Bay Area Microclimates Cater To Everyone’s Weather Preference
Nothing is more unique than the Bay Area’s wide range of shifting weather. At one moment you can be wearing sandals, shorts, and sunglasses soaking up the sun, and the next, a sweater, beanie, and a waterproof jacket.
If you are new to the Bay Area, or just here for a visit, the stark contrast of weather from one area to another might mystify you. How can a 15-minute drive transport you from clear skies to thick fog and swirling wind? The Bay Area is chalked full of many microclimates.
What Are Microclimates?
Rather than having a consistent climate, the Bay Area has many different climates that span small portions of the area. In the case of San Francisco, the climate can change from neighborhood-to-neighborhood. The Bay Area’s proximity to water, rolling terrain, and consistent rain make it a perfect location for microclimates to thrive.
San Francisco is framed by water to the north, east, and west. This keeps it cool and close to the temperature of the ocean. As you move inland, the temperature gets more continental.
Crash Course on Changing Temperatures
The rolling hills and changes in elevation allow summer fog to creep over the land from the ocean. It settles in lower elevations all around the Bay Area. It tends to drift right through the Golden Gate Bridge since it is the only sea-level gap of the coast range. A winter storm will drift eastward from the ocean bringing rain. The mountains take on most of the rain and tend to block the storm from the inner neighborhoods.
The city itself tends to create wind tunnels and fog tendrils. The massive buildings help funnel the wind and create wind tunnels. This allows for the heat produced from the asphalt to mix with the air from above which influences weather. When the fog tendrils move in over the city, this heat can change the direction in which they move.
Notable Microclimates in San Francisco
Fog, oceans, and uneven elevations throughout the city clash to form all of San Fransisco’s microclimates. If San Francisco was flat, then the fog would just cover the entire city. Instead, you can enjoy fog, sunshine, and seasons depending on where you live. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent microclimates:
The Fog Microclimates
San Francisco fog, dubbed Karl the Fog (some call her Karla now), is different from other fog. Caused by the Pacific Ocean, Karl The Fog irregularly shifts temperatures throughout San Francisco. The average temperature along the coast is between 53 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit.
As the sun heats up the land, the hot air rises. The cold ocean air rushes in and condolences which causes Karl The Fog to move over the city thus cooling everything in his path.
Notable foggy neighborhoods include Ashbury Heights, Ocean View, Twin Peaks, Ingleside, and Stonestown.
Sunbelt Microclimates
The parts of the city east of Potrero Hill and in the Noe Valley are sheltered by high hills. These two places are protected from the cold Pacific Ocean fog and winds. With no fog, the sun is free to keep these areas warm.
These are called the sunny districts and include South Of Market, South Beach, Mission Dolores, Hayes Valley, The Mission, and many more. They feel very similar to the East Bay.
Weather Mixed Microclimates
Since there are over 40 hills in San Francisco, the temperatures vary from bottom to top. The fog swirls around these hills and causes some neighborhoods to be fog-free, half-on, half-off, or completely socked in. During a heatwave, the eastern part of the city could be 90 degrees and the western a cool 70. Likewise, the Castro could be 80 degrees and Fisherman’s Wharf could be very chilly.
Plenty of Weather to Choose From
The great thing about moving to San Francisco is that you don’t have to compromise on the weather. There’s a climate for everyone, and all you have to do is change your search perimeter! If you have questions about which Bay Area neighborhood is right for you, send me a message. Reach me at greg.mundia@kw.com
