San Francisco’s weather is notoriously unpredictable throughout the day, often described as “layer weather,” prompting locals and visitors alike to dress in layers. A day might begin with fog and a slight chill, hover around mild temperatures by midday, and then again cool down by evening as the fog rolls back in. It’s not uncommon for coastal areas to feel much cooler than inland parts due to wind and fog. Temperatures can vary by 5-10°C (9-18°F) from one part of the city to another, even within a few hours.

San Francisco’s weather is anything but routine, with microclimates leading to varying patterns across different parts of the city on any given day. Unlike many other cities, its seasonal changes are subtle rather than drastic. While you might experience sunny intervals during the day, this can quickly turn with the fog’s return come evening. As such, the city’s weather always offers something unique, and its quirkiness certainly adds to its charm.

Climate change is affecting San Francisco as it is the rest of the globe. While effects may not yet be starkly dramatic, gradual changes such as higher sea levels due to melting ice caps present challenges in coastal areas. Rising temperatures lead to more frequently intense heat waves in the surrounding Bay Area, even as San Francisco remains relatively mild. Increased climate volatility may also affect marine layers and fog patterns, subtly altering the cherished weather patterns San Franciscans are accustomed to. Additionally, water conservation becomes more critical as dry periods potentia