San Fran
 

What is the best time of year to visit San Francisco? Least crowded, nice weather etc.?? Thank you for any comments.

You may asking for the impossible: the least crowded time when there's the best weather. It's going to be crowded when the weather's nice, usually in summer, which tends to be moderate to cool in SF.

Many say October, November weather-wise. I've been in July and it was very cold (~52deg F). Also been in January and it was OK, better than July but not fantastic.

I love the city even when it's rainy and foggy. But the crowds are mostly in the summer, when the weather isn't that great. Spring and fall are always warmer, but there are never any guarantees against fog.

Depends on what you mean by good weather. Many people will tell you that San Francisco "doesn't have seasons", but as a resident of 40-plus years, I can tell you that we do indeed have very a very predictable (generally) yearly weather pattern.<BR>December through February are usually rainy and as cold as it ever gets here (possible 30's during the nights and 40's during the day, more usually 50's during the day). Snow means a dusting on top of Mount Tam or Mount Diablo, nothing that stays on the ground. Winter is a time of growth here - the hills start turning green again and the plum blossoms start coming out as early as January, even in the cold. If you like uncrowded conditions, this is a great time to come. You will definitely find shorter lines for the cable cars, etc. If you are planning to drive on the coast highway to <BR>Point Reyes or Mendocino, there is less traffic.<BR>Right now, looking out my window at 9:10 a.m., it's cloudy, forecasts call for showers today. It's about 59 degrees Fahrenheit. During the last three weeks, we've had colder, drier weather, with frost in the mornings. The air quality in winter here is fantastic - after the rain, the city just sparkles.<BR>

If I were you I would avoid goin to San Francisco altogether. During the summer it rarely gets above 70 and is fogged in all day, except for maybe 3 or 4 hours of sunlight. Better have your ski jacket. The weather in the fall is okay. Unfortunately San Francisco has deteriorated during the past 10-12 years. There is an out of control homeless population, prostitution visible both day and night (even in the expensive neighborhoods), and street crime in general is quite a problem(pickpockets/vandals,drug dealing, etc.) SF is a large town which unfortunately has lots of urban problems characteristic of much bigger cities. New York City looks like paradise compared to SF. I would avoid it like the plaque.

Lisa - Just some additional thoughts on weather -<BR><BR>For a first-time visitor, I'd probably recommend May or late September, for the probability of warmer weather. By warmer I mean 70's and 80's and not humid.<BR>Just bring clothing you can layer - sweater, light jacket, etc. The bay and the ocean surrounding the city can generate some pretty good breezes, and our famous fog, although its "official" season is summer, can sneak in whenever it wants to.

Lisa: to answer your question, generally good weather in May, early June. Nice again in late August, September, October and often into November. Obviously, the further you stay from summer, the smaller the tourist population. Homeless are a problem, but mostly in the downtown and Union Square areas. There is much beauty, culture and interesting things to see in San Francisco, but of course you know that or you wouldn't contemplate coming. In addition to the more usual spots, China Town, North Beach, Embarcadero walk, etc., be sure to spend some time walking the areas that house the glorious Victorians, above Haight Street (up the hill or toward the Panhandle, Guerrero St. area, around Fell Street toward the Panhandle, etc. The views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge are best from The Palace of Legion of Honor down toward Seacliff. Spend some day time in the 24th Street area from Mission Street toward Potrero Ave.; totally Latino: shops, restaurants, people, etc. Many Victorians in this area as well. San Francisco, despite its problems, is a beautiful, fun, enjoyable City if you know where to look. <BR><BR>A Native

least crowded Jan-Mar, but I doubt you'll like the fog and rain.

September and October