San Francisco skyline viewed from the sea

San Francisco in January

By Robert Heaney

With winter now in full swing, a trip to San Francisco in January is the prime time to experience the Golden City during one of its quietest periods. Though the city never truly loses its famous bustling atmosphere, a winter’s trip is sure to offer you among the most authentic experiences of the city’s famous vibrant culture, stunning landmarks and diverse history.

Visiting San Francisco in January

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Average Temperature: 45 - 55°F • Average Rainfall: 11 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 7 hours/day

Seeing out the brief upsurge in holiday season tourists, San Francisco in January returns to somewhat of a standard low-season flow of traffic. Though you’re likely to come across plenty of tourists year-round, this is when you’re most likely to find the city’s top attractions at their quietest, with many hotels operating slightly reduced, off-season rates.

Carrying the torch from December, temperatures throughout January tend to remain somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild. With fairly regular sunshine, you’ll still be able to see much of the city in its full glory, though it’d be wise to pack accordingly for the weather. Warmer clothes certainly won’t go to waste, and it’s always a good idea to pack an umbrella for the likelihood of at least two days of rain per week on average.

Things to do in January

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Some of the best areas to explore in San Francisco largely reflect the city’s large East Asian-descended population. Both Chinatown and Japantown stand as some of the most trendy neighborhoods throughout the city, characterized by traditional architecture from their respective countries alongside various authentic cultural eateries and retailers.

Those looking to embrace their inner Dolittle should head to the San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, home to over 2,000 endangered and rescued creatures from around the world, alongside 100 acres of tranquil gardens populated with stunning plant species both local and exotic. If you’re keen to get up close and personal with some 20,000 beautiful marine animals, then follow up with a visit to the Aquarium of the Bay.

Nothing quite reflects the Golden City like its world-renowned landmarks. If you’re looking for some fantastic photo ops during your trip, you’ll want to take a stroll to the likes of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the Victorian- and Edwardian-era Painted Ladies, the winding curves of Lombard Street and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll often find a colony of playful, barking sea lions.

If you’ve a hunger for the arts, San Francisco has you covered there, too. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art explores various mediums of contemporary art, hosting established artists such as Andy Warhol alongside more experimental pieces. And nestled among much of the largely East Asian influence throughout the city, the Asian Art Museum exhibits over 17,000 art pieces from across the continent, complemented by a selection of delicious and traditional cultural dishes served at the in-house café.

Families and the inherently inquisitive alike are bound to get a kick from the Golden City’s wealth of educational hotspots. The California Academy of Sciences, for example, boasts a digital planetarium, an aquarium, a natural history museum and even an immense indoor rainforest. Meanwhile, the Exploratorium stands as the intersection between art and science, offering a wide range of engaging interactive exhibits to scratch your curiosity.

History buffs should find their way to the California Historical Society, exploring various facets of the state’s history, with a general focus on San Fran itself. The USS Pampanito and USS Hornet each offer unique insights into American naval and nautical history, while the Contemporary Jewish Museum explores various aspects of Jewish pop culture, history and art.

Visitors with an interest in the more gritty side to history likely already know about the former maximum-security prison located in the middle of the San Francisco bay. Famous for its remote location and the host of high-status criminals once confined within its walls, Alcatraz Prison is now open for visitors to explore and breathe in its chilling atmosphere. Take a night tour for an extra creepy experience!

What’s On in January

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Chinese New Year

Given its significant Chinese-descended population and its claim to the most impressive Chinatown in America, it comes as little surprise that the San Francisco Chinese New Year celebrations stand as some of the largest and most vibrant in the world. Naturally, the exact month of this celebration differs depending on the year, so be sure to double check if you’re keen to join in.

Attracting a crowd of over three million observers from both near and far, the event is marked by various traditional markets, fairs, balls and cultural activities. Topping off the celebration is the famous Chinese New Year parade, featuring performers carrying flags, lanterns and drums along with a procession of colorful floats, not least of all the iconic 28-foot-long golden dragon.

Hot Chocolate 15k/5k

One of San Francisco’s sweetest annual events typically takes place midway into January, in the form of a hearty foot race through the city. Beginning and ending in Golden Gate Park, the Hot Chocolate route guides runners past many of San Fran’s top attractions, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate and various other treats waiting at the finish line. Sweet stations line the course, offering participants various other sweet treats for that extra kick of energy and satisfaction.

SF Sketchfest

Featuring roughly two and a half weeks of comedy performances, SF Sketchfest easily stands as one of San Francisco’s largest comedy festivals. Throughout the festival, visitors can catch various daily sketches, workshops, panels and other fun activities among venues across the city, led by a cast of well-known comedians and performers.

FOG Design+Art Fair

Celebrating some of the most significant creatives and leading contributors to the worlds of design and visual arts, the FOG Fair features dozens of galleries and dealers spanning just about all areas of art and design, from fine art to furniture. Complete with various forums and panels exploring different facets of the industry, this is the prime event for art and design lovers visiting San Francisco in January.

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Best Time to Visit San Francisco

It’s tough to crack down on an objective best time to visit San Francisco, owing to its vast wealth of evergreen attractions and its plethora of fantastic cultural events taking place throughout the year. Preferences vary vastly between tourists, so we’ve outlined each season to help you figure out the best time to plan your ideal Bay Area city break. Spring (March – May) Average Temperature: 48 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 4 - 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 9 – 11 hours/day Entering into its first shoulder season of the year, San Francisco maintains a modest but steady flow of traffic throughout spring. Busier than winter but quieter than summer, this is an ideal time to experience everything that the city has to offer without the larger crowds. What’s more, you can often still cash in on some fairly decent off-peak hotel prices, too. Though the weather in the Bay Area certainly begins to chipper up throughout spring, this is still by and large a season you’ll want to wrap up for. Temperatures typically flirt between cool and pleasantly mild throughout, with some fairly regular sunshine offering some decent city exploring conditions. Just make sure to be mindful of the windchill by the Bay, and packing an umbrella certainly isn’t a bad call either. Things to do in Spring You’d be hard pressed to find a better time than spring for exploring some of San Francisco’s quirkiest neighborhoods. Both Chinatown and Japantown offer some of the city’s most enchanting cultural insights, characterized in large part by some charming traditional East Asian architecture and a variety of authentic eateries and stores. Also particularly popular to explore is Fisherman’s Wharf, a vast waterfront complex offering all manner of entertainment. Among its best attractions are the Pier 39 shopping district, the classic Musée Mécanique penny arcade and the Madame Tussauds wax museum. Keep an eye out for the local colony of playful, barking sea lions, too! What’s On in Spring Springtime sees the Bay Area veritably blooming with cultural events, never more literally than during the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival held in Japantown throughout April. This is also a season brimming with appreciation for the arts, best represented among the fantastic film screenings of the San Francisco International Film Festival. Also popular in spring are St. Patrick’s Day, host to a day of drinking and merriment as locals and visitors embark on epic bar crawls and revel at the annual St. Patty’s Day parade. If that wasn’t enough partying for you, then the massive Carnaval celebration most certainly will be, comprising two days straight of live music, dancing and drinking as locals in vibrant fancy dress take over the city streets. Summer (June – August) Average Temperature: 52 - 72°F • Average Rainfall: 0 - 2 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 12 hours/day As with most northern-hemisphere destinations, summertime sees San Francisco at its busiest. Though it’s rarely ever truly quiet throughout the year, the city takes on even more of a bustling and electric atmosphere in the summer months. Naturally, you’d be best advised booking your flights, hotels and venues sufficiently in advance so as not to miss out. San Francisco’s bayside location keeps the city’s climate in somewhat of a goldilocks zone, never too cold but rarely warmer than a certain degree. That being said, the Bay Area’s weather is at its most idyllic in summer, with temperatures averaging between mild and warm, complemented by very regular sunshine and rare rainfall. Things to do in Summer The idyllic climate throughout summer lends itself perfectly to exploring some of the Bay Area’s fantastic green spaces. Enjoy the vast open space of Golden Gate Park along with its gorgeous Botanical Garden and serene Japanese Tea Garden, or admire the spectacular floral displays of the Conservatory of Flowers after a relaxing picnic in Mission Dolores Park. San Francisco’s picture-perfect landscape is truly a sight to behold from the right vantage point. Head up Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill for some unobstructed panoramic views right down into the Bay, or if you’re looking for a romantic way to spend a summer’s evening, catch the sunset over the city skyline from the Twin Peaks summit. What’s On in Summer Much like the rest of the nation, summertime means festival season for San Francisco. June sees the city come together for the likes of the annual Pride Parade and the North Beach Festival, while the San Francisco Jazz Festival and Fillmore Jazz Festival see the Bay Area embrace somewhat of a classier vibe. Lighting up the skies in the name of independence, San Francisco’s Fourth of July celebrations are truly a force to be reckoned with. All across the Bay Area, neighborhoods erupt in festivity as live music, partying and firework displays abound, most notably along the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf. Fall (September – November) Average Temperature: 50 - 70°F • Average Rainfall: 2 - 7 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 8 - 11 hours/day Unlike many comparable destinations, San Francisco maintains much of its peak-season popularity throughout fall, owing largely to its continued pleasant weather and the wealth of fantastic cultural events taking place throughout the season. While you’re sure to find the city somewhat quieter than in summer, you’ll still want to book your chosen hotels and attractions in advance to avoid any potential disappointment. In much the same way, the Bay Area typically maintains its relatively idyllic summertime weather throughout fall. Though you can expect a touch more rainfall depending on when exactly you choose to visit, most of the season offers temperatures somewhere between mild and pleasantly warm. Things to do in Fall With the Bay Area’s weather still so pleasant throughout fall, there are few better times to explore some of the city’s top sights. Take some stellar shots of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, often cloaked in its trademark scarf of fog, then take a load off in Alamo Square Park while admiring the famous row of Victorian-style Painted Ladies. History buffs and the morbidly curious alike should be no stranger to Alcatraz Island, once the site of one of the nation’s highest-security prisons. If you have the heart for it, you can take a boat tour out into the Bay to explore the hostile grounds and chilling cells that once held some of the most notorious criminals in American history. What’s On in Fall Fall is perhaps the most culturally-rich season of the year for San Francisco, dominated in large part by a huge variety of film festivals. The United Nations Association Film Festival, SF International Festival of Short Films and Japan Film Festival are just a few of the events screening award-winning films throughout the city, with an event for just about every topic and area of interest. Outside of the arts, the Bay Area is also host to the exceptionally popular Fleet Week event, dominated by a number of thrilling air shows, special boat tours and parades on the Bay. The San Francisco International Auto Show is a huge draw for motorheads from up and down the country, while thousands flock to the nearby city of Oakland to revel in celebration of the Día de los Muertos. Winter (December – February) Average Temperature: 46 - 61°F • Average Rainfall: 10 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 6 - 9 hours/day Though never truly quiet, winter offers a moment of respite for San Francisco. With the exception of the holiday season, when the Bay Area takes on a whole new lease of festive life, the low-season months are the perfect opportunity to experience many of the city’s top attractions at their quietest. Visit after the holidays, and you’ll even get to benefit from low-season hotel rates, often at quite a hefty discount on peak time prices. As you might expect, winter is typically the coldest period for San Francisco. Though its bayside location protects it from any drastic temperatures, you’ll certainly want to pack for the weather, particularly to combat the windchill and semi-regular rainfall. That isn’t to say you can’t also get some great weather throughout the season, as you’re sure to find yourself with at least a few particularly pleasant days ideal for exploring the city. Things to do in Winter Should you find yourself in San Francisco in December, the holiday season festivities are truly a sight to behold. Explore the traditional displays at Union Square, the heart of all holiday activity in the Bay Area, and admire the adorable animals up for adoption in the annual SPCA Holiday Window. Once you’re finished showing your moves at the Square’s Ice Skating Rink, grab yourself some holiday deals at the likes of Macy’s and Westfield Shopping Center. For an escape from some of the season’s chillier weather, head to the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park. This vast 400,000-square-foot complex houses both an enchanting aquarium and a four-story indoor rainforest populated by all manner of exotic flora and fauna, not to mention the impressive natural history museum and digital planetarium to boot. What’s On in Winter Winter in San Francisco kicks off with a whole host of festive events. Alongside a whole host of magical holiday displays, the city is also host to The Great Dickens Christmas Fair, complete with festive market stalls among an impressive replica of Victorian London. Also popular in San Francisco holiday tradition are the enchanting performances of A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker Ballet. Not quite satisfied with the holiday season festivities alone, the Bay Area also quite literally lights up for New Year’s Eve, as thousands of revelers flock to see out the year with an impressive firework display out on the Bay. Following swiftly afterwards, San Francisco’s Chinese New Year celebration is among the largest and most vibrant in the world, drawing in millions to awe at the annual parade and its trademark 28-foot-long golden dragon.
Robert Heaney
Tip of the Golden Gate Bridge peaking out above a cloud of fog
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San Francisco in April

At the peak of spring, the increasingly more pleasant weather of San Francisco in April complements a host of hotly-anticipated cultural events. If you’re looking to experience the best of the Bay Area in the absence of the summertime crowds while also cashing in on everything the season has to offer, this is the trip to beat. Visiting San Francisco in April Average Temperature: 50 - 63°F • Average Rainfall: 6 days/mth • Average Sunshine: 10 hours/day Now in the penultimate month of its early-year shoulder season, San Francisco maintains a steady flow of traffic throughout April, though still in relatively small numbers. As with much of spring, this is an ideal time to experience the charms of the Golden City without too many crowds, while also cashing in on some off-peak hotel prices when booking sufficiently in advance. With spring now in full swing, it’s likely you’ll start to see San Francisco’s weather begin to chipper up. Temperatures throughout April tend to flirt somewhere between cool and pleasantly mild, bridging on some warm days if you’re really lucky. That being said, windchill by the Bay is still something to wrap up against, and you’ll want to pack an umbrella for the potential for at least one day of rain per week. Things to do in April No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an obligatory tour of some of its most iconic sights. Taking pride of place are the crimson beams of the world’s most recognizable bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, followed swiftly by the attractive Painted Ladies lining Alamo Square Park. Though you can certainly explore many of the city’s sights and attractions on foot, you can save yourself some energy with a Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour. Operating a central route via many of the Golden City’s most popular destinations, the tour allows visitors to board and alight at their leisure. To sweeten the pot, the tour also offers audio commentary in a selection of major languages, rich with valuable local insight into some of the city’s most interesting history and culture. Particularly popular around this time of year is Japantown where, alongside its usual charming architecture, restaurants and stores, many can enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival. In a similar vein, San Francisco’s Chinatown stands as the largest and most popular in the country, where you can explore a host of traditional stores and restaurants and even stop in at the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory to watch employees hand-fold one of the nation’s favorite after-dinner treats. To make the most of the improving weather, why not take a particularly pleasant day to explore some of San Francisco’s fantastic green spaces? Golden Gate Park makes for a wonderful picnic spot if you can manage to find a free space, while Mission Dolores Park remains more of a serene experience and offers stellar views over the city skyline. If you’re keen to feed your inner history buff, few experiences match up to a visit to Alcatraz Island. Take a trip into the center of the Bay to explore the hostile remoteness of this former high-security military prison and breathe in the chilling atmosphere of its now empty halls and cell, once home to some of the nation’s most notorious criminals. Whether you’re visiting with kids or looking to embrace your inner child, the delightful exhibits of the Walt Disney Family Museum are bound to bring about a smile. Over 40,000 square feet of engaging and interactive exhibits explore the life and work of the world’s most famous cartoonist, documenting the evolution of his vision into the family-favorite media empire we know and love today. What’s On in April San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM) Now the longest-running and most hotly-anticipated film festival in the US, SFFILM champions the world’s finest films and filmmakers with a refreshingly intimate program of marquee premieres, international competitions, compelling documentaries, live music performances and star-studded red carpet events. For a little over a week each April, visitors to SFFILM can catch a stellar lineup of screenings across many of the Bay Area’s finest venues. Promoting the works of both established names and promising newcomers, the festival offers a wide range of genres and perspectives, bringing light to stories from around the world and helping raise upcoming filmmakers to the limelight. Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival For the last two weekends in April, San Francisco’s Japantown erupts in celebration of the humble cherry blossoms lighting up much of Northern California. Mirroring the globally-renowned tradition of Hanami in Japan, the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival typically draws in around a quarter of a million visitors each year. A rich schedule of cultural programs, live entertainment, art and crafts, traditional food and drink and a grand parade all come to a head in celebration of springtime. Having run each year since the late 1960s, the festival serves primarily to honor the rich heritage and diversity of the Japanese American community in sharing a cultural snapshot with visitors from both near and far. Earth Day Since its inception in 1970, Earth Day has grown exponentially as more and more each year into the globally recognized event we know today. San Francisco’s Earth Day brings together a host of environmentally-minded local and national artists, musicians, speakers and performers to frontline an electric, open-air celebration to promote climate-positive action. Throughout the event, visitors can enjoy an all-star lineup of psychedelic, funk, rock, and global beats while exploring the various different zones of the festival. Family-friendly workshops range from recycled art classes to making solar rockets to yoga and meditation demos, while representatives from a variety of major environmental organizations head talks on making a positive global impact. Art Market San Francisco Art aficionados visiting San Francisco in April should take a trip to the Bay Area’s principal contemporary and modern art fair. Over the course of a weekend, Art Market San Francisco hosts over 70 established galleries alongside innovative newcomers from across the country, exhibiting a stellar collection of contemporary and modern artworks in a variety of different forms.
Robert Heaney
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10+ things to do in San Francisco with teens during your California vacation

It's a great city for introducing your kids to the rewards of travel, and there's plenty of excitement around every corner. No matter how uninterested teenagers may seem at first, with this endless list of San Francisco attractions and activities, there's sure to be something that your teen will enjoy.
Katie Sagal

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