Gray Skies but Dry Sidewalks: San Francisco’s Calm Start to February
A Muted Start to the Month: Sunday’s Overcast Outlook
San Francisco greets the first day of February 2026 with a thick blanket of clouds, though residents can leave their heavy umbrellas at home for the time being. Despite the gray appearance of the morning sky, current meteorological data suggests a relatively dry day ahead, setting the tone for what experts predict may be a drier-than-average month for the Bay Area. While the city is often synonymous with winter storms this time of year, today offers a moment of atmospheric stillness.
Morning: Cool, Damp, and Gray
As the city wakes up this Sunday, temperatures are hovering in the low 50s, with an early morning recorded temperature of approximately 53°F. Humidity remains notably high at 79%, contributing to a damp, heavy feeling in the air despite the lack of active precipitation. Visibility may be slightly reduced in neighborhoods prone to coastal fog, such as the Sunset and Richmond districts, but no significant wind or rain warnings are currently in effect. Early risers and Sunday morning joggers should expect consistent, leaden cloud cover through the mid-morning hours, making a light outer layer essential for outdoor activities.
Afternoon: Mild Temperatures Amidst the Clouds
By midday, San Francisco will experience a modest climb in the mercury. The afternoon high is expected to reach 61°F, which is slightly cooler than the historical average for early February but remains comfortable for a walk along the Embarcadero or through Golden Gate Park. The chance of rain remains minimal, sitting at just 10% throughout the daylight hours. While the sun may struggle to peek through the dense cloud layer, the absence of strong gusts—with winds averaging only 2 to 5 mph—will make for a calm, if somber, afternoon across the city’s many hills and waterfronts. The lack of wind chill will make the 61°F peak feel true to the thermometer.
Evening: Turning Partly Cloudy
As we head into the evening, the heavy cloud cover is expected to begin breaking up. The forecast shifts from fully overcast to partly cloudy skies tonight, potentially providing a glimpse of the stars for those out late. Temperatures will descend back toward a low of 51°F. The humidity will stay consistent at around 76%, and the chance of a stray shower remains low at 15% overnight. It is a perfect evening for a medium-weight jacket, as the biting winter winds often associated with the Pacific coast are notably absent tonight.
The Bigger Picture: A Dry February Trend
According to meteorological reports and climate centers, today’s dry conditions are part of a larger anticipated pattern for 2026. There is a nearly 90% chance of above-normal temperatures and below-average rainfall for the first week of February across Northern California. While the state’s snowpack remains a concern for experts, today’s weather offers a pleasant, if overcast, reprieve for San Franciscans before any potential systems arrive later in the month. For now, the city remains under a canopy of gray, but the rain remains at bay.