MichelleY

I just drove down I-5 from Sacramento to Los Banos this afternoon. The light on the golden hills late in the afternoon/early evening, was so beautiful! Golden and rolling.

MonicaRichards

In Southern California you'll get May Gray (fog) in May and usually crystal blue skies in Sept Oct so that's what I'd advise.

paula1470

I live in Fallbrook so I can answer questions about that. Don't think Fallbrook is any colder than any other parts of inland CA. But that doesn't really matter since you won't probably be visiting during the cooler months.

The spring is green everywhere in CA so looks a little nicer than the drier hills in fall but I agree if you want to concentrate on No. Cal then you should probably choose Oct. I was in SF a few weeks ago to visit my DD and it was beautiful. October can be warm in So. Cal and we usually get the Santa Ana winds that can cause the fires. This Oct wasn't too warm, actually just beautiful and the weather was in the high 70's, low 80's with a few cooler days. Pasadena can be warm, too, weather is usually pretty comparable to Fallbrook temps. May can definitely be gray and that extends all the way to Fallbrook although it will burn off faster than the coast. I think No. Cal is nice in May but Yosmite could still be chilly.

Excited that someone is visiting Fallbrook. We are having an absolutely gorgeous day today, 78 degrees.

MichelleY

Paula- you should put together a Fallbrook GTG!

paula1470

That would be fun, Michelle, if anyone wants to drive that far.
It is beautiful country, though.

Dukey1

We spent the 18th through the 22nd of October this year in San Francisco. Our friends who live there kept reminding us that "October is the warmest month of the year here."

The first two days, i.e., the weekend, were the typical fabulous, when it really IS "fabulous" San Francisco weather. Sun was out for the most part; partly cloudy, and comfortable temperature-wise. Lots of people in shorts. Even over on the "other" side of Twin Peaks the weather was great.

For the remainder of the period things became more overcast and somewhat chillier during the day but I am sure that isn't unusual.

I suspect folks from The Netherlands wouldn't bat an eyelash.

As to those "golden" hills. The term "golden" might, by some, be called "brown" as in waiting for the next wildfire but it is what it is.
Don't hesitate to visit in the Fall.

ltt

september (after labour day) or early october

hpeabody

Another vote for Sept/Oct. This year the weather was fantastic in Southern California (Long Beach/Orange County area) at that time Another plus at that time the kids are back in school.

5alive

If you want to go to Yosemite National Park, then I would encourage you to go in May because the waterfalls will be more beautiful then. We went in July and some of the waterfalls had very little water going over them.

aina

hi, its better to plan your trip in the middle of December. come to california and explore it. if you haven't planned your tour its better to hire transportation services most of the tourist goes to there favorite place by hiring a taxi or rent a SUV . its very cheap on high seasons and they are the real experts they knows all the important landmarks of the city and on the other side its also better rent a van also ...


best of luck for your trip

dbdurand

I suggest you do what many Americans from the colder regions of the country do. When you get tired of the winter that seems like it's gone on forever, get on an airplane and head for southern California. It will turn out to be mid February or early March. I believe you mentioned March in one of your posts. You might get some rain while you're here. We sure hope so. The last few years' rainfall has been characteristic of the desert. Not good for California native plants, which need a Mediterranean climate. But except for the possibility of some rain, the weather will be excellent.

People who migrate from the north to the south in the winter are called snowbirds. There are a lot of them.

hetismij2

Thanks again everyone. We are weighing up the pros and cons, and need to check our friends will actually be around to see, whenever we choose. Currently leaning more to October, but waterfalls, and the desire to return to California sooner rather than later, may yet swing it.

Surfergirl

I agree with September/October. That said, keep in mind a few things that happen around the state at that time, that may inhibit getting a hotel room at a decent price: (1) The start of the fall semester at universities; and (2) sporting events.

The start of the fall semester/quarter for the UC system is end of September/beginning of October for all campuses other than Berkeley or Merced. Same for the Cal State system. This means parents taking their freshmen by car and taking up all the hotels around every college and university in town.

It will also be the end of the baseball season, and beginning of the football season. so depending how our baseball teams are doing, there may be a lot of action going on and places booked. College football here is also a pretty big deal, with parents and alumni taking up much space (again) around universities in the PAC12.

Momddtravel2

I am so partial to Sept/Oct in Southern California that I have to chime in again... I never found it to be too hot...at all( come to Texas in August. that is hot!) I lived in S. California for most of my life and it is my favorite time of the year. Of course most of my life I grew up West of I-5 so it never seemed too hot ever

Scootoir

Weather maybe a trade off around the state no matter when you go although this October was close to perfect weather-wise. As others have mentioned if you want to include Yosemite (and I hope you do) then visit in May for the waterfalls. Even though there was still snow in Tuolomne it was swimsuit weather in the valley on my first visit there in May 1985. Also spring days will be longer than in winter months. There is a chance of morning clouds near the coast in May and June. September can easily be hot in So Cal with triple digit temps.

paula1470

I will agree with Momddtravel2 that Sept/Oct is the best time here in So. Cal, not that any time is really bad. I live Inland in San Diego County and seriously there aren't that many triple digit days. Plus I highly doubt the OP will be staying in areas where it gets that hot unless they want to go to Palm Springs. Anyplace by the coast is absolutely beautiful that time of year and it's the almost perfect time to go to San Francisco. I do agree that the waterfalls are dried up in Yosemite more than earlier in the year, but my DD and I went one Sept, the weather was perfect and the waterfalls still had some water.

As far as hotel rooms because of school, etc, unless you are staying close to a college campus or are there during a big game, you shouldn't have a problem getting a room. Don't know so much about So. Cal prices because I live here and don't go to hotels but I know in SF, rooms can be pricey right in the city during Sept/Oct and even into Nov. If you plan early, though, you should be able to get a decent rate.

spaarne

I lived in Newport Beach for about 20 years. I agree with many of the above that the best time to visit is October. The tourists are gone and the weather is great.

Tomsd

Hey - it's all good when you are visiting California.

And it can get pretty warm for a few days at a time in the fall (when the Santa Annas blow) - in SD - but it's not as bad as suffering though the humidity back East and in the South. If you want to be "safe" stay near the beach.

Fallbrook is a nice place - and try to visit the Safari Park/formerly called Wild Animal Park (in nearby Escondido) - sister to the SD Zoo - and also - maybe get up to Julian - and have some great apple pie and check out the old mining caves, trout fish if you like at Lake Cuyamaca, visit a winery, ride bikes, whatnot.

Palm Springs is also less than two hours away.

KTtravel

I live in California and have never been to Fallbrook. Clearly, I have been missing something!

Paquintravel

Spring or Fall you will see some beautiful scenery. I have been to Yosemite in the spring and the fall and you can't go wrong with either one. Spring will have more water but the fall colors are amazing. If you are wanting to see Nor Cal go see Lake Tahoe. Wine country, redwoods, beaches, and mountains...Nor Cal has some amazing things to see. Enjoy your trip.