Hot air balloon rides in San Francisco
A balloon flight over San Francisco depends on calm, dry mornings. The most comfortable months are May to October, with highs around 67°F (20°C) and about 2 rainy days a month.
Photo: Lightandtruth, CC BY-SA 4.0
Book hot air balloon rides in San Francisco
How to pick a good hot air balloon ride
- Flights leave around sunrise, when the air is calmest. Expect a pickup one to two hours before dawn.
- Balloon flights are often cancelled for wind or rain. Book early in your trip so there's time to rebook.
- Time in the air is usually about an hour; the whole outing, with transfers, takes three to four.
- Check basket size. Smaller baskets with 8 to 12 passengers feel very different from 20-person ones.
San Francisco month by month
Averages for San Francisco, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 58 (14) | 60 (16) | 62 (17) | 63 (17) | 64 (18) | 67 (19) | 66 (19) | 68 (20) | 70 (21) | 70 (21) | 64 (18) | 58 (14) |
| Low °F (°C) | 47 (8) | 48 (9) | 49 (9) | 50 (10) | 51 (11) | 53 (12) | 54 (12) | 56 (13) | 56 (13) | 54 (12) | 51 (10) | 47 (8) |
| Rainy days | 11 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 12 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:14 pm | 5:48 pm | 7:16 pm | 7:45 pm | 8:12 pm | 8:33 pm | 8:32 pm | 8:03 pm | 7:18 pm | 6:33 pm | 4:59 pm | 4:52 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for hot air balloon rides in San Francisco?
May to October. Expect highs around 67°F (20°C) and about 2 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and December.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Operators cancel when wind, rain or low cloud make flying unsafe, and usually offer another date or a refund. December is the rainiest month in San Francisco, so leave spare days if you travel then.
Where can I book hot air balloon rides in San Francisco?
The link above searches Viator for hot air balloon rides in San Francisco. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you book.
