Best Time to Go
With such a moderate climate, San Francisco can be visited any time of year.
Keep in mind that some days may be foggier than others, and some parts of town,
such as the Richmond, Sunset, or the Upper Haight, are much foggier year-round,
and can often be colder than the nearby Mission or Downtown areas. It's never
usually colder than 40 degrees in SF, though it can be during the winter rainy
season from November to February or so. In San Francisco, the winters are mild,
and even the summers can be chilly. In the city itself, it’s rarely warm
enough for shorts and t-shirts only. It rarely tops 80 degrees and there's
always a breeze, with areas near the beach and near the bridge being quite
windy. We suggest a visit to this city by the bay anytime, but the best weather
is in September and October.
Average Weather/What to Pack
The highs from November-April typically stay in the high fifties and the low
sixties, with the evening temps hovering in the low- to mid-forties. From May to
October, temperatures top out at 70 and kick back to a low- to mid-fifties at
night. You'll suffer some pretty chilly days during the winter season. With
winds whipping off the ocean, you might want to bundle up. North, east, and
south of the city, summers are warmer. Thin cottons are usually fine for the
Wine Country (Sonoma), but in the city, it’s always a good idea to wear many
different layers and a backpack to carry them in when visiting warmer
neighborhoods.
Transportation
Oh, those hills. If you're driving in San Francisco, remember a couple of
things. When parking on an incline, make sure your tires are turned toward the
curb. Also, there are a lot of one-way streets in SF. Keep an eye on the signs.
We suggest using public transportation at all costs. Remember, trolleys abound.
Using your feet might prove a wise idea, especially since you won't have to
trouble yourself with parking--not very fun around here--you'll be towed for
sure if illegally parked. This is a great city for walking.
Cable cars are definitely hip. But with the hipness comes crowdedness. If
you've yet to venture out on a cable car, remember to move toward one quickly as
it pauses, find the first available space, and hang on! Riding in an open-air
cable car is definitely a thrill for first-timers. The fare (for one direction)
is $2. Exact change is preferred, but operators will make change up to $20.
San Francisco Municipal Railway System, or Muni, includes buses, light-rail
vehicles, and antique trolleys. Some lines offer 24-hour service, and the fare
is $1. The exact fare is always required; dollar bills or change are accepted.
Transfers are issued free upon request at the time the fare is paid. Weekly and
monthly passes and bus tokens that offer reduced rates are available for
purchase in some drug stores and book shops. Discounted rates of $.35 always
apply to seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
And, for folks who want to travel a bit further, there's the Bay Area Rapid
Transit (BART) trains that travel to Oakland, Berkeley, Richmond, Colma,
Martinez, Fremont and Concord. Fares run from $1.10 to $4.70, and a $3 excursion
ticket buys a three-county tour. BART only has a few stations in SF, including
two in the Mission, three downtown, and a couple servicing some of the more
suburban areas of the City.
In-Season Costs
You can bank on San Francisco being pretty costly year round. Since it's a major
tourist hub, prices are often escalated. However, keep your eyes peeled for
package deals. Sometimes you can score big.
Day Trips
Across the Bay Bridge, Berkeley is a university town great for
exploring. This town boasts a bohemian spirit. Mingle with liberal college
students and throw-backs from the 60s. Berkeley's Telegraph Avenue is filled
with funky coffee shops and is great for shopping.
Also East of SF is Oakland, once considered a brash, rough-and-tumble spot.
Now the city's historical sites and diverse neighborhoods have taken over.
Let's not forget Wine Country, north of San Francisco. Napa and Sonoma
counties are, undisputedly, the capitals of wine production in the United
States. In this neck of the rolling hills, you'll also find fabulous restaurants
and resorts, day spas and hot springs.
Of course, if time allows, you can drive up the coast to Mendocino, south to
the stunning natural beauty of Big Sur, or take a lengthier southward journey to
Los Angeles or San Diego.
