What's the weather typically like in San Francisco?

Question: What's the weather typically like in San Francisco?

Answer: For the better part of the year, the weather in San Francisco is very pleasant. Known for its famous "summer fog," the city's natural blanket usually melts away by early afternoon, leaving clear skies to enjoy into the evening.

The prettiest months of the year are probably right after summer and just before winter. In September and October, the temperatures rise a little (during "Indian Summer"), just as the leaves start to change colors. It is perhaps the perfect time to visit the city.

Spring is also a nice time of year. After the chilly winter, the locals always look forward to the first day of spring when the sun peeps out and a clear sky emerges. At this time, you'll start to see people eating outdoors on restaurant patios, along the pier, or at the park. Indeed, sunshine is highly regarded in San Francisco and locals try and "soak up the sun" whenever the opportunity presents itself.

But that's not to say that winter isn't a wonderful time of year as well. It is. Given that the city can be cool/chilly year-round, the drop in temperature doesn't seem all that dramatic, but it does do something as far as the holiday spirit. Christmas seems that much more festive with scarves and mittens as fashion accessories and overcoats -- a necessity.

Bundling up during the holidays is something I personally look forward to, and while you won't really want to spend all day outside, the cold, crisp air can always be tempered with a warm cup of coffee and a brisk walk to your destination. The chilly weather only gets to be a real problem when the wind starts to whip around. Like rain, the wind is difficult to control and you probably should head indoors once it begins to swirl.

So what's the weather like? It is said that San Francisco has three seasons: summer, winter, fog. But weather remains a highly-regarded quality of the city. In fact, according to a 2005 report by the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, "weather" rounds out a Top Five list of why people visit San Francisco. One thing to remember is that while it can be overall pleasant here, it does get chilly, so a sweater or sweatshirt is always good to have. Just stuff one in your backpack for whenever. A light jacket also never hurts and gloves during the winter: pack them.

It doesn't rain very much in San Francisco, but be aware that it does during winter months. On average, the city will receive 22.28 inches of rainfall annually, with average high temperatures for the year nearing 60 degrees, and lows -- closer to 47 degrees. So, that sweater in your backpack is again, a good idea.

^{* Photo reprinted with permission of Shu-Hwei Alpeche.}