Sausalito by Season: Weather & Events, All Year Long

Spring in Sausalito: A Delightful Time to Visit

Spring is delightful in Sausalito; as the winters are mild, to begin with, spring is heralded primarily by the return of more flowers, leaves, and sunshine. If you’re planning to visit Sausalito in the spring (between March and May), you’re in for a real treat!

Sausalito Weather in the Spring

Spring has a reputation for being a transition season. However, this rule doesn’t seem to apply to this Northern Californian town.  Sausalito in spring has pleasant and constant weather, meaning there’s very little fluctuation in the temperature throughout the season. Below you’ll find a quick description of each month to give you an idea of what to expect.

• March – As the first month of spring, March is still a mild month. Average temperatures range between 48°F-60°F. To be honest, the weather in March is pretty much the same as in February.
• April – The weather in April is comfortable and a tiny bit warmer, with average temperatures ranging between 49°F-62°F.
• May – As the last month of spring, May is pretty much the same as April, with an average temperature fluctuating between 51°F-64°F.

Sausalito Spring Events

Photos courtesy of Sausalito Parks & Recreation

All that nice weather must be enjoyed in some way, right? You bet: Sausalito hosts several events in spring for you to enjoy even more your stay in this bayside town.

• Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt (TBA 2025) –  If you’re visiting Sausalito with your little ones, the Sausalito Easter Parade and Egg Hunt is a great way to put a smile on their faces – and blow off some steam – right before the Easter holiday. The event kicks off with a parade at Caledonia Street and takes the fun to Dunphy Park to start the awaited Easter egg hunt. While you indulge in all those chocolaty eggs in your basket, you can enjoy live children’s music and then witness the Easter Bonnet Contest. Not all the fun is reserved for the kiddos, though. This year, there’ll be an Adult Egg Hunt, with great prizes!
• City-Wide Sausalito Yard Sale (April 26, 2025) – Garage sales lovers – or anyone with a knack for finding valuable things in the middle of a mess –  you’ll have the time of your life at the City-Wide Sausalito Yard Sale. This year’s sale has 87 seller booths full of treasures ready to have a new owner and life. Most items belong to Sausalito residents, but there are sellers from nearby towns.

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

Whether you call the Bay Area home or are visiting Sausalito from further afield, it’s important to note that the months that most parts of the U.S. call summer are actually far less likely to have good weather than the seasons on either side of them. With nicknames like “June-uary” and “Fog-ust,” you probably can get a sense of the dynamic weather during this time of year.

Don’t get me wrong though: there are still plenty of beautiful days and lots of ways to enjoy them in Sausalito during the summer. It’s a great time to visit!

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 2025) – 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.
• Independence Day (July, of course!) – I’ve got a whole section below this list if you’ll be in Sausalito for 4th of July!
• Galilee Harbor Maritime Day (TBA August 2025) – 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.
• Sausalito Arias in the Afternoon (TBA 2025) – 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!

Celebrating the 4th of July in Sausalito

Sausalito does a few holidays really well, and the 4th of July is definitely one of them. If you’ll be in town for Independence Day, you can join in a full day of activities that are great for the whole family!

• Parade Down Bridgeway & Caledonia – The Sausalito 4th of July parade will start at 10 am and end at noon. Floats, bands, and performers wearing their most patriotic outfits will begin the procession on 2nd and Main St. The parade ends at Caledonia and Litho Street at Dunphy Park, where there is more fun for the day. Make sure you come early to find a good spot.
• Picnic & Live Music in Robin Sweeny Park – Put on some sunscreen for the celebrations on Independence Day in Sausalito will continue at Robin Sweeny Park (a short walk from the parade end). The city invites everyone to make the most of the town’s sunny weather and gather in the park for an afternoon picnic, a tradition for the 4th of July in Sausalito. You can bring your own food and drinks or take a chance and explore the delicious food vendors.
• Fireworks Above Richardson Bay – When the night arrives, the party moves to Gabrielson Park for the moment we have all been expecting: fireworks! Since fireworks go off from a barge near this park, you won’t have trouble finding a good spot. Before the fireworks display, there will be food trucks serving meals and beverages for sale. Cap City Band, another local band, will keep the music flowing from 6:30 to 9pm. Fireworks will begin around 9:00pm and last for half an hour.

Autumn in Sausalito: A Perfectly Pleasant Season

Much like spring, autumn is a great season in Sausalito. Actually September and October are typically the nicest months of the whole year, balancing weather and temperature. The only aspect that might spoil your visit during this season is wildfire smoke, which is increasingly common during these dry, warm months. Nevertheless, autumn remains the best season of the year.

Sausalito Weather in the Autumn

Autumn in Sausalito tends to be mild and pleasant – pretty much like all the seasons. Average high temperatures range from the mid-60s to the low 70s Fahrenheit, while lows typically dip into the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. Cooler temperatures occur in the evenings and early mornings. Rain is possible, but it’s not as common as in the winter months.

Sausalito Autumn Events

In the autumn, Sausalito hosts tons of fun events you can enjoy to make your visit to the quirky bayside town even more special. Below you’ll find six great events you can attend during your stay.

• Sausalito Chili Cook-Off (TBA September 2025) – For all my brave foodies out there, the Sausalito Chili Cook-Off festival is held in Sausalito in September. This event is a celebration of all things chili, where cooks from all around the Bay Area come together to compete for the title of the best chili in town. Go booth-hopping and sample a variety of chili recipes, each with its own unique twist and flavor profile.
• Fleet Week (TBA October 2025) – Fleet Week is a unique experience if you’re a military buff, or you just love a show. This exciting event brings together the best of naval aviation and marine technology, as the U.S. Navy’s finest ships and aircraft take center stage. The highlight is the aerial displays by the Blue Angels – the performance is a bit scary for some people as the planes fly so close that you can clearly see the pilot’s face. There are also live music performances, food vendors, and a variety of interactive exhibits for attendees to enjoy.
• Halloween (October 31) – Sausalito celebrates Halloween with a number of events, all on the day itself. If you carve a mean pumpkin, you can drop your carved pumpkin off at the contest to find the best design. Or, don your spookiest costume and join the fun at the Halloween Parade – your dog can also partake in the Howl’OWeen Dog Costume Contest.
• City-Wide Sausalito Yard Sale (October TBA) – Who doesn’t enjoy finding great stuff for a few bucks, or even less? If you’re a talented thrift shopper get ready to uncover hidden treasures and bargain finds at the City-Wide Sausalito Yard Sale, which happens twice a year – in the spring and fall. This bi-annual event brings together sellers from all over the city to showcase their goods, creating a bazaar of unique and eclectic items. You can find everything, from vintage clothing to handmade crafts, furniture to jewelry.
• Outdoor Movie Night (October TBA) – Fancy watching a movie under the moon and stars? Sausalito screens classics of all time in one of the city parks. The event is free and takes place throughout October. There’s not much information about the 2025 schedule yet, so make sure you visit Sausalito’s website to stay current on the latest news and you don’t miss it!

Winter in Sausalito: A Cool Place in the Cool Season

Last but not least, Sausalito does experience a bit of wintry weather – at least by Bay Area standards. Winter (between November and February) tends to be cooler and cloudier than any other time of year, and rain can definitely be in the forecast! (Actually, Sausalito has gotten hit with several atmospheric rivers in the past few winters, as have many other West Coast cities.)

In any case, with the right clothes to keep you comfortable and dry, this is still a nice time to visit. Are you sensing the pattern that there truly is no bad season in Sausalito?

Sausalito Weather in the Winter

The winter season in Sausalito is characterized by cooler temperatures, occasional rain showers, and crisp, refreshing air. Nonetheless, the weather in Sausalito in winter is mild compared to other parts of the United States, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the low 60s.

Sausalito Winter Events

Just because it’s cold outside it doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Sausalito comes alive during the winter months, hosting a variety of events to add excitement to the chilly season. Here are some winter events you can attend in Sausalito:

• Thanksgiving (November) – Perhaps you’re treating yourself to a trip to Sausalito for Thanksgiving. And that’s great news. Many restaurants and cafes in the waterfront town serve special Thanksgiving menus, offering delicious traditional fare with a twist; scroll down to the next section to see the full list for this year.
• Christmas (Multiple Events) (December) – Sausalito is a festive destination during the jolly season, with various events and activities that spread the joy of Christmas. The town is beautifully lit up with holiday lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Scroll down for a list of the specific events happening this year’s holiday season.
• New Year’s Eve (December) – There’s nothing like ringing the New Year in Sausalito! Many restaurants, bars, and venues in Sausalito host New Year’s Eve parties, offering live music and delicious food. I have a dedicated section to this holiday at the end of this post.
• Sausalito Souper Bowl (February) – If you ever wondered who has the best soup in Sausalito, well, you’re in luck as the town hosts the Sausalito Souper Bowl. This annual event takes place in February and summons the best restaurants in town only to find out who makes the best soups, chowders, and stews. It’s a perfect event to warm up during the winter season and indulge in some culinary delights.
• Sausalito Herring Festival (February) – Another event that takes place in Sausalito during the winter season is the Sausalito Herring Festival. This event celebrates the return of herring to the San Francisco Bay and features a variety of activities, including live music, seafood tastings, educational exhibits, and herring-themed games. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the local fishery and the role this little silvery fish plays in the ecosystem. The 2025 festival hasn’t been announced yet, but here are the details for last year’s event to give you a sense of the fun.

Enjoying Thanksgiving in Sausalito

As mentioned, Sausalito is actually a decent city if you need dinner on Thanksgiving day. If you’re not a purist who needs a traditional Thanksgiving menu on the table to enjoy the holiday, here are all of the restaurants that are open on Thanksgiving in Sausalito (but which don’t serve a special menu): Aurora, Barrel House Tavern, Poggio Trattoria, The Spinnaker, and Seafood Peddler.

If you are a purist but want a break from the kitchen, here are three restaurants that have offered delicious Sausalito Thanksgiving menus in the past. Hopefully, they will again this year!

• Le Garage (11:30am to 7pm // $59 per person, prix fixe) – Bonjour! The truth is that the French don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. But Le Garage, a French bistro in Sausalito, does. In previous years, guests have been treated to a French-inspired, three-course Thanksgiving dinner; this year’s menu is another one for the books. Bon appetit!
• Salito’s Crab House (All Day // $44.99 adults, $19.99 children) – Salito’s Crab House is a phenomenal seafood restaurant in Sausalito. On November 25, they concoct a traditional Thanksgiving menu. The moment you sit down, your server will greet you with a delicious Caesar salad. Then, a roasted turkey breast with stuffing, cranberry relish, and yamalitos (no idea what those are!) will be placed before your eyes. To finish, you’ll indulge in the American staple, a pumpkin pie – of course!
• The Trident (12 pm to 6 pm // A la Carte) – If you want to enjoy a traditional Sausalito Thanksgiving meal, there’s no other like The Trident. This old-school restaurant prepares a Special Thanksgiving Menu each year; this year’s has a variety of great choices you can order: the “traditional Pilgrim’s platter” features local ham or turkey with accompaniments, or you can splurge on Maine Lobster Tail or Dry Aged New York Striploin. You can also choose from their regular options – fancy a ceviche for change? Oh, and the views are the best complement to your food.

Celebrating Christmas in Sausalito

If you’re visiting Sausalito in December – even if not the 24th or 25th – there are a number of great holiday events you can enjoy during your trip. Most of these are Christmas-oriented, rather than aimed more generally and the various winter holidays.

• Tree Lighting (December 5, 2024) – The heart of Sausalito – Viña del Mar Park – becomes home to a holiday icon each early December; the tree lighting will take place on December 5th followed by late-night shopping at several local businesses so you can get your holiday shopping done early.
• ICB Holiday Open Studios  (December 6-8, 2024) – ICB Holiday Open Studios is one of the best Sausalito Christmas events to explore the town’s cultural scene. Over 100 local artists exhibit their works in various mediums at the Industrial Center Building. The Opening Night Preview is on Friday, December 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Open Studios are held on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3  from 11 am- to 5 pm.
• Breakfast with Santa (December 7, 2024) – Little ones also have their activities to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito. Breakfast with Santa invites all the kids to come and enjoy a delicious breakfast of pancakes, sausage, milk, and juice – all prepared by  Santa’s elves. They will also make cute holiday crafts to hang on the tree and take pictures with Santa. There are two seatings to choose from, 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.; online registration is required.
• Gingerbread House Tour (December 8-31, 2024) – Throughout the month of December, Sausalito hosts the Gingerbread House Tour. This Sausalito Christmas celebration gathers some of the best restaurants in town, which give their best culinary efforts to make the prettiest gingerbread house. Download the map so you don’t miss any restaurants.
• Woman’s Club Holiday Open House (December 8, 2024) – The Sausalito Woman’s Club also celebrates its Annual Holiday Open House again this year; everyone is invited, members, friends, locals, and travelers, of course – a welcome change from the past few years. There will be delectable treats and cookie decorating for Community kids. Also, Santa will make an appearance, so have your camera ready!
• Lighted Boat Parade & Fireworks (December 14, 2024) – The Lighted Boat Parade and Fireworks is one of the staples during Christmas in Sausalito. On Saturday, December 9, the waters of Richardson Bay along Sausalito’s waterfront turn into a catwalk, with dozens of lit-up and decorated boats and yachts gliding along the shoreline. The parade starts at 6 pm and you can catch it from Gabrielson Park, Humboldt Avenue, and Anchor Street. At 7:15 pm, the fireworks start – because is it Winterfest without fireworks? Bring a blanket and enjoy the pyrotechnics illuminating the bay.
• Jingle Bell Run 5K & Children’s Run (December 15, 2024) – If you want to perform an act of kindness – and fitness – this jolly season, the Jingle Bell Run is a lovely event to celebrate Christmas in Sausalito. This benefit race summons people from Sausalito’s community who run along the scenic waterfront to raise money for the Dipsea Kidz program. Whether you register for the run or join the cheerers, make sure to arrive early on Sunday, December 10. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. on Humboldt Avenue.
• Sausalito Players Holiday Performance (December 18, 2024) – Like every year, the Sausalito Woman’s Club put on its annual Holiday Variety Show to celebrate the jolly season. The Sausalito Players will present their show on Wednesday, December 18 at the Sausalito Woman’s Club, from 7:30 pm. Go to their website to get your tickets in advance as they have limited seating.

Toasting New Year’s Eve in Sausalito

Last – perhaps first – but not least, Sausalito is a great destination for celebrating the New Year. There are a number of events hosted throughout the community, despite its small size. Here are the ones you can mark on your calendar:

1. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party at The Trident – If you want a traditional New Year’s Eve party, head to The Trident. They typically host a big event from 9 pm to 1 am on December 31st; be sure to grab reservations if you want to attend, as it’s one of the most popular events in town..
2. Live Music at No Name Bar – No Name Bar typically has live music on Saturday nights (actually, every night!); New Year’s Eve is no reason to change the schedule. Last year, they organized The No Name NYE Special. As this year’s New Year’s Eve falls on a Tuesday, there’s no info about who’ll be in charge of serenading your evening. If you’re not ready for the night to end, they’re open until 2 am.
3. Watch the San Francisco Fireworks – Most locals don’t typically head out for big New Year’s festivities; instead, we prefer to enjoy the free fireworks show put on by our neighboring city, San Francisco – you might have heard of it before. While the show isn’t as big and impressive from Sausalito as it might be from Aquatic Park near Fisherman’s Wharf on the SF side, it’s far less crowded. Here are some good options for where to see the fireworks in Sausalito. You’ll want a good southerly view, wherever you choose to view them.
   • From a Sausalito Restaurant – While there are great Sausalito restaurants along the water, there aren’t a ton of options if you want to be indoors to see the New Year’s fireworks from San Francisco, but I did confirm a few places are staying open late specifically to cater to revelers:
     • Barrel House – They normally close at 10 pm, but they’ll keep the bar open and serving through midnight.
     • The Spinnaker – A great option, they’re staying open til midnight… but if you don’t have reservations, it seems unlikely you’ll get them at this point. (Open Table is showing nothing after 3 pm, so try calling to see if they have any last-minute availability.)
   • On the Scoma’s Boardwalk – Scoma’s of Sausalito is closing at their normal time of 9 pm on New Year’s Eve – which makes the boardwalk around their restaurant a primo spot to see the fireworks! If you can snag a spot, be prepared for a panoramic view of the Bay and the fireworks.
   • Along Bridgeway Promenade – Bridgeway Promenade is great for viewing the San Francisco skyline on a nice day, so it’s no surprise that this is also a nice area to stand and watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. You can stand anywhere with a clear view, though the best spots will be nearer the north end, like Yee Tock Chee Park.
4. Lucky Drive New Year’s Bash at Travis Marina Bar – While not technically in Sausalito, Travis Marina Bar is down in Fort Baker – which is close enough, right? The past few years, they’ve thrown the Lucky Drive New Year’s Bash on New Year’s Eve from 8 pm through midnight with live music and incredible views.

Now you know it all: when each season occurs in Sausalito, what the weather is like, and special events you might get to enjoy when visiting during these times. Have any other questions about Sausalito in the various seasons or how to visit? Let me know in the comments below!