Best time to visit San Francisco

San Francisco breaks the normal rules: summer is the foggiest, coolest season on the coast, and September and October are the warmest, sunniest months of the year. Winter brings nearly all the rain between December and March, with mild temperatures throughout. Crowds follow the school calendar rather than the weather, so June to August are busiest and priciest despite the fog. For the best combination of clear skies, warm afternoons and festivals, come in September or early October.

Whatever the month, carry a layer: the temperature can drop ten degrees between the Mission and Ocean Beach. Alcatraz tickets sell out weeks ahead in summer and days ahead the rest of the year; buy from the official concession only. Cable cars run daily but queue at the turnarounds; the Powell Street line is busiest. Conventions at Moscone, above all Dreamforce in September, can double downtown hotel rates for a week. For warm days and lower prices, take the first half of October or May before Memorial Day.