🇺🇸 San Francisco vs 🇺🇸 Chicago
Weather Comparison
Current Weather Right Now
🇺🇸
San Francisco
60°F
Broken Clouds
Feels like 58°F
H 64°F / L 57°F
Humidity: 68%
🇺🇸
Chicago
74°F
Broken Clouds
Feels like 74°F
H 75°F / L 73°F
Humidity: 74%
Climate Overview
San Francisco
San Francisco's climate is shaped by its position on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The coastal fog (Karl the Fog) rolls in through the Golden Gate each summer afternoon, keeping temperatures mild year-round. The city has dramatically different microclimates — the Sunset District fog-bound while the Mission basks in sun on the same day.
Chicago
Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms
Chicago lives up to its Windy City nickname. Lake Michigan creates its own microclimate — cooler summers and heavier lake-effect snow in winter. Summers are warm but brief; winters are among the harshest of any major American city.
Seasonal Comparison
| Season | 🇺🇸 San Francisco | 🇺🇸 Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | — | 35–65°F March–May |
| Summer | — | 70–84°F June–August |
| Fall | — | 45–68°F September–November |
| Winter | — | 17–32°F December–February |
San Francisco vs Chicago: Frequently Asked Questions
Does San Francisco or Chicago have better weather?
San Francisco and Chicago have very different climates. San Francisco's climate is shaped by its position on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Chicago: Humid continental — cold harsh winters, hot humid summers, severe storms. The best city depends on your preferred season and temperature range.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco vs Chicago?
Best time for San Francisco: spring and fall. Best time for Chicago: May, June, September.