San Rafael in October
Great time to visit
October offers some of the year's most pleasant weather with summer crowds gone. The combination of great weather and reasonable prices makes this a local favorite.
Weather
October brings warm days and cooler nights with the dry season continuing. Clear skies dominate most of the month. The famous Diablo winds can bring hot, dry conditions occasionally.
23°C high11°C low2 rain days
Crowds & Cost
moderate crowds
~$215/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Halloween celebrations
- •Harvest festivals continue
- •Fall hiking season begins
October Tips
- •Perfect hiking weather with clear views from Mount Tamalpais
- •Hotel rates drop noticeably after summer rush
- •Pack layers as day-to-night temperature swings increase
All Months
April through October gives you San Rafael at its finest. Spring brings wildflowers to the hillsides and perfect hiking weather – 65-75°F with minimal rain. May and June are ideal if you want green landscapes without summer crowds.
Summer gets warm, hitting 80-85°F regularly, but the marine layer keeps things comfortable. This is peak family season, with school breaks bringing more visitors to nearby attractions. Book accommodations early.
Fall might be the sweet spot. September and October offer the warmest weather of the year, often reaching into the 80s, while tourist numbers drop after Labor Day. The hills turn golden, creating that classic California landscape you see in movies.
Winter isn't terrible – temperatures rarely drop below 45°F – but rain can disrupt outdoor plans from December through March. The upside? Hotel rates drop significantly, and you'll have hiking trails mostly to yourself on clear days.
San Rafael Scores
Solo
6/10
Couples
6/10
Families
9/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
4/10
Luxury
6/10
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