Honestly, if you looked at the weather app this morning and saw a high of 63°F, you probably thought, "Oh, a nice mild day." You'd be right, mostly. But San Francisco doesn't do "simple."
Today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, the temperature in San Francisco California today is hitting a very specific, crisp 63°F for the high. The low is sitting at 52°F. On paper, that’s a 11-degree swing. In reality? It feels like moving between different climate zones just by walking across Market Street.
The sun is out. It's officially a "sunny" day. But with a northeast wind blowing at about 6 to 7 mph, that 63 degrees has a bite to it, especially if you’re standing in the shade of a Salesforce-sized skyscraper.
The Microclimate Reality Check
You’ve probably heard the (fake) Mark Twain quote about the coldest winter being a summer here. He didn't actually say it, but the sentiment is gospel.
The city is a thumb of land surrounded by cold water on three sides. Today, that 61% humidity keeps the air feeling heavy and "wet-cold," which is a totally different beast than the dry cold you'd find in the Sierras.
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If you're hanging out in the Mission District or Noe Valley—the "Sun Belt"—you might actually feel that 63 degrees. It's shielded. The hills act like a giant windbreaker for those neighborhoods. But if you head out to Ocean Beach or the Richmond, you’re basically shaking hands with the Pacific Ocean. It will feel five to ten degrees colder there, guaranteed.
What’s Actually Happening Right Now
- Current Temp: 63°F
- Sky: Sunny (for now)
- Wind: 6 mph from the Northeast
- UV Index: 1 (basically non-existent, but the sun is still bright)
By tonight, things shift. We’re looking at 52°F with "periodic clouds." There’s a 15% chance of rain after dark. It’s not a downpour, but it’s that annoying misty drizzle that makes the sidewalks slick.
Why Today’s 63 Degrees is Deceptive
In most cities, 63 degrees is "light sweater" weather. In San Francisco, it’s a logistical challenge.
The humidity today is hovering around 69% for the daily average. This means the air holds onto the chill. When the sun dips behind a hill at 4:30 PM, the temperature doesn't just drop—it plummets. You’ll go from feeling pleasant to shivering in about twenty minutes.
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I've seen tourists in Fisherman's Wharf buying $60 "I Heart SF" hoodies in January because they underestimated the wind off the Bay. Don't be that person.
The Neighborhood Variance
If you're planning your day, keep these "zones" in mind:
- The East Side (Mission, SOMA, Dogpatch): This is where you’ll find the peak of that 63-degree high. It’s the closest thing to "warm" you'll get today.
- The Fog Belt (Sunset, Richmond): Even on a sunny day like today, the breeze off the water keeps these areas significantly brisker.
- Downtown/Financial District: The "wind tunnel" effect is real. Those 7 mph northeast winds get compressed between buildings and turn into 15 mph gusts.
Survival Guide: What to Wear Today
Since the temperature in San Francisco California today is topping out at 63°F, you need a strategy. This is a three-layer day.
Layer 1: The Base. A standard t-shirt or long-sleeve.
Layer 2: The Insulator. A hoodie or a light fleece. This is your workhorse.
Layer 3: The Shell. A windbreaker or a light denim jacket.
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You’ll be putting these on and taking them off all day. It’s the SF workout.
The UV index is low (1 or 2), so you won't fry, but the glare off the Bay can be brutal. Bring sunglasses.
Looking Ahead to Tonight
As we move into the evening, that 15% rain chance is a reminder that January is still technically our wet season. The northeast wind remains steady at 7 mph. If you’re heading out to dinner in North Beach or the Marina, that 52°F low is going to feel much colder near the water.
Pro Tip: If you see "periodic clouds" in the forecast for tonight, expect some of that classic San Francisco moisture. It's not enough to ruin a walk, but it's enough to make your hair do weird things.
Actionable Takeaways for Your SF Day
- Ditch the shorts. Unless you’re a local runner who’s immune to the cold, today is a pants day.
- Check the wind direction. A northeast wind means the breeze is coming off the North Bay/Sacramento River area. It’s usually a bit drier than a West wind, but still chilly.
- Don't trust the sun. It looks warm through a window. The moment you step outside and hit a shadow, you’ll realize 63°F is just a suggestion, not a promise.
- Plan your "warm" activities for 1 PM to 3 PM. That's when the sun is at its highest and the 63-degree peak is most likely to actually feel like 63 degrees.
Grab a jacket, keep an eye on those evening clouds, and enjoy the sun while it's actually here.