Fog, Wind? Yes. Sunshine?
Wondering what the weather is like in San Francisco? For starters, it’s colder than most people realize. Time and time again, I’ve seen visitors get a shock. Many come here expecting idyllic weather often associated with the state. Those poor souls may even whistle “California Dreaming” or “Surf City, USA” on the trip here. I hate to burst their beachy daydream bubble, but San Francisco doesn’t have typical California weather!
California’s dominating climate is Mediterranean. It makes sense why people all over the country and the world associate our state with warm, beachy days. Keep in mind that California is also a big chunk of land. In fact, it’s large enough to be a mid-sized country on its own. The climate here varies depending on the location and time of year. The perfect weather for surf culture is confined to Southern California’s coast in the summer. There are nice, sunny days on the northern coast as well. In San Francisco, those days are more common in the spring and fall.
The climate in SF is particularly different for a few reasons. First of all, this unique city is surrounded by water on three sides. This creates fog and crosswinds. Plus, the abrupt and massive hills create microclimates throughout the cityscape. Depending on where you are, it might be sunny, foggy, or even rainy. California is also in (what is hopefully the tail end of) a drought, so precipitation may be sparse. When it does rain, some parts of the city get significantly more rain than others.
For visitors who prefer warmer weather, don’t let the prospect of fog deter you. When traveling resumes after the pandemic, try visiting in the spring or fall. No matter when you come, don’t expect perfect weather for your entire stay. Come prepared with a couple sweaters and a windbreaker. I recommend a warm hat as well. Even if it’s sunny during your stay, the wind might make it colder. Be prepared!
Imagine with me for a moment. Let’s say you sleep somewhere near the Mission and Castro districts. You wake up to a warm and sunny day. You might be lucky enough to have a view of palm trees out your window. Seems like those shorts and tank top will come in handy, right? However, you’re trekking to Golden Gate Bridge and Baker Beach that day. You figure, “Hey, it’s warm in this part of town, I don’t need a sweater”. Yet once you get to the other side of the city, it’s foggy and cold.
You can avoid shivering in your shorts by checking the weather in different neighborhoods. You can easily check a forecast online. Weather Underground is great for this. It has both hourly and 10-day forecasts, with stations all over the city. This feature makes it possible to see the microclimates in different districts and neighborhoods. No matter what the weather is, remember to bring an extra layer of clothing. Doing so will make your time more enjoyable.
Trust me, even the locals get cranky without our extra layer. We also have a soft spot for the fog. To get into a local mindset, see it as a veil shrouding the city in mystery and intrigue. The poetic among you will understand. Sun lovers can get lucky too, if they come at the right time. As always, my best advice is to know before you go. Having read this article, you already have a huge advantage over unprepared travelers (and trust me, there’s a surprising amount of them). Good luck!
