San Francisco in May

[Sue's Mum]

We are thinking on visiting during the last two weeks of May. Please tell me what the weather is like. Thanks.

 

[China Expat]

good weather, cool

 

[Sue's Mum]

Thank you.

 

[bcla]

We are thinking on visiting during the last two weeks of May. Please tell me what the weather is like. Thanks.

Unpredictable. It could be cold in the morning and warmer in just an hour. Wind conditions and fog change quickly. The typical recommendation is to "dress in layers" to take off or put on clothes to account for changing conditions.

Another issue is "microclimates". San Francisco is hilly terrain surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and San Francisco Bay on the other. Areas with more trees have far different weather. Then there's going to other areas such as Marin County. Just be prepared and you should do fine.

Here are the monthly averages. However, they don't account for rapid change.

https://www.currentresults.com/Weat...n-francisco-temperatures-by-month-average.php

 

[Sue's Mum]

Thank you so much. Your post was most useful. Now we have to decide whether to go or as we really wanted some warmth and sunshine!

 

[bcla]

Thank you so much. Your post was most useful. Now we have to decide whether to go or as we really wanted some warmth and sunshine!

There was a quote often attributed to Mark Twain (although he never said it) that "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

I wouldn't necessarily say that it's true, but often it does get a bit chilly in San Francisco at times. The weather seems to be "bipolar" at times. Here's one writer's opinion:

http://www.sfgate.com/living/article/The-challenge-of-dressing-for-San-Francisco-2803738.php
San Francisco weather plays mean tricks on dressing. Just when I think it will be foggy forever, the sun appears, and just as quickly, the wind and clouds suddenly roll back in.

The city, it seems, has a split personality, and it is a good idea not so much to expect the unexpected as to have no expectations at all. People can squander their lives trying to predict the moods of San Francisco.​

 

[endy]

We were there for a week the middle of last May. Well we camped somewhere by the coast for a few nights and a few nights in Peteluma. It was cool the whole time, think jeans and Hoosier most days. It was chilly watching a ball game. I don't think it rained at all that week tho.