yatt'it™ | a hyatt travel community

Posted by TarmacToast on Aug-02-07 01:56

Unlike traveling to LA in the summer, I always pack something a bit warmer or find it an excuse to go shopping down around Union Square!

Posted by arossmil on Aug-02-07 05:44

It's always easy to spot tourists in San Francisco because they're wearing shorts.

Posted by cars7wines on Aug-02-07 08:13

I always pack a light sewat shirt and a wind breaker since you never know how cool is going to get

Posted by Tiburonz1 on Aug-02-07 08:22

There's a reason they seel so many sweatshirts at Fisherman's Wharf!

Posted by Jordan on Aug-02-07 11:44

I am in SF now and it is coooooold. It is quite a bit warmer in September and October actually -- a better time to visit for most people. Personally I love the mystery of the fog.

Posted by klarkent on Aug-03-07 01:23

SF is too cold, windy, and foggy during the Summer, best time to go is September - November. April - early June. SF can have weeks with no sun during the summer.

Posted by Traveling on Aug-03-07 04:20

Always cold in SF late and early in the day.

Posted by Tiger78 on Aug-04-07 04:39

I was recently in Monterey and was surprised how cold it was. San Francisco was warmer than I expected

Posted by stamps on Aug-05-07 10:14

The best kept secret is October. Everytime I go in October the weather is perfect!

Posted by travelingprincess on Aug-05-07 01:49

When we went to San Fran last I was surprised at the temp - it was August and we are used to Florida weather! It was very chilly, due to the cloud coverage/fog and didn't warm up until mid-afternoon. I highly suggest bringing layers and a cardigan sweater works well. Also, closed-toed shoes!

Posted by patchespal on Aug-06-07 11:52

SF in the summer can really run hot and cold.
I just wear layers to always be ready

Posted by CaliforniaDude on Aug-06-07 05:59

I was up on San Francisco in early July and it was extremely nice and warm. However, I have been up there and it can change within minutes. My suggestion is to have layers and be ready for a quick change.

Posted by lqpmichael72 on Aug-06-07 09:28

I was in San Francisco last Summer. It's indeed cold in the evening. I will try to go there in late September/early October this year.

Posted by GTarr1 on Aug-07-07 03:22

As many readers know the famous quote from British Prime Minster, The Coldest Winter I ever spent was the Summer in San Francisco. Brilliant quote but after one month in 96 degree 80 per cent humidy in Hong Kong, I love wearing North Face in the Summer

Posted by robbiro on Aug-07-07 08:44

if you want to get some sunshine, head inland to the east bay. nice wine trail in livermore with an excellent golf course at Wente Vineyards

Posted by Prairie on Aug-07-07 09:32

Good advice. Summer is indeed quite cool in SF. Three other tips: (1) If the weather forecast is for a high of 70, it may be 70 for 2-3 hours in the middle of the afternoon, but it's going to be in the 50's the rest of the time. Dress appropriately. (2) Not only the Bay Area, but San Francisco itself are noted for their "microclimates." For example, it is almost always warmer in the Mission District than in Pacific Heights/Cow Hollow/Marina. (3) Therefore, always dress in layer

Posted by 747RTW on Aug-08-07 06:53

There is a popular quotation, apparently falsely attributed to Mark Twain, that goes something like this: "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." Well, whoever said it, they were right on the money! Yes, the Mission district (don't miss the beautiful Mission Dolores church) tends to be sunnier and warmer than the Richmond or Sunset districts out near the Pacific coast (where you'll find the Cliff House and the San Francisco Zoo). Still, you might be surpris

Posted by jc9394 on Aug-08-07 04:45

Not too much rain in the summer. One should go up to the wine country, visit vineyards like Modavi, Opus, Kendal Jackson,etc. Also do enjoy a relexing spa up in Calistoga.

Posted by LAatty on Aug-08-07 07:09

Being that I am based in L.A., which gets awfully hot in the summertime, I have palpably found relief when I have had the opportunity to spend time in the mist of San Francisco in the summer months. It would be strange how the locals, the hotel staff and some other visitors would gripe and actually apologize to me for the weather when, in fact, I was delighted and enlivened by the fog.

Posted by hyattleo on Aug-08-07 09:02

"The coldest winter I ever spent is a summer in San Francisco"
-Mark Twain

Posted by hyattleo on Aug-08-07 09:03

Sorry 74, missed your post.

Posted by dreamer on Aug-09-07 08:05

layers are important for SF for the summer, but just when you think you have the weather figured out, go in October and you will be hot!

Posted by TBHome on Aug-10-07 11:16

I know summers are cold in SF and fall warms - I've been told that is because in fall the winds shift from the Pacific and begin blowing from inland, which is warm and dry. Anyone know if that is true?
If you are visiting SF in summer and plan to also visit wine country, esp Napa, be prepared for weather extremes - I've seen 68 in SF and 98 in Napa in the same day!

Posted by yatt'er on Aug-10-07 07:36

I agree with TBHome, you can always get beautiful weather in the wine country. Don't miss out on that when you go to SF

Posted by tennisbum on Aug-10-07 10:14

The weather varies dramatically from cold near the water to HOT as you go east and or north from the bay. Bring light clothes unless you're staying only in the downtown or beach areas.

Posted by lovely on Dec-14-07 06:16

Pack for both extremes of the weather. Layering is a must.

Posted by TravelinFool on Dec-14-07 08:50

Isn't it really foggy there in summer, especially in the morning?

Posted by dmkliggy on Dec-14-07 09:11

Only a tourist to San Francisco wears shorts while walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. Brrrr!

Posted by FMZULIM on Dec-14-07 09:30

WHJEN TRAVELING TO THE CITY, TRY PARKING AT THE BART STATIONS IN DUBLIN IF YOU ARE COMING FROM THE CENTRAL VALLEY AND TAKE THE BART INTO THE CITY. IT WILL SAVE YOU TIME, MONEY AND THE HASSLE OF PARKING IN SAN FRANCISCO

Posted by jmdtravel on Dec-14-07 11:09

As long as you have a jacket, all is well. I prefer it a little colder than too hot. You can always wear another layer, where as you can't always take one off! Shorts for the GGB! Never in a million ;)

Posted by Happy Wanderer on Dec-15-07 12:39

I always wear layers in San Francisco. That way I know I will always be comfortable. It can get pretty cold when the fog rolls in and blankets the city.

Posted by JerryF on Dec-15-07 06:16

Travelers to San Francisco need to have their destinations plan for proper clothing. The SF pennisula is always a bit cool and the wind starts in late afternoon which creates a chill. However, travel down to Sanjose and you will experience sunshine and warmth at 10 to 15 degrees warmer, the same with the lower East Bay. Many beautiful sites to take in, but pack accordingly

Posted by egerrybarker on Dec-15-07 11:56

a light jacket usually does the job for me in San Fran

Posted by VikesChick on Dec-15-07 01:43

A jacket is a must no matter what time you go. I went in December and I was wearing a winter jacket in 50 degree weather. It gets chilly so bring warm clothes.

Posted by CaseySFO on Dec-15-07 04:25

The summer is often foggy so seasoned travellers know that it is best to visit San Francisco during the winter months, when the skies are clear and sunny with spectacular views of the ocean, Golden Gate Bridge and the rolling hills. But dress in layers, since the temperatures often dip into the 40's.

Posted by mondzee on Dec-16-07 10:40

While visiting SF and surrounding area, carry a lite Jacket and Don't forget to take a Day trip to NAPA

Posted by Nick T on Dec-17-07 03:08

If you are contemplating a swim in the Bay it is worthwhile packing a wetsuit!

Posted by Perks007 on Dec-17-07 08:10

You can get every climite in one day in the bay area and northern CA. Just be prepared.

Posted by 8smileys on Dec-18-07 09:46

SF in summer can feel like winter to some. Always have a light jacket and an umbrella at all times.

Posted by sail360 on Dec-19-07 06:24

SF is windy and cold. Great place for windsurfing or kiting!
Check out the action at Crissy Fields (just east of the Golden Gate
bridge), or as you approach landing at SFO, look out the window of
your plane. You may just catch a glimpse of them whizzing around
in SF Bay.

Posted by SUNIEL on Dec-21-07 06:34

Weather is usually extremely nice during the summer. Winter slightly chilly with a jacket is good enough. Overall good climate. I love SFO.

Posted by giants1 on Dec-21-07 09:32

The weather is always an issue. Midwesterners think that San Francisco is like Southern CA always warm and suuny. It is not. When I retire I am going to sell Sweatshirts on the corner to the people from Chicago that don't know any better. I will be a millionaire

Posted by DSHyatt on Dec-21-07 10:26

Summer in SF can be nice, but can also be cold. Sept/Oct weather in SF is better.

Posted by mehunt on Dec-21-07 12:08

Hope across the Bay Bridge and find that Berkeley and Oakland are more to your liking!

Posted by prosipium on Dec-21-07 01:59

Summer in SF can actually be colder than in the Winter time!

Posted by Jeff Houser on Dec-21-07 04:45

My wife and I are trying to plan a trip to SF and the wine country north of SF. Any tips from seasoned travelers concerning the best time to visit the Napa and Sonoma areas would be greatly appreciated.

Posted by theskyflyer on Dec-21-07 05:58

I always carry a sweater or jacket when traveling to SF. I was there one July and it was the coldest summer I've had. September/Oct can be spectacular.