Ann

My fiancee has his heart set on an outdoor wedding in April (he has relatives who have a house on the bay). I've checked weather.com and the average temps for April are in the low 60s. I can just picture us out there, in the fog, being whipped around by the wind, freezing to death! I'm hoping to get some feedback on how cold it really is in April so I can convince him to pick another month. Or maybe you'll tell me that it's just beautiful there in April and I can relax about it!

Samuel Clemens

"The coldest winter I ever spent was the summer in San Francisco."

M.T.

Mike

There is a good chance that it will be uncomfortably cold, plain and simple. I was there this summer, mid July, standing on Market St waiting for a bus at 10:00 pm or so and it was what seemed a freezing 58 deg. I get the weather channel on my cell phone and had to check for curiousity and sure enough it was the coldest listed city in the US at that exact time.

They say October is nice but I've also been out in Jan and March and it is always surprisingly cold.

GoodLuck

Ann:
Both Mark Twain & Mike gave you answers for the SUMMER. It can be positively beautiful in the spring! Don't discount that time of year - give his relatives a call & ask their opinion. (The fog usually burns off in the afternoon.) I used to travel to San Franciso every spring - usually in March - and found it to be wonderful.

janis

Mike froze because it was July. That is what messes up most tourists. Spring and fall in SF are usually warmer than summer. Long meteorlogical explanation not needed -just remember - bring heavier clothes to SF in July/August that you do in Sept/Oct.

Now, Ann: Yes April can be very nice -- but it is probably not wise to plan an outdoor wedding anywhere in California in April except maybe Palm Springs or San Diego. It is too variable. If the house is "on the Bay" then probably all the main rooms have good views. Why don't you plan on the ceremony inside and IF the weather turns out nice you can let the reception flow out on the decks.

faina

Ann, make sure you have a think wool sweater and a windbreaker. The weather may change during the day though so wear a tank-top underneath... just in case.

Geoff

Ann
Generally speaking, the average daily weather in S.F. in April ranges from a low of around 50 to a high of about 65. However, those are averages. I have seen it in both the low 40s and high 80s in April. There is also still the possibility of a few days of rain in April. Therefore, if you are going to plan an outdoor wedding, you should make sure you have an alternate location available.
By the way, where is the relatives house on the bay located? If it is located outside of S.F., the answer might be a little different.

Freecia

I'm a San Francisco Bay local and my favorite pastime is to watch tourists freeze to death. However, as you sound cautious enough, I'll just say bring warm clothing. I know there's not much you can do about getting warmer wearing a wedding dress (it's not as if you can "layer" or anything) but hold in later in the day near noonish. The possibility of being rained out is good. Perhaps rent a tent from party/convention services. If you get a tent with sides you can still enjoy the outdoors but avoid the wind. Tall space heaters also would help if your fiancee stays determined. There are several party rental services in the SF area.
Just be sure to warn your guests (especially female) that they should bring a nice warm wrap just in case.

Susan

Ann, I just want to confirm with you that this house on the bay is in San Francisco city proper? The weather in the city of San Francisco is generally completely different than the weather in, say, Redwood Shores or Burlingame or Berkeley. And the bay side of the city is generally warmer than the ocean side. So, where you are in the city can make a big difference too.

If you do decide to pick another month I'd recommend September.

I say go ahead with your plan, have a contingency for wind or rain and I bet you'll have a beautiful day. I can't tell you how many bay area weddings I've attended where the day before it was foggy/cold/windy/raining and the day of the wedding the sun miraculously appeared. Perhaps pashmina shawls as bridesmaids gifts? Congratulations!

Gerry

The Samuel Clemens weather refers to the SUMMER weather along the coastal fog bank all along the California coast. It usually covers the western half of San Francisco. At the same time it can be 100+ degrees just a few miles inland.
You have to be specific as to where your wedding is going to be located. Lots of people have outdoor weddings here in April. I have been to them. But, you can get April showers.