Time in San Francisco, United States
Local time, timezone information, and travel guide for San Francisco - also known as The City by the Bay
Timezone
America/Los_Angeles
GMT-07:00
Loading...
San Francisco is the cultural, commercial, and financial center of Northern California. Known for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, diverse neighborhoods, and the birthplace of tech innovation in nearby Silicon Valley.
Population
883,305
Metro: 4,730,000
Language
English (official), Spanish, Chinese languages
Currency
USD (US Dollar)
Area
121.4 km²
Elevation
16m above sea level
Founded
1776
Climate
Mediterranean climate tempered by ocean influences. Foggy summers, mild year-round temperatures.
Best Time to Visit
September to November for the warmest weather. The famous Karl the Fog is heaviest in summer.
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Tech industry and startups
- Cable cars
- Alcatraz Island
- Victorian houses
- Progressive politics
What is the timezone and time difference in San Francisco?
San Francisco is in the Pacific Time Zone (PT). It observes Pacific Standard Time (PST) which is UTC-8, and during Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), UTC-7. Generally, the time difference is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
What is the best time to visit San Francisco and what is the weather like?
The best time to visit San Francisco is from September to November when the weather is typically mild and less foggy. Summer can be foggy and cool, while winter can bring rain. Expect mild temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C) year-round.
What are some popular attractions and things to do in San Francisco?
Popular attractions include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and Lombard Street. Don't miss Golden Gate Park, the Painted Ladies, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA). Walking or biking through neighborhoods like Chinatown and the Mission District offers rich cultural experiences.
What local foods and cuisine should I try in San Francisco?
San Francisco is famous for its sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, clam chowder in a bread bowl, and Mission-style burritos. Don’t forget to visit local seafood restaurants and try some gourmet coffee, as the city is known for its artisanal food scene.
What is the best way to get around San Francisco?
San Francisco has a robust public transportation system, including buses, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), and streetcars. The Muni system covers the city well, and many visitors also use rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Biking and walking are excellent ways to explore the city, particularly in the more scenic areas.
What safety and travel tips should I keep in mind while visiting San Francisco?
Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas, as pickpocketing can occur. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dimly lit areas at night. Utilize well-lit, populated routes for walking, and stay informed about local guidelines, especially regarding public health and safety.
Same Timezone
World Clocks
Frequently Asked Questions About Time in San Francisco
San Francisco is in the America/Los_Angeles timezone, which is GMT-07:00 from UTC (Coordinated Universal Time).
The America/Los_Angeles timezone may observe Daylight Saving Time depending on the country's regulations. The current offset shown above reflects any DST adjustments.
The time difference between San Francisco and New York varies based on Daylight Saving Time. Use our time converter tool to see the current difference.
Business hours in San Francisco are typically 9 AM to 5 PM local time. Use our meeting planner to find the best overlap with your timezone.