happens around 11:00 AM. If it's still grey at 1:00 PM, that's just your life for the day.
- Trust the Wind: Check the wind speed. Anything over 10 mph means that 60-degree day is going to feel like 52. Today’s 6-7 mph breeze is actually quite gentle for us.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're planning your week based on this san francisco weather 10 days data, prioritize your outdoor activities for Monday through Wednesday (Jan 19-21). Those are currently pegged as the sunniest days of the stretch. Save the museums like the De Young or the California Academy of Sciences for next Thursday when the cloud cover returns.
Most importantly: wear wool socks. Keeping your feet warm is the secret to surviving a San Francisco "winter" day without complaining.
Current Snapshot: Saturday, Jan 17, 2026
- Condition: Mostly Cloudy
- Temp: 63°F (High 64°F)
- Wind: 6 mph North
- Humidity: 55%
- Precipitation: 10% chance