Best time to visit San Fran?
 

My husband and I are trying to plan a trip to San Francisco and we don't know when is the best time to go or if there is a "best time" to go. We're looking at going between late March and early May. Can anyone help and let us know when would be the ideal time?

My husband travels there frequently on business and reports the weather upon his return. Last mid-October, he INSISTED I join him there and the weather was positively spectacular (not to hot or humid, no fog, no rain). I can't wait to go back, so posted the same inquiry as yours on AOL. I received a dozen responses, and the consensus was September or October. Depending upon where you live, you'd probably find the weather pleasant no matter when you go. Everyone complains about the fog, but I was sorry to have missed it, as the tour guides claims it's "mystical" - even if you can see the surroundings. Based upon my research, and I'm just guessing here, early May would be best if you can only go between late March and early May. Feel free to e-mail if you'd like my notes.

If I were to pick any time to visit SF I would pick May. Donna is correct that the weather is often fabulous in September/October, which would be my #2 pick. <BR> <BR>The reason that I prefer May is that since it is the end of Spring, things are still a little bit green. It is when the strawberries and artichokes are really coming into the thick of it. In general, the area seems fresher. <BR> <BR>The reson I put September in the #2 spot is that is can be unbearably hot (90-100) degrees, and lots of places don't have a/c. Also, we had a wierd fall this year, it came late, and we didn't have that much fog, but it was one of the smoggiest I can remember. I was reminded of Pasadena. <BR> <BR>I don't know if we'll se a repeat of this, but I think you might have better vistas in May vs. September.

As a resident of the San Francisco area, I recommend October as the best month of the year hands down. In fact October is the best month of the year for all of Coastal California. The days are warm and there is less fog.

I live in the San Francisco bay area. <BR>The best time of the year is Sept. <BR>through Oct.You should go during the <BR>Fall when we have the Navy fleet week. <BR>You can see the Blue Angels f-16's fly over the rock and the Golden Gate Bridge.You must visit Pier 39 and the <BR>Golden Gate Bridge. <BR> <BR>Sincerly, Edward Strine

Jan, I agree with Ed's message that Sept. through Oct. is the best time to go to San Fran. I was there in October. I was down by Ghiraddeli (SP) Square and the Blue Angels flew overhead. It was the most awesome sound and sight. There was an elderly man sitting on the sidewalk with a guitar as they flew by. He asked me what song I would like to hear. I said "What a Wonderful World" He sang and I swear he sounded just like Louis Armstrong. I got tears in my eyes. That was a moment I will never forget. Magical. Dee

I almost hate to say this, as the perpetual visitor who has never actually lived in San Francisco (for more than a week at a time), but loves SF nevertheless. I think ANY time of the year is the perfect time to visit, perhaps because SF is ever new--and exciting and different each time, whether the skies are clear or foggy or rainy. I've even enjoyed the CITY during a rare snow fall!

I live in the SF Bay Area. A bad day in San Francisco will beat a good day in just about any other city in the US. Great City! You will enjoy it whenever you come.

I agree with Dee and Edward...We've been there in October and December and inOctober had warm almost hot weather..and we did see the Blue Angels practising their maneuvers over S.F. Bay for the whole week...it was spectacular. We even took a trip around the Bay on one of the sightseeing boats and they were soaring above us constantly..only had one day in October of fog..The street peddlars and carts at that time are all along the waterfront and whether your there in December, May or October Ghiardelli square is always a fun spot as is Chinatown and Union Square...as the song goes...even though I'm from Boston and the two cities are often compared...I eave my heart in S.F. each time..

I've been to SF a few times, mostly in January, once in March, once in September. My impression: any time would be great, as John and Bob posted. Terrific city! (Hey Parrot Mom, who's comparing Boston and SF? I don't see many similarities, other than their having a waterfront. I love Boston and its mix of grit and finery, but San Francisco is like a dream.)