Flying in San Francisco, CA
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of San Francisco — the nearest is San Francisco International Airport (KSFO), about 11 miles out. Daylight runs from about 14h 37m of daylight at midsummer down to about 9h 23m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near San Francisco
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport
Hayward Executive Airport
Half Moon Bay Airport
San Carlos Airport
Buchanan Field
Marin County Airport - Gnoss Field
Palo Alto Airport
Napa County Airport
Moffett Federal Airfield
Livermore Municipal Airport
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 04:41–19:19 | 14h 37m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:03–17:57 | 11h 54m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:19–16:41 | 9h 23m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 14.9°C / 59°F | 9.5°C / 49°F | 32 km/h | 16% |
| Summer | 18.4°C / 65°F | 13.3°C / 56°F | 31 km/h | 0% |
| Autumn | 18.5°C / 65°F | 12.3°C / 54°F | 25 km/h | 13% |
| Winter | 13.5°C / 56°F | 7.6°C / 46°F | 24 km/h | 32% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around San Francisco, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
Flying with Floks near San Francisco
Find the local flying community on Floks — book an instructor, rent an aircraft, or try a discovery flight. New area? Be the first to list.
Open Floks →