Hayward is a city in the East Bay portion of the San Francisco Bay Area in Alameda County, California in the United States. Hayward has borders with other towns and cities. San Leandro, Union City, Fremont, and Pleasanton are the cities that border Hayward. Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Sunol, and Fairview are the census-designated communities that border Hayward.

Long, hot, and arid summers with generally clear skies coexist in Hayward with brief, chilly, and partly cloudy winters. The average temperature range over the course of the year is between 43°F and 76°F, rarely falling below 35°F or rising above 87°F. From June 11 to October 15, the warm season lasts about 4.1 months, with an average daily high temperature of 72°F or higher, peaking in August with a high of 76°F and a low of 58°F. On the other hand, the cool season lasts for roughly 2.4 months, from November 29 to February 11, with a daily high average of less than 60°F. Hayward experiences its coldest temperatures in January, with an average low of 44°F and high of 58°F.

High-tech firms are among the leading manufacturers in Hayward. Annabelle Candy, Columbus Salame, Shasta soft beverages, and a PepsiCo facility are among of the larger manufacturing facilities. The biggest shopping complex in the city is Southland Mall. Formerly a significant local employment, The Hunt Brothers Cannery shut down in 1981. Hayward once had business relationships with organizations like Gillig Corporation and the Mervyns department store chain. According to the 2015 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, notable current employers include, among others, the Alameda County Sheriff's Department, Baxter Bio Pharma, Berkeley Farms, Chabot College, California State University, East Bay, and Hayward Unified School District.

The transportation network in Hayward comprises a number of important freeways, including Interstate 880, Interstate 580, State Route 92, and State Route 238. Prior plans for freeway conversion and bypasses resulted in traffic congestion issues for the city, particularly along Mission Boulevard. BART, which has stations in Hayward, and AC Transit's bus service are the two modes of public transportation. The Capitol Corridor train connects at the Hayward Amtrak station. Hayward Executive Airport is located in the city and serves general aviation. The Hayward Air National Guard station was formerly stationed at the airport before being relocated in 1980.

California State University, East Bay (CSUEB) is located in Hayward and is well-known for hosting free music concerts in its Pioneer Amphitheatre. This area also houses Life Chiropractic College West and Chabot College, all of which are part of the Chabot-Las Positas Community College District. With some parts falling under neighboring districts, the Hayward Unified School District (HUSD) primarily oversees elementary and secondary schools. The educational opportunities are increased by alternative schools like Leadership Public Schools, Hayward Charter School, and Impact Academy of Arts and Technology. Hayward is home to the prestigious private Moreau Catholic High School and Royal Sunset High School, both of which are part of the San Lorenzo Unified School District. The city has benefited from funding for education, notably a Promise Neighborhood grant from the United States. Department of Education, with CSUEB's assistance.