best time to visit SF (San Francisco, August: restaurant, move, place)

[jeevcy]

When would that be for touring SF? does June-August have summer fog that we don't get a clear view of the Golden Gate, Alcatraz, from Twin Peaks etc
(even in the noon?)

[ImRandy]

Most days will have summer fog but that doesn't necessarily mean you won't have good views. Often there will be morning fog which dissipates in the early to late am, a period of clear weather and then the fog rolls back in during the early to late afternoon depending on where you are in the city.

Most people agree that fall is the best time to visit. It's generally warmer with more clear days. As you move into November the rainy season starts. Lots of overcast days but not much fog. Spring is also pretty fog free but is cooler and usually more breezy.

Personally, I wouldn't worry much about it. Just pack for variable weather, wear layers, and enjoy your visit.

[18Montclair]

^what he said.

Sep-Oct is the warmest time of year in the City...strange but true.

[Tony from Europe]

San Fran has mild climate always

[GreenGirl]

The fog is pretty, too. It rolls in fast and thick, and is a beautiful sight from the restaurant at the top of the Hilton if you're up for a fancy night out. If you come in the summer, take the advice to dress in layers seriously. I see lots of freezing tourists shivering in tee shirts and shorts on summer afternoons. It is often blue skies and warm temperatures until around 4pm, and then the fog comes in and it's windy, wet, and very very cold.

Here are a couple of examples:


YouTube - Sunset as Golden Gate, SF Bay are fogged in


YouTube - Fog rolls in south of San Francisco

[jeevcy]

Originally Posted by GreenGirl

The fog is pretty, too. It rolls in fast and thick, and is a beautiful sight from the restaurant at the top of the Hilton if you're up for a fancy night out. If you come in the summer, take the advice to dress in layers seriously. I see lots of freezing tourists shivering in tee shirts and shorts on summer afternoons. It is often blue skies and warm temperatures until around 4pm, and then the fog comes in and it's windy, wet, and very very cold.

Here are a couple of examples:


YouTube - Sunset as Golden Gate, SF Bay are fogged in


YouTube - Fog rolls in south of San Francisco

Thanks, so when would the morning fog burn off? And the evening fog come in? What would be a good time to view the Golden Gate bridge for a clear view in the summer with no fog? I like the fog as well, but would like to see a clear view of the bridge as well.

What about the best time to visit twin peaks in the summer?

[GreenGirl]

For both the bridge and twin peaks, the whole city in general, I'd say between 10am - 4pm would be the best time for fog-free sightseeing.

[humboldtrat]

September - October is the warmest and most fog-free time of the year in SF.

[jacq63]

Ooh-ooh-oooh, can I throw in a gratuitous Mark Twain quote? Please???
"The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco".

Whew, thanks guys!

(Lucky it's a gorgeous place to be cold in!)

[ImRandy]

Originally Posted by jacq63

Ooh-ooh-oooh, can I throw in a gratuitous Mark Twain quote? Please???

Go for it.