Arriving in San Francisco, adapting to the weather might represent a serious challenge. Whether you’re from a warm country or used to cooler climates, there really is no place like San Francisco (in every sense)!
Weather in San Francisco is crazy and at first it might puzzle you, but don’t let it fool you! The City by the Bay can offer you four seasons in one day, accordingly weather conditions may change in a matter of minutes. So be prepared! The secret to San Franciscan weather is layers. If you’re wearing several, in case there is a sunny moment, you can always take something off, but as soon as it cools down again, put it back on. Also, don’t trust what you see looking out of the window in the morning. The sky may be cloudless, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be a warm day. There might be a strong wind making you shiver or sudden fog chilling the temperature. Of course, the opposite might be the case as well. A cloudy, windy morning sky can quickly change to a perfect summer day, even if you’re dressed for arctic climates.
Therefore, here comes some practical advice about staying warm from (a little) experienced San Franciscans: As above-mentioned, it’s all about layers! As a basic, it’s best to put on a t-shirt and a sweater, and if you like, add a cardigan. Over that, a jacket is necessary. Then it’s always a good idea to carry a scarf with you, especially during those windy times of the day. Some people might even recommend you to carry gloves and a hat. In addition to that, closed shoes are always nice, especially if you are sensitive to getting cold feet! Another thing to consider is the buildings’ inside temperature caused by air conditioning. So even if for some reason you feel 100% sure it’s going to be a hot day, you always want to have a jacket on hand, as the temperature in most rooms will nevertheless be rather chilly.
By Vivian Adams, General English Student
In the Advanced class led by Teacher Dee, 5 students were tasked to share some piece of advice for prospective and incoming students! This is the origin of the serie of blog posts: “Learn English in San Francisco – Surviving your first several weeks”.