How can SF be cold in August?
May 13th, 2004, 12:19 AM
#23
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Wow! Thanks everyone for all the info! I live in Boston so I think the cool weather will be very welcome in early August since Boston is a sticky steam bath at that time. It might be the perfect cure for my hot flashes! Thanks again - good to know there are other weather nuts out there besides me!
May 29th, 2004, 09:33 AM
#24
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Having recently moved from Chicago (where you commonly suffer through extremes on both ends of the spectrum) to the SF area - I love the mild climate! It is cool by summer standards - but at least you're not sweltering. The climate can vary dramatically. Recently (about a month ago), we took visitors to Napa for the day, where it was well into the 90's and then down to the city for dinner where it was in the 50's. BIG difference. A 20 degree difference between SF and Napa is 'normal'. I see a 10 degree difference between my home (oakland hills) and my office (further in the East Bay). Last fall (our first here) was rather summer-like. Pack layers, especially for night - and if you will be taking any ferries. Enjoy! You will have a great time!
Jun 2nd, 2004, 08:55 PM
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I was just in San Francisco this past August, and it was quite warm during the day. I even got a sunburn. The weather did get much cooler at night, and I found myself freezing my butt off in just jeans and a T-shirt. I would suggest layering, so you can take things off and put things on accordingly. I enjoyed the weather in San Francisco, especially the reprieve from the humidity we have back here in Baltimore!
Jun 3rd, 2004, 05:29 AM
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Otis - as soon as I saw this thread, I thought I'd post that "quote" from Mark Twain, who supposedly said something like the coldest winter I ever experienced was a summer in San Francisco.
I can't add anything to this except to say that we were in San Francisco in Aug. and we were freezing in shorts and T-shirts. We have our San Francisco sweatshirts as mementos of how unprepared we were. I remember when we were there the local news had a feature about how cold tourists always are coming to SF in Aug. and expecting it to be really warm.
Karen
I can't add anything to this except to say that we were in San Francisco in Aug. and we were freezing in shorts and T-shirts. We have our San Francisco sweatshirts as mementos of how unprepared we were. I remember when we were there the local news had a feature about how cold tourists always are coming to SF in Aug. and expecting it to be really warm.
Karen
Jun 3rd, 2004, 05:35 AM
#29
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karens, Mark Twain never actually said that famous quote. I learned that bit of info on this very forum, so you see, my addiction is actually educational.
Those of us here in the Bay Area can always spot the tourists. You can tell them by the blue legs sticking out of their shorts and their brand new SF-themed sweatshirts.
Those of us here in the Bay Area can always spot the tourists. You can tell them by the blue legs sticking out of their shorts and their brand new SF-themed sweatshirts.
Jun 3rd, 2004, 08:45 AM
#30
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Maybe I'm old school but I would never even consider going into San Francisco is shorts and t-shirt.
In Miami, yes. In Chicago in August, maybe.
But never would I go into San Francisco or New York dressed that way even if the temperature was 100.
In Miami, yes. In Chicago in August, maybe.
But never would I go into San Francisco or New York dressed that way even if the temperature was 100.
Jun 3rd, 2004, 09:17 AM
#31
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Marilyn is correct about the new sweatshirts on visitors. The cheapest are the fleece ones embroidered with SF and a little picture of the GG bridge. You can pick them up for $10 in Chinatown or 2 for $15. There's a reason I know this! 
Jun 5th, 2004, 11:58 AM
#32
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The SF Bay area has an amazing number of "micro-climates", which extend from the valleys to the Pacific Ocean, and from north of Marin headlands, down to the Monterey Bay area.
The impact of these can be a surprise to first-time visitors -- summer temps nearing 100 in Sacramento, but a 45-minute drive down to San Francisco Bay can get you temperatures in the 50's, often accompanied by wind and fog which can chill you to the bone.
That's not to say that San Francisco itself is never hot -- and those days are _truly_ uncomfortable, as air-conditioned buildings are rare in The City. But the hot days last but a day or two before the wonderful SF fog returns to cool things down.
bgoldie is right on target with the "dress in layers" advice. Better to have that jacket/sweatshirt and not need it, than to need it -- and have to buy an SF tourist sweatshirt! 8-)
The impact of these can be a surprise to first-time visitors -- summer temps nearing 100 in Sacramento, but a 45-minute drive down to San Francisco Bay can get you temperatures in the 50's, often accompanied by wind and fog which can chill you to the bone.
That's not to say that San Francisco itself is never hot -- and those days are _truly_ uncomfortable, as air-conditioned buildings are rare in The City. But the hot days last but a day or two before the wonderful SF fog returns to cool things down.
bgoldie is right on target with the "dress in layers" advice. Better to have that jacket/sweatshirt and not need it, than to need it -- and have to buy an SF tourist sweatshirt! 8-)
Jun 5th, 2004, 02:28 PM
#33
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If not for August, at what other time would the "fashionable ladies" be able to wear their furs!
Oh boy, these stories do remind me of my first August in SFO - good that friends I was visiting reminded be to bring something warm for evenings in the city. One night it was actually less than freezing. Boy is that a shocker if one doesn't know what to expect. As my friends said - when you cross from the Oakland Bay Bridge it's not unusual to see people wearing "a shoe and a boot."
Oh boy, these stories do remind me of my first August in SFO - good that friends I was visiting reminded be to bring something warm for evenings in the city. One night it was actually less than freezing. Boy is that a shocker if one doesn't know what to expect. As my friends said - when you cross from the Oakland Bay Bridge it's not unusual to see people wearing "a shoe and a boot."
Jun 6th, 2004, 06:01 AM
#35
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Grasshopper - my personal experiences were back in the late 70s/early 80s.
That said, friends who still live out in the area, do wear fur! And so far none of those PETA folks have thown paint or made any comments!
When it's cold, fur is all that works - sorry if others don't approve!
That said, friends who still live out in the area, do wear fur! And so far none of those PETA folks have thown paint or made any comments!
When it's cold, fur is all that works - sorry if others don't approve!
Jun 6th, 2004, 08:14 AM
#36
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I'm opposed to fur, but I can imagine "needing" it if you live in Siberia. However, no matter how cold it FEELS here in SF, it rarely gets below 32F, so there's no excuse. Cashmere and down are sufficient for all but the most extreme climates.
Jun 6th, 2004, 10:39 AM
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Ya know, those SF sweatshirts are a pretty good thing to wear in Orlando during our "winter." Lighter weight than normal, they are perfect for our area. And it's not as corny as wearing an "Orlando" or "Disney" logo sweat around here. At any rate, I tend to lump that designer logo (Tommy Hilfiger, etc.) attire in the same group; it's all pretty pointless...
