San Francisco Sinks into June Gloom as Fog Casts Its Coastal Spell
A veil of mist and chill has swept across San Francisco as the city descends into its classic June gloom, replacing May’s bright skies with stubborn fog and cool winds. With low pressure pulling the marine layer inland, even sun-kissed neighborhoods now sit under cloud. Temperatures stay mild, and meteorologists see little change ahead unless high-pressure ridging builds offshore. As forecasts hang in delicate balance, hopes for a sunlit turnaround flicker—yet the fog’s silent grip holds firm, wrapping the Bay Area in a moody, windswept hush through the coming days.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Marine fog and cool winds grip San Francisco amid seasonal June gloom.

• Temperatures remain mild, with highs in the low to mid-70s near the coast and 80s inland.

• Southern counties like Monterey and San Benito may see 90°F highs over the weekend.

• Weather pattern may shift next week with earlier fog clearing.

• Meteorologists not expecting major pressure changes, forecast remains uncertain.

• Fog remains typical for this time of year, locals advised to plan around morning mist.

The signature charm of San Francisco’s unpredictable weather is once again on full display, as the city transitions from May’s warm, sun-kissed afternoons into the colder embrace of June’s fog-laced mornings. Locals and visitors alike are now facing what meteorologists routinely refer to as “June gloom” — a recurring seasonal phenomenon marked by dense marine fog, breezy coastal winds, and noticeably cooler temperatures.

Just weeks ago, the city was basking in rare stretches of sunshine and unseasonably balmy air. Picnics at Dolores Park, long walks along Crissy Field, and weekend getaways to Ocean Beach were the norm. But those fleeting glimpses of early summer warmth have all but vanished, giving way to grey skies and a persistent mist that has crept from the coast into the city’s most sun-favored neighborhoods.

“It’s a classic June setup,” explained Rachel Kennedy, meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Bay Area office.

“We’re seeing low pressure systems settle over the region, which enhances the marine layer and allows that fog to travel farther inland than usual. Hopefully you’re a fan of that weather because it’s going to continue [through] basically this weekend.”

Unlike the more intense weather shifts seen in other parts of the country, San Francisco’s summer begins with a quieter, more subdued entrance. The culprit is the Pacific Ocean, whose chilly waters fuel the formation of the marine layer — a blanket of cool, moist air that pushes inland under the right conditions. In this case, low atmospheric pressure has taken the lead, enabling the fog to settle deeper into the city, even over areas that usually get more light.

“There are certain neighborhoods that, in typical summer patterns, get a bit of a break — places like the Mission or Potrero Hill,” Kennedy noted. “But this week, even those spots have had little to no relief from the fog. That’s how deep this marine layer is pushing in.”

Those hoping for a sunnier turn might be pinning their hopes on a phenomenon called “ridging” — the development of high-pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean. Such systems act as a sort of barrier, keeping Karl the Fog, the city’s unofficial cloudy mascot, at bay. Without ridging, however, the fog tends to linger longer into the day, sometimes not lifting until the afternoon, if at all.

The broader Bay Area is expected to follow a similar pattern. Coastal cities will continue to see daily highs in the low to mid-70s, while farther inland, including areas in the East Bay, temperatures could reach into the 80s. Further south, particularly in the interior parts of Monterey and San Benito counties, weekend highs may climb to 90°F, offering a stark contrast to the cooler coast.

Still, there is some cautious optimism. Starting next week, the region is expected to warm slightly. Kennedy explained that while foggy mornings are still on the menu, the timing of the clearing may shift.

“We’re anticipating that the fog will start to clear a little earlier — mid- to late morning instead of late morning or early afternoon,” she said. “That could allow for more sunlight during the day, especially in the inland areas.”

Yet, a longer-term forecast remains in flux. Weather models currently do not show strong signals for either dominant high or low pressure systems taking control, leaving the outlook somewhat in limbo. For San Franciscans eager to return to sunbathing and patio brunches, that means managing expectations — at least for now.

“Unfortunately,” Kennedy said with a wry tone, “it’s the time of year for June gloom. It’s not going anywhere just yet.”

For residents used to the city’s unique microclimates, this foggy pause in summer may be par for the course. But for tourists unfamiliar with the city’s cool summer identity, it serves as a reminder: when packing for San Francisco in June, don’t forget the jacket.

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