In San Francisco for example, although located in the hearth of the subtropical climate zone, the weather is usually quite cool, with fresh temperatures even in summer. It can be chilly in San Francisco in the winter (at least by California standards), and it's also the rainy season. In fact, the Fourth of July can feel colder than New Year's Eve. Redwood forest in California by Sam Churchill. San Francisco in Summer . The Sunset District is the largest neighborhood within the city and county of San Francisco. Go to California Climate Page Go to Southern California Climate Page. Temperature by: Fahrenheit / Centigrade " To find out more and what causes June Gloom, check out this guide. The Weather and Climate in Nuremberg, Germany, The Weather and Climate in St. Augustine, Florida, The Weather and Climate in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Rather than relying on the single metric of annual low temperature or a few data points, we considered many factors including historic weather data for the entire state. With effort and iterations over years, GardenZeus distilled California’s diverse […] Here you will find past versions of the reference buildings for new construction commercial buildings, organized by building type and location. Summer from June to September is the best time for a visit when the average temperatures are in the low fifties to the low seventies. California beach in november by Alejandra Palés. In general, the climate of the state is subtropical Mediterranean, which can be found along the coast of Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and others), large parts of Chile (especially in the area of the capital Santiago) as well as parts of South Africa and Australia (particularly in the state of South Australia). The oceanic influences produce dense fog in San Francisco. On the other side, the mountain slopes on the way of the moist air masses are covered by lush rainforests. California falls entirely within the subtropical climate zone, which is the transitional zone between the hot tropical climate zone to the south and the temperate climate zone to the north, which is known for its four completely different seasons.. The Presidio of San Francisco was established in 1776 by the Spanish. For Example; Sacramento is Climate Zone 12, San Francisco is Climate Zone 3 and Lake Tahoe is Climate Zone 16. Although the state covers also some territories to the north of the 40th parallel, the borders of the climate zones often vary from one place to another, and in this case the subtropical climate zone continues to the north, on the territory of the neighboring state of Oregon. By using Tripsavvy, you accept our. Moreover, the humid ocean air doesn’t even reach the interior of California itself, causing the formation of desert areas on the territory of the state. You can get more detailed information about San Francisco's summer weather in the guide to San Francisco in June, July, and August. Climate Zone tool, maps, and information supporting the California Energy Code California has a diversity of climates not seen in other states, and the statewide provisions adopted into the California Energy Code accounts for these variations using a set of sixteen climate zones. The climate summary for this page is based on data from the Global Summary of the Day and is based on weather observations between January 1973 through to December 2012 at San Francisco International, San Francisco, California . The average rainfall is particularly deceiving anywhere in California. SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CLIMATE PAGES: click on map or list. The climate in Northern California is more humid than the climate of Southern California and has many characteristics of the temperate climate zone. Because of its location, California is considered one of the places with the most pleasant and healthy climate not only in the United States but in the world. Over the last several years, the recurring drought situation in California has been getting all kinds of media attention – and for good reason. If your hair tends to frizz, pack extra products to keep it tamed. The cold California current is the reason for the lesser amount of water vapor, resulting in a predominately dry and sunny weather. You can get more detailed information about San Francisco's fall weather in the guide to San Francisco in September, October, and November. The Golden Gate is another factor influencing San Francisco's climate. Some years, foggy, overcast conditions last longer than a month. It can start as early as "May Gray," sometimes lingering into "No Sky July," or even extend to "Fogust. There are also areas that sometimes experience very low temperatures. Usually, along the northern coast of California the ocean water temperature is several degrees lower than along the southern coast of the state. Spring in San Francisco is sunny and mostly rain-free, making it one of the best seasons to visit before the summer fog sets in. The most significant is the influence of the urban pollution on the climate in cities like Los Angeles, where millions of people live and are concentrated many of the industrial capacities of the United States. What to pack: Summer fog in San Francisco is colder than you can imagine. Cool ocean currents combining with a marine layer help to produce dense fog. Unlike states such as Florida, where the relief is flat and for this reason it doesn’t play the role of a barrier on the road of air masses, California is very different. June Gloom is real. If you don't know Pacific coastal weather patterns, this may sound wrong — but it's true. A climate graph showing rainfall, temperatures and normals. San Francisco Border: Zone 10a 30°F to 25°F: Zone 10b 35°F to 30°F: A hardiness zone is a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone. Of 24 climate zones defined in the Sunset Western Garden Book and the 20 zones defined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), California has 20 and 16, respectively. The Ohlone people were the first known residents in the area of San Francisco. While much of California really enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, other parts of the state, due to the relief and the strong influence of the ocean, are quite different. This directly impacts San Francisco. This is further in… Monthly temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine. On one side, there are high mountain areas which are covered by deep snow cover every year for a long time during the winter months. Urban pollution definitely has its effect on the climate. Berkeley Lab climate experts have partnered with the City and County of San Francisco and Silvestrum Climate Associates to assess how climate change may influence the intensity of atmospheric rivers and associated precipitation, and how those changes may impact San Francisco and its … History. The averages may be more helpful than short-term weather forecasts. Therefore the weather in California is considerably drier than in other coastal states like Florida on the east coast of the United States, where the warm Gulf Stream has a huge impact. 2 of 8 The Chevron Richmond refinery is shown in February. Climate. ZONE 14: Northern California’s inland areas with some ocean influence. Los Angeles beach in winter by Allie_Caulfield. There is sunshine during two-thirds of the possible daylight hours. Annual Weather Averages Near San Francisco. Averages are for San Francisco International Airport, which is 11 miles from San Francisco. In fact, the Fourth of July can feel colder than New Year's Eve. However, it should be noted that beyond the cliché of the eternally sunny and warm weather of California stands a state with extremely diverse climate conditions. From 2012 to 2016, the state experienced one of the worst droughts in its history. San Francisco C.O. The climate of San Francisco can be defined as "Mediterranean with cool summers". On July 10, 1913, in Death Valley is recorded the incredible temperature of 56,7°C or 134°F! San Joaquin River California by jcookfisher. The opening in Northern California’s Coast Ranges created by San Francisco and San … You can get more detailed information about San Francisco's winter weather in the guide to San Francisco in December, January, and February. San Francisco is known for its characteristic fog in spring and early summer. The South of California often experiences the influence of hot and dry tropical air masses, which sometimes for a while bring temperatures of between 25 and 30°C even in winter! And it took the wettest winter in a century in California’s northern Sierra Nevada mountains to rescue the state from the prolonged dry spell. Graphical Climatology of Downtown San Francisco: Daily Temperatures and Rainfall, by Year (1921 – Present) The following is a graphical climatology of Downtown San Francisco, California temperatures and precipitation, from 1921 into the current year 2020. Winters are short and mild, and sometimes the daytime temperature reaches summer values. Longitude: 122.2 W . The Weather and Climate in Washington, D.C. Everything You Need to Know About the Weather in Naples, Italy, Tarpon Springs, Florida: Average Temperatures and Rainfall, What the Weather Is Like in Marathon, Florida, Weather in Kansas City, Missouri: Climate, Seasons and Average Monthly Temperature, How to Plan Your Trip to Orlando With the Seasons in Mind, The Weather and Climate in Big Bear, California, The Weather and Climate in the Czech Republic, Weather in San Francisco: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Tripsavvy uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. Rain depends on what happens in the Pacific Ocean. California. Home » Archive Reference Buildings by Climate Zone: 3C San Francisco, California. It generates a cold, damp wind as it comes in. When the ocean experiences El Nino conditions, it can rain a lot. Your Trip to San Francisco: The Complete Guide. Winds will blow through the Golden Gate, bringing fog with it. Much of the state has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. And when it does rain, a whole month's rainfall often comes in just a day or two. It generates a cold, damp wind as it comes in. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification is Csc. Even though it is one of the driest months and doesn't rain, June is also the month that gets the least sun, with lots of fog that keep things chilly. Or be prepared to make an emergency sweatshirt purchase. What to pack: You might need an umbrella or raincoat. Compared to the northern parts of the state, the average daytime temperatures are much higher. Indeed, local plants and animals have adapted to the extended summer drought; moreover, the localized climatic zones have led to the evolution of numerous endemic species with very limited geographic ranges. Elevation: 10 ft . The mean rainfall, almost all of which occurs between November and April, is about 21 inches (533 mm). The average temperature in San Francisco is 14.1 °C | 57.5 °F. Winters are usually wet and mild but sometimes are also relatively cold. ZONE 14: Northern California's inland areas with some ocean influence. Although the difference is not so dramatic in degrees Celsius or Fahrenheit, it still exists. Eight California communities, including San Francisco and Oakland, have sued oil industry leaders over the costs of climate … Location. On January 20, 1937, in Boca, Northern California, is recorded the lowest temperature in the state ever of (-43)°C or (-45)°F! You can get more detailed information about San Francisco's spring weather in the guide to San Francisco in March, April, and May. Tourist Maker © 2020. San Francisco, California Hardiness Zone Map. The subtropical Mediterranean climate is characterized by long, warm summers and short mild winters. The tables below display average monthly climate and weather indicators in San Francisco C.O. California falls entirely within the subtropical climate zone, which is the transitional zone between the hot tropical climate zone to the south and the temperate climate zone to the north, which is known for its four completely different seasons. If there were one word to describe San Francisco in summer, it would be foggy. If you're going from May through July, pack all the layers you think you'll need, then pack one more. 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. Climate data and weather averages in San Francisco. About Us | Privacy Policy | Terms of use | Contact. San Francisco experiences hot and dry summers, and wet, cold winters, influenced by its proximity to the Pacific Ocean. Climate. San Francisco has the mildest average summer temperatures compared to most of the cities in the United States. If there were one word to describe San Francisco in summer, it would be foggy. These mountains are the best example of what is a climate barrier because they stop the moist ocean air coming from the Pacific and for this reason it doesn’t reach the states in the interior of the country. The average minimum temperature is 51 °F (11 °C), and the average maximum is 63 °F (17 °C). The truth is that earthquakes start miles underground. Some locals claim there's a phenomenon called "earthquake weather," which they say is hot and dry. The water temperature here is relatively low throughout the year, ranging in different parts of the state from 10-15°C in winter to 18-24°C during the late summer season. On the other side, southern summers are long, hot and dry. Design Day Data Oakland Traffic and industrial pollution in cities like Los Angeles create the so-called “heat island” where the reason for the warmer weather is the human activity. Average for the planet, the subtropical climate zone usually covers the territories between 30°  and 40° north and south latitude, so this largely explains why California is located within this climate zone. Last month, he parted with a Lake Tahoe home for $2.8 million, and now he is putting his longtime family home in San Francisco’s exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood on the market for $11 million,” the Wall Street Journal recently reported. If you're planning a San Francisco vacation, go to the San Francisco vacation planner for more information. Northern California and the high mountains have snow in winter, while the deserts experience very hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures in San Francisco are often cooler than locations further inland within the Bay Area region. The sharp topography and maritime surroundings of San Francisco combine with the unique California climate to produce a number of extremely varied microclimates within its 46 square miles. A summary of building types and climate zones is available for reference. Don't expect to go swimming, either The ocean temperatures are far too cold unless you have an insulated wetsuit. Fog is wet. Although within the same climate zone, the differences between Northern and Southern California are sometimes dramatic. Those warm-looking, sunny beaches you see on film are far south of San Francisco. Being in the direct path of cool ocean currents, the climate of San Francisco is moderated. Winter in San Francisco is rainy and mild, spring sunny and temperate, summer foggy and cool, and autumn sunny and warm. In winter, there is much more rainfall in San Francisco than in summer. Actually, these air masses have created over the years the image of Southern California as a place where summer never ends. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today 10Best, Michelin Guide, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Jetsetter. San Francisco is a good example of a city in Northern California. The USDA plant hardiness map divides North America into 11 hardiness zones. However, the same cold current is the reason for the relatively low summer temperatures in Northern California and is the main reason for the frequent fogs that often occur in most coastal areas to the north. Marine air moderates parts of Zone 14 that otherwise would be colder in winter and hotter in summer. Zone 1 is the coldest; zone … The most specific side of this factor is that people can feel the heat island influence as long as they are on the territory of the city. The annual rainfall is 537 mm | 21.1 inch. For this reason in the interior of California are located some of the hottest and driest spots on the planet. And chillier in the evening than you might imagine. Therefore The Climate Zone Description Manual describes each climate zone boundaries and list most California cities with its associated climate zone number. Check the forecast before you pack to be sure your clothing covers the range of expected temperatures. San Francisco weather averages and climate San Francisco, California. Getting today's weather or a forecast for the upcoming week is easy, but if you're planning a visit, you want to know about the climate—what it's generally like. Betsy has been writing about California for nearly more than two decades as TripSavvy's expert on the state. 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. “Billionaire environmental activist and former presidential candidate Tom Steyer is selling a couple of homes in his portfolio. The climate guide for San Francisco, California shows long term monthly weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia), the Met Office & … This myth goes back to ancient Greece. The opening in Northern California’s Coast Ranges created by San Francisco and San Pablo bays allows marine air to spill much farther inland. San Francisco is a popular global tourist destination due to its mild weather, technology landscape, and numerous attractions. On the other side, there are desert areas, such as Death Valley, which is considered the driest and hottest place on the planet. The number of foggy days here is actually bigger than in other cities that are considered to be foggy and cool, such as the British capital London. Summer in San Francisco is sometimes gloomy, foggy, and chilly. Jillian Dara is a freelance travel writer and fact checker. The complex climate of the San Francisco Bay Area has a significant impact on the region's ecology. Pacific has a very strong influence on the climate of California. All Rights Reserved. These forests are typical for Northern California and cover big part of its territory, especially the coastal areas. Fog is wet. According to the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission, more than 20,000 households and 13 miles of highway are at risk of … The reason for this is the geographic location of the state, which stretches roughly between 32° and 42° north latitude. And chillier in the evening than you might imagine. It is located in the heart of the subtropical climate zone but experiences a relatively cool climate because of the influence of the cold ocean current. In this part of the ocean runs the cold California current. They aren't affected by temperature and happen in any weather. Your best bet to stay dry and warm is to check the forecast just before you go. Average Temperatures and Rainfall by MonthÂ. 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. The reason for this is the geographic location of the state, which stretches roughly between 32° and 42° north latitude. In San Francisco, the climate is warm and temperate. And pack lots of layers in case things change fast. Marine air moderates parts of Zone 14 that otherwise would be colder in winter and hotter in summer. Like spring, fall in San Francisco is generally sunny and rain-free. It is a state that for the most part is occupied by high mountain ranges. California Climate Zone 3 Reference City: Oakland San Francisco Latitude: 37.75 N . In other years, you'll hardly see a drop all winter. Welcome to GardenZeus California Climate Zones, an innovative, dynamic climate-mapping system with free search by zip code. 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 Guide to California Cimate Zones is a reference for designers interested in designing bioclimatic buildings. Northern summers are shorter and are usually pleasantly warm, but not hot.