Pops' Travel Guide, Northern California

Mark Twain once said, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco". I can't tell you how many times I have seen tourists in the summer wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt freezing in the bitter cold. The reason why San Francisco is so cold is that it gets extremely hot in the valley which sucks the marine layer over San Francisco. The difference in temperatures also creates what we call the delta breeze which can make it windy in the city.

However, during the fall the temperature in the valley cools and the marine layer stays off the coast. October is the best time of the year to visit San Francisco for the weather. The days are mild and there is usually no rain. If you are planning a trip to the northern California coast now is the best time to go. If it is too late to plan for this year then start planning next years trip.

This is also my favorite time of year to visit the wine country.