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?

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.

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...p;tid=35129049

Stu Dudley

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.

>>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

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.

So if SF isn't good in February-where would you take a family of 4 with free southwest tickets that expire March 1? I am looking for ideas here-any ideas!

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!

Ex-nay on the wharf-scray in front of Thee Stu-scray. :$

San Diego is looking VERY nice from the shots they are showing on the football game tonight.
God bless the people who invented hi def!

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

I don't think I would put either Seattle or Portland in the "fool proof" category. Their rainy season runs from June through May.

Stu Dudley

family_travelers,

Where are you from?

I live in San Diego and am going to SF in February....but then, weather doesn't scare me off. I don't recall if I've ever been there in February. Both are great destinations, IMO.

BTW, neither are good for beaching at that time of year. Both have plenty to offer in terms of other activities....neighborhoods, hikes, etc.

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.

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!

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.

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

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...p;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!

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.

family_travelers,

Since you are from Omaha, NE, I think San Francisco will be perfect for you. There may be a little rain, but the temps will most likely be mild (mid to upper 50's in the day, 40's or even low 50's at night). You could get lucky and get some sunny and 60 degree weather as well.

Enjoy the "City by the Bay".

Thanks, roundthebend

Stu Dudley

Man, all this talk of San Francisco has me yearning for a trip.

Maybe I'll have to plan one for next September or October!

I was there in October for the GTG and the weather was spectacular. I think that is also the time of "crush"? so it may be nice for a wine country visit as well, bkluvsnola.

I think San Diego is a fine idea!

I adore SF but not in February.

Florida would be my other thought.

You didn't say if the teens were boys/girls or both. SF is great--they will enjoy Alcatraz, the new Science museum, Metreon--perhaps a play? Then, there's Berkeley--always fun (ride BART over so they can say they went UNDER SF Bay). Ride bikes across the GG Bridge (weather permitting). Lots to do and enjoy. Check out sfgate.com for any festivals.

don't let the weather in s.f. scare you.

although feb is supposed to be a rainy month there have been times when we have had weeks of just gorgeous weather.
there is at least one week each feb when we experience indian summer.
as stu posted, nov/dec is supposed to be rainy weather. but right now the sun is out with temps in the 60s.
i'm sitting out on my patio enjoying the sun and birds as i keep up with fodors.

It is lovely here in the Sacramento Valley too abranz! I know we need rain but I am sure enjoying the blue sky and sunshine.

My husband's birthday was in February family_travelers and if we weren't in Mexico for his birthday we often went to SF to celebrate. But living just N/W of SF we could decide spur of the moment depending on the weather. We often had beautiful weather in SF. It is different when you need to plan for a vacation of course.

Having said that I have often been in SF when it is raining and have still always have had fun but of course walking far distances is not great when there is a rainstorm. That is when taxis come in handy. Best wishes to you regarding your decision!

LoveItaly,

In winter, SF is actually warmer than the Sacramento Valley (you already know that I'm sure). You get that Tule Fog.

Once, in January, I went from short sleeved weather (upper 60's/low 70's) and sun in San Jose to mid 40's and Tule Fog in Sacramento. Talk about a shock to the system!

Hi bkluvs, as I am in the very southern portion of the Sacramento Valley we don't get the tule fog as bad thankfully. It has been foggy in the morning but by about 9:00am it is gone. But yes it has been cold here although I know a lot of our residents throughout the US would laugh about that statement. And of course SF sure gets fog too although the fog from the Pacific is different than the tully fog from the Delta. Just about four miles from my residence the tully fog is bad, is is like hitting a gray wall. I hate the fog!

February is actually one of my favorite months in the Bay Area because the plum and apple trees blossom and it's beautiful. My friends from Chicago always come to visit in February, and they love it.

Nancy1652 and LoveItaly--In Feb, in addition to the trees in bloom--the hills are GREEN!!! Anyone who has been to CA in the summer doesn't believe that there is a "green" season to our "golden" state! BTW--the tule fog never cleared here in the East Bay Wed and Thurs--and now it's cold--if we had some rain there would be snow on Mt. Diablo!!

family_travelers, do as suggested, take a jacket, sweater, etc., add or remove layers as needed. Maybe some shorts.

Our first trip to SF was years ago in February. Everyone told us it would be very cool, windy and rainy. We had beautiful weather, really warm. Seemed like everyone was wearing shorts, sandals. We of course had not packed shorts! Been there in April and July also with great weather. Enjoy your trip.

Thanks again for all the ideas- I think I'm sold on SF! Stu-you've been a great resource and an excellent "salesman"!

Any ideas on inexpensive lodging near the wharf or cable car turn-around?

I don't know hotels at all, because I never need one. There must be dozens of recent posts about affordable hotels. Do a search on "Francisco hotel" and I bet you will get lots of info.

Stu Dudley

LoveItaly,

Good to know the tule fog doesn't go all over the Valley. From what I remember, once we crossed the Diablos from San Jose, visibility was measured in feet, not miles.

Also, I always had this notion (before then) that the Valley was warmer than the Bay because I had only visited during the warmer months, so the Tule Fog surprised me. I thought that if it was 70 in San Jose, it would be at least that in Sacramento, but it was 45 instead. Talk about shocker. All I know is I wanted to get back to that sun in San Jose as fast as possible.

You're right that the Tule Fog is different than the Pacific Fog. Tule Fog is only a winter time thing, whereas Pacific Fog can be a year round thing but generally is more of a summer thing.

I prefer the Pacific Fog, because it generally burns off by 10AM except right near the coast, when it can burn off by noon, or it can last all day.

From what I saw with Tule Fog, it seemed more persistent. My friend said that sometimes the Tule Fog can last for weeks with no break.

I do agree that February is the "lush" season in the Bay Area. The hills are painted a nice green tint. However, they are still green into March and even April (sometimes, depending on rain), and by then everything else has bloomed.

family_travelers, as always, the first question in, what does "inexpensive" mean to you?

Anything decent from $100-200 per night, free breakfast preferred. you know how it is-we want it all but hate to pay full price ! :)

Hmmm... I know there's recent threads about relatively inexpensive hotels near the Wharf. I tried to find them for you using the 'search' but the newer threads didn't pop up.

"family_travelers" it will be cold near the wharf like the others have reported. Bring extra layers and you should be fine. There are a lot of fun places to get warm and enjoy the stay.

This LIVE camera might help you determine what to wear while you are there. It lets you know if it is looking cold and foggy or mild and sunny: www.SFBayCam.com