When you would you recommend a California trip?
Oct 31st, 2013, 12:35 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When you would you recommend a California trip?
We are just beginning to think about our next holiday. It will almost certainly be to California, for three weeks and our last long haul trip.
We will be visiting friends for a final time, in Pasadena and Fallbrook, for a small part of the trip but will spend the bulk of the time touring and I am hoping we can see more of northern California on this trip. We will probably fly into San Francisco and out of San Diego, or vice versa, but nothing is yet decided about that.
We can travel any time of the year, though we'd prefer to avoid July and August. April was my first choice, but DH has to work at least two days early April, and then there is Easter.
So would you recommend a little earlier - March, a little later - May, or a lot later, say late September/October? November even?
All suggestions welcome. I'll no doubt be back with more detailed questions as we get our plans sorted.
We will be visiting friends for a final time, in Pasadena and Fallbrook, for a small part of the trip but will spend the bulk of the time touring and I am hoping we can see more of northern California on this trip. We will probably fly into San Francisco and out of San Diego, or vice versa, but nothing is yet decided about that.
We can travel any time of the year, though we'd prefer to avoid July and August. April was my first choice, but DH has to work at least two days early April, and then there is Easter.
So would you recommend a little earlier - March, a little later - May, or a lot later, say late September/October? November even?
All suggestions welcome. I'll no doubt be back with more detailed questions as we get our plans sorted.
Oct 31st, 2013, 12:55 PM
#2
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,614
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have our best weather in Northern California in Sept/October, but the scenery is not at it's best because the landscape will be dry, i.e. dry yellow hillsides. If you want to see green hills, then May would be good. March and November can be iffy weather wise i.e. rain/colder.
Oct 31st, 2013, 01:15 PM
#3
Some people's "yellow hillsides" are other's golden. I find the golden hills quite beautiful so don't let that stop you if it's a good time for you to come. Wildflowers in the spring are beautiful too but impossible to predict the timing. Early fall is my favorite season and most likely to be warm.
Oct 31st, 2013, 01:22 PM
#4
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 26,390
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
San Diego County and Pasadena are usually pretty nice most of the year. April can be different. I remember unusually hot Aprils and freezing cold. Who knows?
March and April are often good months to see the deserts in bloom.
Northern California is the place to plan around but then you probably know that Fallbrook can be pretty chilly at certain times of year. Although it's a lovely part of the county.
March and April are often good months to see the deserts in bloom.
Northern California is the place to plan around but then you probably know that Fallbrook can be pretty chilly at certain times of year. Although it's a lovely part of the county.
Oct 31st, 2013, 02:02 PM
#7
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 13,617
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Golden hills with oak trees are one of my favorite landscapes 
At any rate though, I agree with the responses above about time to visit. May or September/October would be my choice. May will have green hills and wildflowers, but you might have some late rain and some chilly temperatures, especially if you head up to the mountains (Yosemite, etc.). The weather will probably be pretty nice though. The weather in September and October is almost universally good throughout the whole state. Sunny skies, warm on the coast and in the mountains, not nearly so hot in the inland valleys. If you are planning to visit Yosemite, the one negative about September/October is that the waterfalls aren't running. They will be running nicely in May though.
At any rate though, I agree with the responses above about time to visit. May or September/October would be my choice. May will have green hills and wildflowers, but you might have some late rain and some chilly temperatures, especially if you head up to the mountains (Yosemite, etc.). The weather will probably be pretty nice though. The weather in September and October is almost universally good throughout the whole state. Sunny skies, warm on the coast and in the mountains, not nearly so hot in the inland valleys. If you are planning to visit Yosemite, the one negative about September/October is that the waterfalls aren't running. They will be running nicely in May though.
Oct 31st, 2013, 02:18 PM
#8
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you're looking for the best weather (if your definition of good weather is warm, sunny and no rain), then plan for Sept/Oct. Most of the touristy places will not be that crowded anymore, either, since it's off-season. You didn't mention if your plans include going to the beach, but if they do, Sept/Oct is also when the water is at its warmest.
Oct 31st, 2013, 02:57 PM
#9
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 976
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This year October has been a PERFECT time to visit San Francisco. Fabulous weather (sunny almost every day, mostly high 60s-low 70s). You can't beat it.
I visited Yosemite last week, and it was ideal--warm sunny days, cold nights, peak time for fall leaves, and few tourists. (Though, as november moon says, almost no water in the falls.)
I visited Yosemite last week, and it was ideal--warm sunny days, cold nights, peak time for fall leaves, and few tourists. (Though, as november moon says, almost no water in the falls.)
Oct 31st, 2013, 03:03 PM
#10
November_moon, golden hills with oak trees is exactly what I was "seeing" when I posted my response. All those years of driving through the foothills on the Peninsula must have had it's effect.
Oct 31st, 2013, 04:03 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 987
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, hetismij2, The California Autumn Gold is almost as good as Norway's. Being from the east coast, it's one of our favorite times to visit California.
I can't give you as much detailed info as those who live there, but as your plans shape up hopefully, I can add a few comments.
I can't give you as much detailed info as those who live there, but as your plans shape up hopefully, I can add a few comments.
Nov 1st, 2013, 06:28 AM
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks everyone for your opinions, they are much appreciated.
We have never been to Yosemite
. It is on the list to be investigated further, especially regarding accommodation and price.
Coming from somewhere so green we really don't mind seeing brown/gold hills. Seeing wild flowers would be wonderful too, but knowing my luck we'd time it all wrong and miss them by a week.
Lots to think about and ideas to mull over. Thanks again.
We have never been to Yosemite
. It is on the list to be investigated further, especially regarding accommodation and price.Coming from somewhere so green we really don't mind seeing brown/gold hills. Seeing wild flowers would be wonderful too, but knowing my luck we'd time it all wrong and miss them by a week
.Lots to think about and ideas to mull over. Thanks again.
Nov 1st, 2013, 08:38 AM
#15
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It has now been scientifically proven after a multi-million dollar government funded study that 50% of people prefer to visit N. California in the Spring and 50% prefer to visit in the Fall.
Armed with that scientific information hetismij2, all you have to decide now is which you would prefer. Apples or oranges? ;-)
Whenever you go, go Highway 1 all the way. That's my advice.
Armed with that scientific information hetismij2, all you have to decide now is which you would prefer. Apples or oranges? ;-)
Whenever you go, go Highway 1 all the way. That's my advice.
Nov 1st, 2013, 08:45 AM
#16
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 6,573
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sept/Oct were my favorite months living in California - I think the weather is perfect then..(southern Cal anyway - cannot speak for N. California).
What brings you to Fallbrook? Don't hear many people going there!
What brings you to Fallbrook? Don't hear many people going there!
Nov 1st, 2013, 09:56 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have friends in Fallbrook. They moved there from Pasadena, bought a beautiful home and boosted their pension with the change .
I really like Fallbrook, and it makes a good centre for trips too.
.I really like Fallbrook, and it makes a good centre for trips too.
Nov 1st, 2013, 02:27 PM
#19
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 49,521
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
San Diego is generally very hot in Sept/Oct because we have the SantaAna winds that blow from the desert making it very hot and generally dry. It is generally very hot and I find it uncomfortable. But, it is perfect for the beach. And most tourists are gone so the traffic is less as well.
I love Dec thru April because it is generally sunny, cooler, blue skies with weather in the low 70's. In the winter and spring we seldom have the low lying fog and cloudy days we'll get May-July.
I love Dec thru April because it is generally sunny, cooler, blue skies with weather in the low 70's. In the winter and spring we seldom have the low lying fog and cloudy days we'll get May-July.
