Summer in Sausalito: Long Days & Plenty of Ways to Enjoy Them

Northern California is a huge region, characterized by everything from the dramatic rainy weather of the Pacific Northwest near Crescent City to the windswept coasts of Big Sur further south to the dry, dusty slopes of the Sierra Nevadas in the east. The San Francisco Bay Area – including Sausalito – sits somewhere in the middle, and has equally middling and temperate weather on the whole.

This is part of what makes the Bay Area – and Sausalito – a year-round destination: the weather is marginally better during certain times of year, but there’s no season with terrible weather. (Though wildfire season definitely sucks, and these atmospheric rivers that keep coming in each winter are also a big threat.)

In any case, Sausalito is worth visiting in any season, and summer in Sausalito is a nice time to visit. Below you’ll find a quick breakdown of the summer season, what weather you can expect, and some special events you can only experience when visiting Sausalito in the summer.

Sausalito is the traditional lands of the Graton Rancheria, Miwok, and Me-Wuk (Coast Miwok) peoples. With respect, I make a formal land acknowledgment, extending my appreciation to the past and present stewards of these lands. To learn more, I invite you to explore Native Land.

When is Summer in Sausalito?

Just for full clarity, Sausalito sits in the Northern Hemisphere. This means that summer in Sausalito typically lasts for three months, June, July, and August. I’m taking into account the meteorological summer, which begins on 1 June and ends on 31 August. However, the warm season can extend well into October – this is part of what makes Sausalito such a lovely destination, as it’s nice to visit in Autumn too.

Sausalito Weather in the Summer

Sausalito in summer has mild and pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to mid-70s Fahrenheit. July and August are the warmest months, with average temperatures in the mid-60s to mid-70s Fahrenheit.

However, it is important to note that temperatures can fluctuate and occasionally reach into the 80s Fahrenheit (or hotter) during heat waves. (Let me tell you: we’ve endured a few heat waves in our houseboat and it is miserable when it gets that hot – don’t wish for that!)

Sausalito Summer Events

The quirky town of Sausalito prepares lots of events to enjoy the warm days of summer. Here are five great events you can attend during summer in Sausalito. 

Jazz & Blues By the Bay (June to September)

Music lovers won’t want to miss the Jazz & Blues By the Bay. This concert series is held on Friday evenings throughout the summer at Gabrielson Park. The park is right on the waterfront so you’ll be treated to stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.  Join locals and bring lawn chairs and blankets to relax on the grass and enjoy the music and scenery. There’ll be food and drink stalls also available for purchase.

Concert for Kids/Tot Art in the Park (June to August)

Little ones can also enjoy good music! Bring them every second Saturday of the month from June to August to Robin Sweeny Park for the Concert for Kids and Tot Art in the Park series. There’ll be local singers and bands for children, so kiddos can show off their best moves and enjoy a lively atmosphere.

4th of July (July)

Like every city in the U.S., Sausalito finds different ways to celebrate the 4th of July. One of the most popular things to do is watch the fireworks. Sausalito usually hosts an annual fireworks display. The fireworks are launched from the Spinnaker Point area and can be seen from Gabrielson Park, Dunphy Park, and the Bridgeway Promenade. 

The Sausalito 4th of July Parade is another beloved tradition. The parade features local community groups, marching bands, and decorated floats. The parade typically starts at 10 am and runs down Bridgeway Avenue.

Sausalito Arias in the Afternoon (August 6)

Sausalito Arias in the Afternoon has become a classic of the summer calendar. The event takes place in Gabrielson Park and invites musicians from Golden Gate Opera to lure guests with gorgeous songs. It’s quite fancy. You can even book tables with champagne and strawberries! 

Galilee Harbor Maritime Day (August TBA)

Boat enthusiasts will have a blast in August. The Galilee Harbor Maritime Day is an annual celebration held in Sausalito to honor the city’s maritime heritage and the contributions of the local boating community. During the event, visitors can enjoy live music, food and drinks, a parade of boats, and tours of historic vessels. There are also hands-on activities for children, including model boat building and face painting.