Aug 12

Aug 12 Summer in San Francisco

I was trying to describe summer in San Francisco to a friend and I realized it's easier to describe with photos.

I can't just say it's cold because in the afternoon most days it is sunny and warm(ish).
I can't just say bring layers because people assume that means a light summer sweater. The truth is the fog is no joke! It comes in fast and once it does temperatures drop dramatically.

So here's the thing people, summer in SF means you start off the day with a cold foggy morning where you need a warm coat, then there's usually a warm but breezy afternoon where you can walk around in a tee shirt or light sweater. Around 5 pm this turns into a cold and windy early evening so put the warm jacket back on. After 8 pm it's basically freezing so pull out a hat and maybe a scarf.

Nobody really believes me until they see these photos. I took all of these on the same day from my living room. I noted the time below each one. Obviously not every summer day in San Francisco looks like this but more often than not they follow this pattern.

So if you are coming to SF in the summer don't just assume it's sunny and warm like the rest of California. Look at these pictures one more time before you pack your bag! There are some great articles about what to pack for SF. I've linked one of my favorites here.

Check it out, don't be the tourist that ends up walking around freezing in their shorts and a San Francisco hoodie.

Cheers!
Ana