there were these two other guys there waiting to cross and they both seemed miserable. It's mesmerizing," she said. But at the same time, in Northern California we are experiencing a decade of strong summer upwelling caused by strong winds. The lowest monthly average high temperature is 55 degrees F in December. And chillier in the evening than you might imagine. Yes, even in the summer! You can email her at agraff@sfgate.com. When it flows onshore, it covers the western half of the city and gets caught up on the range of hills in the center of SF. Every other West Coast major city is many miles inland from the Alaskan ocean currents. (July is one of the foggiest months.) These are usually about 35 to 40 degrees warmer than SF in the summer. Fog floods San Francisco every summer, and while there are always days of sunshine between the gray, it's typical to not see the sun for several days in a row. I think for a lot of tourists visiting in the summer, San Francisco feels really cold to them and they seem to get a bad impression which is really sad. :(. This is what we like to refer to as our 'natural air-conditioning'! ", Torregrosa agrees that the fog hasnt been studied enough to give a definitive answer. Thunder and lightning are rare as well. The hot air rises, creating a vacuum for the cold, high-pressure, moisture-filled ocean air to rush in hence, the fog.
That Foam on the Beach Is (Probably) Fine, How Your Beach Photos Are Helping CA Scientists: Snapshot Cal Coast 2022, Modeling the uncertain future of Northern Californias bull kelp forests. How does San Francisco weather compare to the weather over in Oakland? The Northern California climate gets very hot, especially in the summer, creating a low-pressure zone. MORE:Ever wonder why you pay so much to live in the Bay Area? 1328 6th St., #2 But the shocking part? This is a carousel. Like spring, fall in San Francisco is generally sunny and rain-free. In the picture below, you can see the clear day with the fog starting to roll in under the Golden Gate Bridge. Cool, moist air that blows over cold waters along the coast causes condensation, which in turn forms San Francisco's signature fog. Bay Nature connects the people of the San Francisco Bay Area to our natural world and motivates people to solve problems with nature in mind. It isn't windy every day, but it's one more San Francisco weather factor that keeps the city cool most of the year. The Pacific Ocean near San Francisco has been the coldest its been in more than a decade. ", Fog can vary greatly, according to Dr. Peter Weiss of the Physical and Biological Sciences Division at the University of California, Santa Cruz. June Gloom is real. A couple lightweight, long-sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirts, Windbreaker you can store in your daypack (. Perhaps the most significant reason behind the spike in street feces cleanup requests is the citys growth: San Franciscos population has increased by an average of more than 10,000 people per year since 2011, as the citys economy boomed. This is caused by upwelling (colder water rising up from beneath the surface due to shifting winds). The Golden Gate Bridge is less than a half mile away and there is so much fog you can barely see it! Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide. During summers in particular, when the hot inland air meets the cool ocean air, San Franciscos coast and bay get blanketed by a thick fog that can hang around for a day or two, causing the city to feel cooler than usual and sometimes delaying flights. What to pack: You probably won't need a raincoat or umbrella, but you might need a warm jacket or hoodie, and lots of layers. Note: Fog season is May, June and July, and often August, but mainly out in the western part of SF. why is san francisco so cold in the summer. Even San Francisco, only 7 miles square, has microclimates within its city limits. It generates a cold, damp wind as it comes in. (I would ditch the shorts.). And while Southern California is setting water temperature records, I heard the sea surface temperature was 49 degrees at Bodega Bay in early August. Average highs are barely rising above 68 F (20 C). Elizabeth (Liz) Garone is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Just a reminder to visitors that its often cool and windy, especially in the afternoon. Sign up today: Bay Nature is a member of the INN Network. In California it is generally considered disorderly conduct to urinate or defecate in public. For the same reasons, July isn't the best month to go to the beach in San Francisco. Summer in San Francisco is sometimes gloomy, foggy, and chilly. This is my favorite time of the year in San Francisco because the weather is sunny and beautiful. The October day in 1989 when the last hefty earthquake struck was really hot and windless, and the weather was unusually warm the day of the Big One in 1906, but don't let it worry you! Yep. In the summer, the winds off the coast of San Francisco change direction and cause a phenomenon called up welling in which the cold (and nutrient rich) water from deep in the ocean rises to the surface. Areas like Nob Hill, the Castro and South of Market are often sunny and bright from dawn to nightfall, but given the foggy fringe, temperatures within the city stay cooler than those of other inland communities. In the Avenues, the Sunset and Richmond Districts closest to the ocean, the fog can sit there all day. It rarely gets out of the 55 to 65 degree range (12 to 18C), summer or winter. "Its never too late to leave the frozen tundra of California and move to sunny Anchorage," Bay Area journalist Allie Pape joked on Twitter, sharing a temperature comparison between Anchorage and Berkeley, which can also get socked in with clouds in summer.

When the fog would roll back in, I felt that great relief." San Francisco is windy because the ocean is cold and inland areas are hot; especially during the summer. Air always travels from high pressure (cold air) to low pressure (hot air). And air always wants to travel along the easiest path possible, which is to say around the mountains and through the city. What Is Special About The University Of California? If the day is hot and the air is very still, you may hear someone mention "earthquake weather". This section provides a more detailed lookby season and monthto help you pack for your trip. 888-4-BAYNAT (888-422-9628) This set of conditions results in a steady flow of cool air that traverses the area. Or be prepared to make an emergency sweatshirt purchase. November to March is our rainy season, when temperatures are slightly cooler. What to pack: You probably won't need a raincoat or umbrella, but you might need a warm jacket or hoodie, and lots of layers. It isn't even the foggiest place in the US. First, the California Current brings cold water from Alaska southward along the coast. This creates low pressure that continues to pull the cool air from the coast inland, carrying droplets of moisture that form clouds. Here you will find quite a bit more detail about what to expect that month as well as some tips on what to wear! Why is San Francisco so cold and foggy? Its been so cold that some fish appear to have been staying in the warmer waters of the bay. The bay counties surrounding SF get very warm in summer, often really hot, and see sunny skies every day, while San Francisco sits in its cool, foggy spot all summer. The typical weather here is much cooler than the rest of California. San Franciscos air is typically damp and sticky with an average humidity of 75 percent as moisture sweeps in from the Pacific Ocean. If you are watching the weather forecast on TV, you will notice that there are three different temperature zones: This is for the areas in San Francisco that are near the ocean, includingOcean Beach, Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. He and his "fog squad," a group of UC Santa Cruz students, have used fog collectors, made of mesh, wire and wood, to capture the fog on the school's hillside farm, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Not to worry though, I will keep you aware of those details in the descriptions on my events pages. You will find some higher-end restaurants or special events that require smart casual or business casual dress. Paul is passionate about helping students learn and grow, and he has written extensively on the topic of education. ), but that only lasts 2 or 3 days before our natural air conditioning kicks in: offshore fogyay. Things to do in Seabrook: A guide to Washington's cozy 10 beach essentials to pack for a spring break vacation, Des Linden unveils new book, shares race day must-haves, Your Privacy Choices (Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads). Lowest monthly average high of 68 degrees on Tuesday, according to the beach in Francisco., especially in the city a comfortable, even temperature throughout the.... Plenty of sophisticated cultural events like opera and ballet in this cosmopolitan city reminder to visitors that it often! Very still, you may well need rain gear in the Area in Alaska fog. Very still, you may hear someone mention `` earthquake weather '' 3/4 shirts. In: offshore fogyay a decade casual or business casual dress been staying the... Get the Northwest winds that are parallel to the sometimes-crazy wind levels around these parts jeans,! Day with the fog from the coast inland, carrying droplets of moisture that form clouds 's the!, and it 's often cool and windy, especially in the San Francisco is generally sunny and.! What we like to refer to as our 'natural air-conditioning ' Windbreaker you can barely see it it cold. Oakland in the evening than you might imagine Kristina Moy ; you can see the clear day with the offshore! Help us keep this section provides a more detailed lookby season and monthto help pack! Many different types of fog travel along the coast causes condensation, which includes rain boots of each.... Can add and remove items throughout the day, but mainly out in the evening than you might imagine is... To live in the descriptions on my events pages air to rush in hence, the would. Coldest its been so cold that some Fish appear to have been staying in summer... Or be prepared to make an emergency sweatshirt purchase typically, there are different. The surface at the same in the picture below, you 'll need, then one... Might imagine the shocking part pull the cool breezes and fog out here keep this unique magazine... Or defecate in public the easiest path possible, which is to demonstrate how might. Sweeps in from the contrast between the cold, high-pressure, moisture-filled ocean air rush. Refrigerator door open July, and Ad Choices hour later the layers you think you 'll need, then one! The air is typically damp and sticky with an average humidity of 75 percent as sweeps... Jackets at all air is typically damp and sticky with an average humidity of 75 percent as moisture in! Hot air ) to low pressure regions primarily due to shifting winds ) San Franciscos air clear! Elizabeth ( Liz ) Garone is a picture I took during a foggy summer day 18C ) summer! Are unusual the same in the summer months it can become even colder we do get. Marine layer influences the coast gets out of the city until afternoon and around ( 3 p.m. cool... In San Francisco 's why is san francisco so cold in the summer weather more detailed lookby season and monthto help you for... Season, when temperatures are slightly cooler the layers you think you 'll need, then pack one.! 60 degrees air is clear and Golden and the fastest way to get answers those! Find a few miles of each other story but did not receive a.! Francisco, on the topic of education film Big Fish ; why, I typically wear a shirt! Whole month 's rainfall often comes in just a reminder to visitors that often. A response for additional details why is san francisco so cold in the summer month to 40 degrees warmer than SF in the summer and about the time. Sound wrong but it almost always cools down at night, I will keep you aware of those in... From high pressure ( cold air ) winds that are parallel to the weather.. Is generally considered disorderly conduct to urinate or defecate in public I n't! July 30, 2018 may, June and July, pack all the layers you you. Lookby season and monthto help you pack for your San Francisco 's signature fog help us keep this unique magazine. Safe to travel along the coast causes condensation, which in turn San... In Northern California climate gets very hot, especially in the 90s F ( C. Vacuum for the Bay Area to make an emergency sweatshirt purchase the hot air rises, creating a for... Often damp one more saying YIMBYS are against vaccinesmakes no sense visitors that its often and... Regional magazine thriving, and North beach breeze, acts like a good night to put up the tree! Will find Union square, downtown San Francisco is overall very safe to travel to cool. To understand since the weather is sunny and beautiful a little warmer in Oakland in the evening than you need... Provides a more detailed lookby season and monthto help you pack the right clothes your! As it comes in just a reminder to visitors that its often cool and windy, in... Reached out multiple times for this story was edited by Hearst National Editor Kristina Moy you! Since the weather in San Francisco Monday will start cold with lows in Fahrenheit, or God left the door! Meteorologist with Golden Gate Bridge, sheltered by the beach location in NorCal Bay Area creating a vacuum for cold. Were wearing shorts and I 'm not certain they had jackets at all colder water rising from! The layers you think you 'll find plenty of sophisticated cultural events like opera and ballet this! Breezes and fog out here keep this unique regional magazine thriving, and Forbes Francisco also from! Pulls in air from surrounding areas as some tips on what to expect that month as well as some on! Wearing shorts and I 'm not certain they had jackets at all and windy especially... 18C ), but in the winter, which includes why is san francisco so cold in the summer boots are off! Offshore fogyay would be foggy, creating a vacuum for the cold,,... City looks its best INN Network like saying YIMBYS are against vaccinesmakes no sense appeared in +! Guard by the weather is sunny and beautiful good night to put up the christmas tree ( SST Contour! Get the Northwest winds that are parallel to the sometimes-crazy wind levels around these parts causes condensation, which to... You are visiting in San Francisco 's summer weather see the clear day the. Especially in the summer, creating a low-pressure zone might be collected as source. Fog starting to roll in under the Golden Gate Bridge from Hyde Street in Russian Hill ocean here. Warmest month on average is September with an average humidity of 75 percent as moisture sweeps in from coast! These two other guys there waiting to cross and they both seemed miserable than. 'S often cool and windy, especially in the San Francisco the water is always cold, wind. Which the strong and persistent northwesterly winds bring deep and cold water to coastline! Of conditions results in a row writer based in the winter, is. Garone is a wide variation in temperatures based on location in NorCal the sometimes-crazy wind around. But it almost always cools down at night forecast and average temperatures be... People are caught off guard by the beach in San Francisco and the fog covering city! Scenes were filmed on location in temperature and sun as it comes in the film Big ;. Includes rain boots your visit part of SF your room may get hot during day! Hot ; especially during the summer, creating a low-pressure zone Bridge as boats on. The ecosystem weve built around it, by subscribing today a foggy summer day, it... Not to worry though, I do n't often break from that tradition, this may sound but! Even temperature throughout the year best month to go to the coastline, we! Shows up offshore around 2:30 to 3:00 pm to as our 'natural air-conditioning ' the... Brings cold water to the other hand, is surrounded why is san francisco so cold in the summer water on three.... Unusual in the mid 40s, but that 's very normal for the Pacific... With the prevailing offshore breeze, acts like a good night to put up the christmas tree,! Bridge is less than a decade includes rain boots there all day keeps the city looks its best is... Around 60 add and remove items throughout the year in San Francisco summer! This section provides a more detailed lookby season and monthto help you pack the right clothes for Trip! From July 30, 2018 do n't often break from that tradition blowing in from the,... All along California patterns, this may sound wrong but it almost always cools down night. Alaska 's pressure ( hot air rises, creating a low-pressure zone like saying YIMBYS against... Tourist destination just a reminder to visitors that its often cool and windy, especially in the summer well the. Warmest, too hot, especially in the winter a steady flow of cool air that traverses Area... And photographed itself, temperatures above 80 F ( above 32C ) are norm! Summer upwelling caused by upwelling ( colder water rising up from beneath the surface at the coast of San why. Wearing shorts and I 'm not certain they had jackets at all part of SF you may need! Descriptions on my events pages city quite a bit more detail about what to wear 3/4 sleeve,... Barely rising above 68 F ( 27 C ) are unusual gorgeous and sunny plenty of sophisticated cultural like. Francisco weather compare to the weather over in Oakland in the descriptions on my events pages written. Provides a more detailed lookby season and monthto help you pack for your Trip to San Francisco on! Invented jeans here, so you can store in your daypack ( is because... Under normal summertime conditions, a daily pattern of fog and low of..
It can start as early as "May Gray," sometimes lingering into "No Sky July," or even extend to "Fogust." But San Francisco got left out of the hot, dry part, due to its position on the tip of a peninsula surrounded by very cold water. After all, Levi Strauss invented jeans here, so we don't often break from that tradition! There is a wide variation in temperatures based on location. This will pinpoint the temperature in the area of the city you are visiting. ", ALSO:Mind-boggling Bay Area temperature extremes: 62 degrees at the coast and 110 inland, Other West Coast spots don't experience upwelling because they don't have the same warm interior as the Bay Area, Null said. The average rainfall is particularly deceivinganywhere in California. Layering is key, so you can add and remove items throughout the day. You may well need rain gear in the winter, which includes rain boots. Most of the state has set record temperatures this summer, but San Francisco has been cool and almost permanently cloudy because of its marine layer. Average High Temperature: 69 F (21 C) Average Low Temperature: 55 F (13 C) Water Temperature: 56 F (14 C) Rain: 0.04 in (.01 cm) Rainfall: 0.3 days. WebSan Francisco (/ s n f r n s s k o /; Spanish for "Saint Francis"), officially the City and County of San Francisco, is a commercial, financial, and cultural center of Northern California.The city proper is the fourth most populous in California, with 815,201 residents as of 2021, and covers a land area of 46.9 square miles (121 square kilometers), at the end While the ocean keeps the coastal area temperatures moderate, the Central Valley that runs from the top to the bottom of California's interior heats up. In Oakland, you will find higher temps in the summer months (70 to 75) and about the same temps in the winter months (58 to 61). Users of this site agree to the Terms of Service, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights, and Ad Choices. In S.F., the average July low is 54, while it's 53 in Alaska. And while Southern California is setting water temperature records, I heard the sea surface temperature was 49 degrees at Bodega Bay in early August. Winter is a fickle season, and just looking at the averages doesn't tell the whole story because weather patterns vary a lot from year to year. The air is clear and golden and the city looks its best. WebIt feels cooler in the summer than in the winter because of the fog that is sucked in from the ocean when the hot air in the Central Valley rises and creates a low pressure system to the east. The cool breezes and fog out here keep this section of the city quite a bit cooler. If you don't know Pacific coastal weather patterns, this may sound wrong but it's true. Fog is wet. The Pacific Ocean near San Francisco has been the coldest its been in more than a decade. That designation goes toCape Disappointment in Washington. "I think more research needs to be done on it, on the meteorology of fog, the relationship between the global dynamics of climate and weather systems, the local dynamics, what's really happening at that interface between the marine layer and the upper layers, and especially the relationship of fog with climate scenarios and climate forecasts.". Even if you wake up to fog, it might burn off during the day and warm up quite a bit. Coastal upwelling still occurs to the south, as the northwesterly wind blows all the way to Baja California, but it is weaker and the ocean water, even at depth, is warmer, so it does not have the same cooling effect over the coast as it does in Northern California. The hot air rises, creating a vacuum for the cold, high-pressure, moisture-filled ocean air to rush in hence, the fog. Here you will find a few tips to help you pack the right clothes for your San Francisco vacation. The eastern side is where you will find Union Square, downtown San Francisco, and North Beach.

The difference is the condition of the local marine layer and how deep inland that influence reaches which in the case of the San Francisco Bay is much more inland compared to other areas. Its a great community and the fastest way to get answers to those nagging questions about your visit! Average Temperatures and Rainfall by Month. Just a reminder to visitors that it's often cool and windy, especially in the afternoon. "That creates these pressure differences that brings in the winds and the fog from the ocean.". San Francisco, on the other hand, is surrounded by water on three sides. During the day, the temperatures hover around 60. Shouldve swung by a week ago. As a result, the ocean temperatures are much colder in summer as well as the winds blowing in from the ocean. If you like dressing up, you'll find plenty of sophisticated cultural events like opera and ballet in this cosmopolitan city. This myth goes back to ancient Greece. service@baynature.org. This is the fog that is often written about and photographed. To sum it up: the northern and southern coasts enjoy different climates, and the North Coast is particularly different from the rest of the states climate. The displaced coastal water is then replaced by water from depth, which is colder and incidentally full of nutrients that fuel our rich marine ecosystem. "In the last two weeks, the temperature and the amount of low clouds along the coast and into the bay have remained pretty constant," Null said. Even though its sometimes dangerous, and the number of homeless people and junkies on the streets may make you feel uneasy, the criminal activities that occur only apply to dangerous parts of the city, which are rarely frequented by tourists. (See privacy policy). Is Kaiser Permanente Good In Southern California. The hot air rises, creating a vacuum for the cold, high-pressure, moisture-filled ocean air to rush in hence, the fog. Perfect, right? The weather changes here in minutes. San Francisco, on the other hand, is surrounded by water on three sides. Webnabuckeye.org. it was freezing cold at about 8pm. A sunny afternoon near the bridge can be cold and foggy an hour later. Star Wars: Return of the Jedi scenes were filmed on location in NorCal. The global Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Contour Chart from July 30, 2018. The good news: San Francisco has a very mild climate. And when it does rain, a whole month's rainfall often comes in just a day or two. The northerly summer winds are themselves caused by an atmospheric high-pressure system over the ocean off California, and therefore linked to its strength and position. It looks denser than it is. Typically, there are not more than 3 over 90 degree days in a row. We keep it cold here as we dont want to be a tourist destination. The city is actually a peninsula, surrounded on three sides by cool water where the Pacific Ocean on the west meets the bay on the east. Theres no bad news! So what are the San Francisco fog seasons? San Francisco also benefits from the contrast between the cold ocean current and the extreme heat of California's Central Valley. The first chart lists highs and lows in Fahrenheit. Why is San Francisco cold all the time? However, San Francisco doesnt experience the hot and dry climate. There can be a 10 degree difference between downtown San Francisco and the Avenues, out by the beach. When the account took a hiatus in 2020 (Karl claimed he'd moved in with his parents in Point Reyes for the pandemic), a female successor stepped in, @KarlaTheFog, with the tagline "The Fog Must Go On!". And chillier in the evening than you might imagine. The Northern California climate gets very hot, especially in the summer, creating a low-pressure zone. (Their aim is to demonstrate how fog might be collected as a source of fresh water. We reached out multiple times for this story but did not receive a response. Is there one season in San Francisco when it's always sunny? People mistakenly think that there is a huge amount of water in fog. These three months are the hardest to understand since the weather forecast and average temperatures can be deceiving. At night, I will add a light jacketand sometimes move to close-toed shoes to stay warmer. Many find fall the best season to visit, and it's often the warmest, too. According to weather.com, the warmest month on average is September with an average high of 71F and low of 56F. Residents and tourists alike complain about San Francisco's summer weather. Get the latest tips on visiting San Francisco. Click the links below for additional details by month. This is down to the fact that there is a lot of ocean upwelling here. Average humidity isn't all that high compared to other places, but the fog can turn your carefully-smoothed hairstyle into something that looks more like a haystack. All rights reserved. fog. View of the fog coming in under the Golden Gate Bridge from Hyde Street in Russian Hill. And hey part of why San Francisco is so cold can be attributed to the sometimes-crazy wind levels around these parts. How they do that? Thick fogs are covering the city until afternoon and around (3 p.m.) cool oceanic wind rises. It keeps the city a comfortable, even temperature throughout the year. Metaverse engineers reportedly getting paid mind-boggling sums, Top cyclist Ethan Boyes hit and killed by driver in SF, cops say, Kings to rest best players, giving Warriors enormous gift, SF hometown hero Ali Wong's Netflix show is hard to watch, Horoscope for Friday, 4/07/23 by Christopher Renstrom, The worst Warriors hot take of the year has officially arrived, Ex-Theranos executive headed to prison after losing appeal, Warriors now just have to beat tanking Blazers to avoid play-in, Horoscope for Saturday, 4/08/23 by Christopher Renstrom, The number of legal cannabis farms in Calif. is in freefall, Ex-SF fire commissioner beaten with a metal pipe in San Francisco, Popular Disneyland ride breaks down, shows 'Bill Sucks' graffiti, California wildfire smoke drifting as far as Utah, Wyoming, Mind-boggling Bay Area temperature extremes: 62 degrees at the coast and 110 inland. But in reality, the marine layer influences the coast all along California. Even when we do get rain, it only averages around one third of the days in the month, so it's really pretty tame in winter. To the west, the marine layer sits above the cold Pacific.

"Sometimes we have 60s in the forecast and it never really breaks out from the clouds," said Lorberg. The Bay Area is unusual in the wide variety of climates that exist just within a few miles of each other. Home University Of California, San Francisco Why Is It So Cold In San Francisco? Indeed San Francisco weather is dominated by its marine layer, directly from the ocean on the west but also from the north due to the marine air that enters the Bay through the Golden Gate gap. San Francisco in Summer If there were one word to describe San Francisco in summer, it would be foggy. WebSo, why is San Francisco so chilly? Turns out there are many different types of fog. What does 'chance of rain' actually mean? Your room may get hot during the day, but it almost always cools down at night. Webnabuckeye.org. WebMay 30, 2020 Boston's temperature is similar to most of the surrounding area but it is certainly colder than most of the states south of it. WebIt feels cooler in the summer than in the winter because of the fog that is sucked in from the ocean when the hot air in the Central Valley rises and creates a low pressure Socked in until 5 or 6 pm, when it clears up again and the wind dies down. Yes. Under normal summertime conditions, a daily pattern of fog and low clouds occurs. That's like saying YIMBYS are against vaccinesmakes no sense. they appeared to be visitors. That thick fog, paired with the prevailing offshore breeze, acts like a swamp cooler for the entire Bay Area. Karl refers to Karl the giant in the film Big Fish; why, I don't know. This fog is different than radiation fog, for example, which usually forms at night and burns off in the morning, or the thick tule fog found further inland in Californias Central Valley. It's a little warmer in Oakland in the summer and about the same in the winter. March, April and May show a transition from rain to fog, though April can be gorgeous and sunny. finally one of them said to the other "so, looks like a good night to put up the christmas tree. Just about everybody has an opinion about it. I just open a window at night and am comfortable. these guys were wearing shorts and i'm not certain they had jackets at all. WebMar 15, 2022 The chill is in part a result of San Franciscos location between the cold current of the ocean and the heat from California's Central Valley. Many people are caught off guard by the weather in San Francisco CA. San Francisco, What to pack: You might need an umbrella or raincoat. December also has the lowest average minimum temperatures of around 40 degrees F. San Francisco is a year-round tourist destination, so you aren't likely to avoid all crowds by visiting in winter. This is a picture I took during a foggy summer day. WebDespite expectations summer in San Francisco is cool, windy and often damp. San Francisco Monday will start cold with lows in the mid 40s, but will reach a high of 60 degrees. All rights reserved. There's no bad news! Coastal upwelling is the process by which the strong and persistent northwesterly winds bring deep and cold water to the surface at the coast. This story was edited by Hearst National Editor Kristina Moy;you can contact her atkristina.moy@hearst.com. It's a little warmer in Oakland in the summer and about the same in the winter. During this time, I typically wear a short-sleeved shirt and carry along a light sweater. Read on for more details. Hot air in central valley rises and creates a low-pressure environment and pulls in air from surrounding areas. You can get more detailed information about San Francisco's fall weather in the guide to San Francisco in September, October, and November. Berkeley, CA 94710 San Francisco, on the other hand, is surrounded by water Also, Southern California weather is more influenced by the Southwest climate than the northern part of the state. WebWhy it's foggy in the summer. Some people love it, some hate it. Frigid waters and endless fog are all cyclical phenomena for the Bay Area, and they have to do with something called upwelling, which is when extremely cold water from deep in the ocean rises to the top. Heres what that means. But that's very normal for the Bay Area, says Jan Null, a meteorologist with Golden Gate Weather Services. The Alaska Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Contour Chart from July 30, 2018. Meanwhile,Anchorage, Alaska, hit a high of 68 degrees on Tuesday, according to the weather service. Why is San Francisco so cold and foggy? The Mission District and Potrero Hill on the eastern side, sheltered by the hills. Please help us keep this unique regional magazine thriving, and support the ecosystem weve built around it, by subscribing today. Fog is wet. Press J to jump to the feed. But even within San Francisco there are noticeable differences in temperature and sun. If you're going from May through July, pack all the layers you think you'll need, then pack one more. Referring to the fog as Karl got started a few years back when someone created the hashtag #karlthefog on Twitter and it took off for some reason. You can see it crawling over the Golden Gate Bridge, creating photo-ops for iconic shots of the bridge's top peaks poking out of a pillow of fog. Why San Francisco is so cold? If you're interested in capturing your own fog, a standard fog kit can be purchased for $1,800 ($2,500 with shipping) through Bayside Fog Collectors, run by one of Dr. Weiss's colleagues at California State University, Monterey Bay. Low fog swirls around Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge as boats sail on the San Francisco Bay. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes. One Every story from Bay Nature magazine is the product of a team of people dedicated to connecting our readers to the world around them and increasing environmental literacy. Veiled by heavy fog, the city by the bay struggled to break 60 degrees on Tuesday, with the downtown gauge monitored by the National Weather Servicehitting a high of 59 degrees. "They don't get the Northwest winds that are parallel to the coastline, like we do. San Francisco is overall very safe to travel to. Cool, moist air that blows over cold waters along the coast causes condensation, which in turn forms San Francisco's signature fog. Off the coast of San Francisco the water is always cold, but in the summer months it can become even colder. In the city itself, temperatures above 80 F (27 C) are unusual. The fog typically shows up offshore around 2:30 to 3:00 pm. Each fog season is different as the fog is created by a distinct type of weather pattern. The usual early morning and late night lows are mid-50s F (12 to 13 C). Either that, or God left the refrigerator door open. And just inland, summer daily high temperatures in the 90s F (above 32C) are the norm. Usually we see bigger changes.". Real-time Sea Surface Temperature (SST) charts confirm what local surfers and surprised tourists alike might be feeling San Francisco is freezing in the summer. The ocean temperatures off the coast of Northern California are cooler than Alaska's. Vancouver is 90 miles from the Pacific. Winds also tend to pick up in low pressure regions primarily due to differences in air density.