san francisco in february?
Dec 3rd, 2008, 04:39 PM
#1
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san francisco in february?
We are contemplating a trip to either San Francisco or San Diego in February 2009 (family of 4 with 2 teens).
Any suggestions?
Would San Francisco be to cold/windy to enjoy the wharf and be able to walk around?
Any reasonable lodging suggestions or points of interest?
Any suggestions?
Would San Francisco be to cold/windy to enjoy the wharf and be able to walk around?
Any reasonable lodging suggestions or points of interest?
Dec 3rd, 2008, 05:04 PM
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SF will be cool, and breezy, but no worse than in might be in July or September.
Take a jacket, wear a sweater, several layers so you can add or remove protection as you need it.
San Diego will be warmer, with less reason to wear layers, but it does get coldish there, too.
Get a tour book to help you narrow down the many interesting places to see and go in both cities.
Take a jacket, wear a sweater, several layers so you can add or remove protection as you need it.
San Diego will be warmer, with less reason to wear layers, but it does get coldish there, too.
Get a tour book to help you narrow down the many interesting places to see and go in both cities.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 05:05 PM
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Personally, I don't enjoy the Wharf at any time - but your teens might if they like to browse through T-shirt shops, Ripley's Believe It or Not, Wax Museum, Chocolate Shops, and lots of trinket/souvenir shops.
This year has been a strange year weather wise in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our roses are still blooming & all of our patio furniture is still getting a workout. No telling what February will be like. On the average San Diego will get better weather. However, it will not be beach weather - so it really depends on what you want to do. I don't think it ever gets too cold in SF to walk around - but rain could present a problem - in which case you just choose indoor stuff like shopping, museums, etc. until the rain stops.
I think there is a lot more interesting stuff to do in SF - that's why we moved up here from Southern Calif 33 years ago.
Here is a post I did about attractions.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049
Stu Dudley
This year has been a strange year weather wise in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our roses are still blooming & all of our patio furniture is still getting a workout. No telling what February will be like. On the average San Diego will get better weather. However, it will not be beach weather - so it really depends on what you want to do. I don't think it ever gets too cold in SF to walk around - but rain could present a problem - in which case you just choose indoor stuff like shopping, museums, etc. until the rain stops.
I think there is a lot more interesting stuff to do in SF - that's why we moved up here from Southern Calif 33 years ago.
Here is a post I did about attractions.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049
Stu Dudley
Dec 3rd, 2008, 05:19 PM
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Keep in mind that February is the rainy season in San Francisco.
So, while the temperature differences between February and July might not be significant, the extra precipitation will.
While I love San Francisco, February would not be my favorite choice to visit that city.
I remember an El Nino winter when I used to live out there, and it rained almost every day in February.
So, while the temperature differences between February and July might not be significant, the extra precipitation will.
While I love San Francisco, February would not be my favorite choice to visit that city.
I remember an El Nino winter when I used to live out there, and it rained almost every day in February.
Dec 3rd, 2008, 05:46 PM
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>>I remember an El Nino winter when I used to live out there, and it rained almost every day in February.<<
And I remember when we've had 0 inches of rain in Feb. In fact, I think within the last 3 years, we hit 70 or maybe even 80 in Feb (but that's not normal).
Stu Dudley
And I remember when we've had 0 inches of rain in Feb. In fact, I think within the last 3 years, we hit 70 or maybe even 80 in Feb (but that's not normal).
Stu Dudley
Dec 4th, 2008, 02:10 PM
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StuDudley,
I think you make my point even clearer, that variability is what happens in February. Yes, it can be beautiful, but it could also rain the whole time. If you visit and you happen to catch the rain, it could hamper your vacation.
Like I say, I love SF, but February is not my favorite month there.
I think you make my point even clearer, that variability is what happens in February. Yes, it can be beautiful, but it could also rain the whole time. If you visit and you happen to catch the rain, it could hamper your vacation.
Like I say, I love SF, but February is not my favorite month there.
Dec 4th, 2008, 04:12 PM
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I like SF any time of year, but with teens you'd probably like a trip that would be fool- proof, regardless of weather. I have never been to San Diego in February, but it sounds like it might be appealing.
Otherwise, I'd suggest picking an experience the kids would enjoy. Possiblitities:
- fly into Las Vegas & drive north to Zion National Park for great beauty, hiking, etc.
- LAX - Los Angeles for decent weather and myriad of experiences
- Portland - a young, hip culture, friendly, with lots of great outdoor experiences available
- Seattle - terrific city that values an outdoor life. Great experiences for all ages.
- Phoenix - decent weather, drive up to Grand Canyon (where it might be snowing), visit Sedona on the way back.
By the way, in San Francisco, you can enjoy it's unique qualities while sitting in little coffee house and cafes - enjoy the views.
Good luck with planning!
Otherwise, I'd suggest picking an experience the kids would enjoy. Possiblitities:
- fly into Las Vegas & drive north to Zion National Park for great beauty, hiking, etc.
- LAX - Los Angeles for decent weather and myriad of experiences
- Portland - a young, hip culture, friendly, with lots of great outdoor experiences available
- Seattle - terrific city that values an outdoor life. Great experiences for all ages.
- Phoenix - decent weather, drive up to Grand Canyon (where it might be snowing), visit Sedona on the way back.
By the way, in San Francisco, you can enjoy it's unique qualities while sitting in little coffee house and cafes - enjoy the views.
Good luck with planning!
Dec 4th, 2008, 04:25 PM
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San Francisco is fantastic every month of the year - some months are better than others. Jan & Feb are not the best months because we can get some rain. As you get into March, the weather gets better. Then usually very nice in April, May & first of June. Then the fog can get heavy at times in mid/late June, July, and August. Very early Sept can see some fog too. Our best weather is from about the second week in Sept to the last week in Oct. Nov can be nice, but some rain might appear. Dec can see some rain too.
Today is Dec 4. I spent the day outside reading a book on our deck. Last Sunday my wife conducted a City Guides walking tour. I spend the afternoon in Lafayette Park in The City, sitting in a travel chair & reading a book. Other people were sunning themselves on the grass - many in shorts. The weather here is very unpredictable. Averages don't mean a lot. We've had practically no rain since we returned from vacation (elsewhere) on Oct 11. Almost every day has been spent outdoors.
This is more than you want to know.
The weather anywhere along the coast will not be at its best in February. If you want warmth, perhaps Palm Springs will do - but Palm Springs kinda bores me and if it rains, there is NOTHING to do, IMO.
Like I stated earlier, IMO there is more stuff to do & see in & around San Francisco, than almost any other city in the US - except NYC.
I might consider San Diego in April to Sept - I think it is a lot more enjoyable when you can spend most of time outside (outside restaurants, beach, etc). When I worked in San Diego County, I don't recall a lot of Febs when I could do that.
In Feb in San Francisco, the cable cars still run, it will be crab season, the Coast & Bay are georgeous, restaurants are free of tourists, shops are open in Union Sq/Fillmore/Union St, Alcatraz will be great, so will Beach Blanket Babylon, North Beach will be active day & night. Muir Woods will be free of tourists, so will the wine country/Carmel, Monterey/Big Sur.
I'm sounding like a SF tourist office!!!
Stu Dudley
Today is Dec 4. I spent the day outside reading a book on our deck. Last Sunday my wife conducted a City Guides walking tour. I spend the afternoon in Lafayette Park in The City, sitting in a travel chair & reading a book. Other people were sunning themselves on the grass - many in shorts. The weather here is very unpredictable. Averages don't mean a lot. We've had practically no rain since we returned from vacation (elsewhere) on Oct 11. Almost every day has been spent outdoors.
This is more than you want to know.
The weather anywhere along the coast will not be at its best in February. If you want warmth, perhaps Palm Springs will do - but Palm Springs kinda bores me and if it rains, there is NOTHING to do, IMO.
Like I stated earlier, IMO there is more stuff to do & see in & around San Francisco, than almost any other city in the US - except NYC.
I might consider San Diego in April to Sept - I think it is a lot more enjoyable when you can spend most of time outside (outside restaurants, beach, etc). When I worked in San Diego County, I don't recall a lot of Febs when I could do that.
In Feb in San Francisco, the cable cars still run, it will be crab season, the Coast & Bay are georgeous, restaurants are free of tourists, shops are open in Union Sq/Fillmore/Union St, Alcatraz will be great, so will Beach Blanket Babylon, North Beach will be active day & night. Muir Woods will be free of tourists, so will the wine country/Carmel, Monterey/Big Sur.
I'm sounding like a SF tourist office!!!
Stu Dudley
Dec 4th, 2008, 08:39 PM
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I guess one reason I mentioned Portland and Seattle is because cold and rain can be a way of life there. People who live there do not stay inside just because of poor weather. The weather is just part of the experience.
Southern California is more likely to have better weather in Feb.
Southern California is more likely to have better weather in Feb.
Dec 5th, 2008, 04:42 AM
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Thanks so much for all the responses. I truly appreciate the discussions.
We are from Omaha, Nebraska and right now it is 12 degrees with a wind chill of 2 above. Lets be honest here-40 will sound very good in February!!
I'm leaning towards SF as my teens have not been there before.
Any suggestions on inexpensive lodging near the wharf/cable car turnaround areas?
Again, thanks for all your responses!
We are from Omaha, Nebraska and right now it is 12 degrees with a wind chill of 2 above. Lets be honest here-40 will sound very good in February!!
I'm leaning towards SF as my teens have not been there before.
Any suggestions on inexpensive lodging near the wharf/cable car turnaround areas?
Again, thanks for all your responses!
Dec 5th, 2008, 09:00 AM
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Since you are from Omahah, come to SF in Feb and bring your swimsuits 
Ok, so I am only sort of joking. I have been to Omaha once, it was March, -7°F with the windchill, and I have never been so cold in my life. Coastal California will seem downright balmy.
I wouldn't hesitate to visit in Feb - as others have said, SD will probably be pretty nice and SF whill probably chilly and a bit rainy, is always a good place to visit. Just keep your plan a bit flexible and have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities so you can adjust according to the weather.
Ok, so I am only sort of joking. I have been to Omaha once, it was March, -7°F with the windchill, and I have never been so cold in my life. Coastal California will seem downright balmy. I wouldn't hesitate to visit in Feb - as others have said, SD will probably be pretty nice and SF whill probably chilly and a bit rainy, is always a good place to visit. Just keep your plan a bit flexible and have a mix of indoor and outdoor activities so you can adjust according to the weather.
Dec 5th, 2008, 09:23 AM
#18
Come to San Francisco and don't stress about the weather.
We flew SW to Orlando/Disney World. I don't know if that's an option, but they do fly there.
Good luck. You will like SF even in the rain!!
MY
We flew SW to Orlando/Disney World. I don't know if that's an option, but they do fly there.
Good luck. You will like SF even in the rain!!
MY
Dec 5th, 2008, 10:09 AM
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I'm an occasional reader and big supporter of Fodor's Forum. I just want to acknowledge and thank Stu Dudley for his incredible help on providing information on the San Francisco area. I printed his post http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=35129049
last May, and I've referred to it and passed it around as my family plans a trip for next April. I have no idea what Stu's background is, but he's the best ambassador I've ever seen for any region in the country. He's an example of what make this such a great website. Thanks Stu!
last May, and I've referred to it and passed it around as my family plans a trip for next April. I have no idea what Stu's background is, but he's the best ambassador I've ever seen for any region in the country. He's an example of what make this such a great website. Thanks Stu!
Dec 5th, 2008, 10:24 AM
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If you think 40 is warm, you'll be thrilled with the temps in San Francisco in February. Seriously, the only time it gets BELOW 40 is in the middle of the night! The average high temps in Feb. are in the high 50s earlier in the month to 60 later in the month.
