Embarcadero to Ocean Beach across the city, with the Hayes Street hill in the middle. Fog, wind off the Pacific and costumes.
By Brett Heimlich, part-time runner.
Plan for about 55°F (13°C) at the 08:00 start, feeling like 51°F (11°C), with 83% humidity and 10 mph wind, warming to roughly 61°F (16°C) by the finish. It rained on 2 of the last 10 race days. Wear: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Shoes.
55°F (13°C)
61°F (16°C)
2 of 10 years
52° to 59°F
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Conditions at the 08:00 start on the race's usual date each year (third Sunday of May). Years when the race was cancelled or moved still show that date's weather. Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 archive.
| Year | Start temp | Feels like | Finish | Humidity | Wind | Rain | Sky |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 56°F (13°C) | 55°F | 67°F | 72% | 0 mph | – | Clear |
| 2024 | 54°F (12°C) | 48°F | 59°F | 78% | 11 mph | – | Clear |
| 2023 | 54°F (12°C) | 49°F | 59°F | 90% | 11 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2022 | 56°F (13°C) | 51°F | 63°F | 88% | 12 mph | – | Clear |
| 2021 | 52°F (11°C) | 46°F | 57°F | 86% | 14 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2020 | 59°F (15°C) | 56°F | 64°F | 86% | 10 mph | 0.21 in | Drizzle |
| 2019 | 54°F (12°C) | 49°F | 54°F | 81% | 11 mph | 0.39 in | Drizzle |
| 2018 | 54°F (12°C) | 45°F | 60°F | 80% | 18 mph | – | Overcast |
| 2017 | 55°F (13°C) | 53°F | 60°F | 89% | 5 mph | – | Clear |
| 2016 | 56°F (13°C) | 54°F | 65°F | 83% | 5 mph | – | Mostly clear |
Coldest start: 52°F (11°C) in 2021. Warmest: 59°F (15°C) in 2020. Wettest: 0.39 in in 2019.
Built from the 10-year average start conditions by the same engine as the live tool. Treat optional items as corral-only layers you can shed.
Short Sleeve Tech Shirt
Breathable running tee
Capris or Light Tights
3/4 length for moderate warmth
Running Shoes
Your regular training shoes
✓ Worn by the author
Compression tight for 40 to 55°F, works under shorts
$78
✓ Worn by the author
Fast-drying micromesh tee for warm-weather miles
$75
Packable wind shell for cool morning miles
$115
✓ Worn by the author
Thin, ribbed quarter sock that keeps grit out
$36
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Over 2016 to 2025 the start averaged 55°F (13°C) (feels like 51°F (11°C)) with 83% humidity and 10 mph wind, warming to about 61°F (16°C) by the finish. It rained measurably on 2 of those 10 race days. The coldest start was 52°F (11°C) in 2021; the warmest was 59°F (15°C) in 2020.
For a typical 55°F (13°C) start: Short Sleeve Tech Shirt, Capris or Light Tights, Running Shoes. Dress for about 15°F warmer than the start temperature, since the race itself adds that much, and plan to shed anything you only need in the corral.
The Bay to Breakers is usually held on third Sunday of May. The next expected date is Sunday, May 16, 2027. Confirm on the official site, since dates occasionally move.
The live forecast on this page comes from Open-Meteo and unlocks 16 days before the race. Forecasts inside 7 days are reliable for temperature within a few degrees; rain timing firms up in the last 2 to 3 days. Until then, the 10-year history above is the best planning guide.
Get a what-to-wear call for the live forecast at your exact location, free, no signup.
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