San Clemente, CA → San Francisco, CA
404 mi · 8h 4m (driving)
Current Risk
Low Risk
Clear conditions along your route
San Clemente
73°
Ventura County
76°
Kern County
82°
San Benito County
82°
San Francisco
61°
Wind gusts up to 17 mph — allow extra time
Trip Briefing
4 segments · 404 mi · 8h 4m
Weather
⛅ Partly cloudy
76°F, wind 9 mph
Rest Stops
16
Restrooms, Truck svc
Cameras
3 live
Clear driving conditions expected
Rest stops in this segment:
- ● Rayzilla Rest Area 🚻
- ● Rayzilla Viewpoint 🚻
- ● Rest Area 🚻
Normal Traffic
No traffic incidents reported
Traffic Cameras
See recent road conditions along your route
Images are snapshots updated periodically by state DOTs. Timestamps shown in images indicate when each photo was captured.
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Via I-5 North → I-710 North → ... → I-80 West → US-101 North
Cameras shown are along this computed route
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I-5 : (207) Mendecino
San Clemente, CA · NB
I-5 : (116) Brookhurst Street
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I-5 : (66) To WB RTE 210
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KER-5-AT TRUCK ESCAPE RAMP (SHOULDER)
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KER-5-AT RTE 99
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KER-5-S/O RTE 46
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FRE-5-S/O RTE 198
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FRE-5-AT RTE 33
Cantua Creek, CA · NB
FRE-5-SHIELDS AVE
Firebaugh, CA
135 - NB I-5 S/O SR 140
CA · NB
115 - WB 580 Bird Rd
Tracy, CA · WB
TVF03 -- I-680 : Just South Of Alcosta Blvd
San Ramon, CA · NB
Rest Stops Along Your Route
46 stops available
Swipe to see moreShowing 1-2 of 46
Get Weather Alerts for This Route
We'll notify you when conditions change before your trip. Never drive into a surprise storm again.
⚡ Recent Weather Events on This Route
Premium users received alerts for these conditions:
- 🌧️Aug 11: Rain advisory for afternoon departures
- ❄️Aug 9: Snow expected at higher elevations - consider earlier departure
- 🌫️Aug 6: Dense fog warning for morning travel
Don't miss the next alert →
The 404-mile full-day drive from San Clemente to San Francisco stays within CA and takes about 8h 4m without stops. We track 12 live traffic cameras and 46 rest areas along this corridor so you can plan around them. Most drivers do this trip in one day; weather along the route matters more than the forecast at either endpoint, since you'll cross several climate zones.
7-Day Driving Outlook
Today
Aug 13
73° / 73°
No precip
Tomorrow
Aug 14
74° / 69°
No precip
Sat
Aug 15
75° / 64°
No precip
Sun
Aug 16
74° / 67°
No precip
Mon
Aug 17
74° / 65°
No precip
Tue
Aug 18
76° / 67°
No precip
Wed
Aug 19
75° / 66°
No precip
🗓️ Weekend Outlook
Saturday
Good to Go🌤️ Mainly clear at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Sunday
Good to Go☁️ Overcast at origin, ☁️ Overcast at destination
Plan This Route
Get hour-by-hour weather forecasts, real-time traffic, and find the optimal departure time.
🚗 Live traffic included
See if current slowdowns affect your drive time
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Current Conditions
San Clemente, CA
73°F
Wind: 9 mph
San Francisco, CA
61°F
Wind: 12 mph
Weather data updated in real-time
Driving from San Clemente, CA to San Francisco, CA
The 404-mile drive from San Clemente, California to San Francisco, California takes approximately 8h 4m under normal conditions. Weather along this route can vary significantly, especially through mountainous terrain where elevation changes can bring sudden weather shifts. Route Outlook helps you find the safest time to travel by showing you weather conditions at every point along your route, timed to when you'll actually be there.
This long-distance route stays within California, connecting San Clemente and San Francisco. Covering 404 miles, this is a substantial drive that will take you through diverse terrain and weather patterns. Planning ahead with real-time conditions along the entire route — not just at your destination — is essential for a safe trip.
Common Weather Hazards on This Route
- Dense fog, especially during early morning hours
- Extreme heat and dust storms in desert regions
- Flash floods during monsoon season (July through September)
Seasonal Driving Considerations
Desert driving on this route demands respect for extreme temperatures. Summer heat regularly exceeds 110°F in low-elevation stretches, stressing both vehicles and drivers. The monsoon season from July through September brings sudden flash floods that can make washes impassable within minutes. Winter is the most pleasant driving season, with mild temperatures and clear skies, though nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing in elevated desert areas.
Best Time to Drive San Clemente to San Francisco
For medium-distance drives like this 404-mile route, consider starting in the early morning to arrive before afternoon storms develop. Check the 7-day forecast above to find a day with favorable conditions along the entire route.
Driving Strategy
A 404-mile drive from San Clemente to San Francisco takes a significant part of the day. Plan at least one fuel and rest stop along the way. If your route crosses elevation changes or state lines, expect weather conditions to shift mid-trip. Monitor the segment-by-segment forecast rather than just checking destination weather. Starting early in the morning typically avoids afternoon storm development and rush-hour congestion near urban areas.
Pro Tip
Use Route Outlook's departure optimizer to find the best time to leave. Our 4D trajectory engine considers weather at each point along your route at the exact time you'll be there — not just at your destination. It also integrates live data from traffic cameras, DOT 511 feeds, and road weather sensors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the drive from San Clemente to San Francisco?
The drive is approximately 404 miles and takes about 8h 4m under normal traffic and weather conditions. Severe weather can add significant time to your trip.
What's the best day to drive this route?
Based on current forecasts, Wednesday, Aug 19 looks ideal. Low chance of precipitation with manageable conditions
Is it safe to drive from San Clemente to San Francisco today?
Current conditions show low risk along this route. Conditions look favorable for travel. Always stay alert and adjust speed for changing conditions.
Are there rest areas on the San Clemente to San Francisco route?
Yes, there are 46 rest areas along this route. Facilities include restrooms, parking, and in some cases picnic areas and vending machines. Rest stops are spaced throughout the drive, so you'll never be too far from a break.
Can I see live traffic cameras on this route?
Yes, Route Outlook shows 12 live traffic cameras along this route, sourced from state DOT feeds. You can check road visibility, traffic flow, and pavement conditions in real time before and during your drive.
What highways does this route use?
This route primarily uses Other. Conditions can vary between highway segments, so check live camera feeds and road condition reports for each stretch before departing.
Are there any road closures on this route right now?
No significant incidents or road closures are currently reported along this route. Conditions can change quickly — this page updates automatically with the latest data from state DOT 511 systems.
Related Driving Guides
Finding the Safest Time to Drive: A Data-Driven Approach
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🛣️How to Check Road Conditions Before a Trip: All Your Options
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🧠Route Intelligence: The Smarter Way to Plan Road Trips
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