Visiting San Francisco in May is like nothing other, providing a glimpse of the city's thriving culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and illustrious landmarks.
When the average temperature- rises, San Franciscans flock outdoors to enjoy everything from a stroll along the Golden Gate Bridge to trekking in the city's many national parks.
Festivals honoring everything from music and food to film and art provide visitors a chance to dive deep into the city's thriving cultural scene. The month of May is a great time to visit San Francisco, so why not take advantage of it?
May Weather in San Francisco
The daily average high temperatures in SF in May are around 67°F, which rarely falls below 60°F or exceeds 77°F. While the daily low temperature is around 54°F, and it rarely falls below 50°F or exceeds 59°F.
Top things to do in San Francisco in May
Your visit to San Francisco in May is assured to be interesting and memorable. Explained below are the enjoyable things to do in San Francisco:
SF Food Tour
Participating in a walking tour is a wonderful way to spend a day in May as the weather is gradually increasing. Why not make your trip to San Francisco one long gastronomic adventure by booking a tour like the SF Food Tour?
Food from local bakeries, restaurants, Japanese tea garden,s and cafes will be sampled on this walking tour of the neighborhood.
This tour skips the typical attractions in favor of seeing local food producers like bakers and fishermen at the fisherman's wharf so you may indulge in their wares and learn about where your food comes from.
The owner of this business has been giving tours of SF for over a decade, so he knows the city's history and culture like the back of his hand.
Marina by the Bay
The Marina by the Bay at Pier 39 is a popular spot for people who enjoy boating because it allows them to watch the boats dock, participate in events related to boating, access the pacific ocean, and relax while having a cup of coffee.
This marina with 300 berths offers a variety of ways to experience the water, including powerboat excursions, sailing, and more.
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is the place to be for live music
The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is currently providing wonderful free programs multiple days a week, and it is highly recommended that you mark their forthcoming schedule on your calendar.
Six months out of the year, the non-profit organization is committed to making available a wide variety of cultural events, such as rock bands, performances of world-class music, theatre, and dance, as well as shows geared specifically toward children.
Uncover a Variety of May Events
The May events calendar is packed with exciting and entertaining things to do in SF during the month of May. In Oracle Park, you may also see a game played by the San Francisco Giants baseball team.
This month, the Oakland A's play roughly a dozen home games in the Oakland Coliseum, which is located just across the bay from Oakland. For Mother's Day, you might also treat your mother to a lavish brunch or lunch at a nice restaurant.
In addition, my insider's guide to Mother's Day includes a variety of additional enjoyable activities that can be enjoyed on that particular day. Memorial Day Weekend and labor day weekend are also busy weekends in SF California.
In addition to the many other enjoyable activities, you may take part in the Carnaval Festival, a number of Memorial Day ceremonies, and other San Francisco events all around the Bay Area.
Head to the Theater, Symphony, or Ballet
The San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Ballet will both perform at the theatre in May. The Lion King, The Book of Mormon, and Wicked are just a few of the famous shows that will be performed at the theatre.
Little local shows can be found almost every night of the week at several theatres throughout the town and you can either pay for general admission or a VIP experience. About ten free concerts will be performed by the San Francisco Symphony this month.
They constantly switch things around, so there's always something fresh to look forward to. The San Francisco Ballet's season always ends in May.
This month, they will have one show with seven to ten showings. Mother's Day is commonly the last one they perform.
Discover Something New in SF's Museums
You can always find something new at San Francisco's museums. The downtown San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the California Academy of Sciences, and the Exploratorium are some of the most popular museums in the city.
The de Young, Legion of Honor, and Asian Art Museum are also excellent choices. Many of them also provide trial periods at no cost. The permanent displays in our museum are free of charge during this special event.
Enjoy SF’s circus-style cabaret and aerial show featuring world-class acrobats
Every weekend, the historic Great Star Theater hosts a cabaret and aerial show featuring a cast of world-class acrobats.
The magnificent costumes, enticing choreography, astonishing stunts, and circus artistry of AirOtic Soiree will leave you in awe.
Check out a day of wine, food, fashion, and fun at the Kendall-Jackson Kentucky Derby party
On Saturday, May 7, Kendall-Jackson, the 'Preferred Wine of the Kentucky Derby,' will be throwing the greatest Kentucky Derby celebration on the West Coast at their wine estate and gardens.
Dust off your finest hat and polish your best shoes, since Kendall-Jackson will be the host of this event. In addition, visitors have access to spectacular views in this location.
Savor delectable dishes from the south, carefully paired with refined wines from the Kendall-Jackson collection, as well as other favorites from Sonoma County and the surrounding area.
Just make sure that you don't get anything on your clothes because everyone is going to be trying their best to look their best.
Check out the summer run of San Francisco’s tantalizing Star Wars Parody
San Francisco will be the next stop on 'The Empire Strips Back's' triumphant tour of the Americas.
In this spoof, the most popular characters from the Star Wars saga are transported to the world of burlesque, comedy, and striptease. Stormtroopers with some major sex appeal, a seductive Boba Fett, and more await your inspection.
Visit the amazing new 4.5-acre park in Russian Hill
On Wednesday, Russian Hill played host to San Francisco Recreation and Parks' newest initiative.
Since its opening in 1983, Francisco Park's 4.5 acres have made it the city's largest urban park.
Views of Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Palace of Fine Arts are unparalleled from this park at the intersection of Francisco, Larkin, Bay, and Hyde Streets.
In addition to a large grassy area in the middle, there's a fenced-in dog run, a playground with a natural discovery area like the Napa Valley, paved walkways, a community garden, and a rainwater collecting system.
Catch a Game
The SF Giants and the Oakland Athletics both have multiple home games in May. Both teams will host close to a dozen games this month. That's right, during the regular season, you can watch a baseball game nearly every day.
Oracle Park, located in the city's south, is where the SF Giants play baseball. The Oakland Coliseum is home to the A's.
Both can be reached with minimal effort using the local public transit system to avoid the tourist rush and together they make for delightful daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Swim In San Francisco In May?
No... San Francisco Bay in May is too cold for swimming. In the month of May in SF, swimming is not an option. The water can be as cold as 50°F average temperatures in San Francisco (at best 57°F)!
Is San Francisco Rainy In May?
Weather stations report SF experiences over 80% of its annual light rain between November and March due to its Mediterranean-like climate. The San Francisco weather in mid-April is unpredictable, ranging from bright by early afternoon and pleasant to wet. Just approximately 5 percent of year-round precipitation falls between May and October with warmer temperatures.
Conclusion
SF comes alive in May with a plethora of free events, cheap hotel prices, and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The Golden Gate Bridge and the thriving districts ensure that visitors of all ages will have a good time.
- Christmas in San Francisco - November 11, 2023
- 10 Things to Do Alone in San Francisco without Breaking the Bank - November 1, 2023
- The Worst Time to Visit San Francisco - September 28, 2023