Ultimate Guide to Viewing San Francisco’s Iconic Fog

San Francisco, where just about everyone (and especially Tony Bennett) famously leaves their heart, is also renowned for its fog. The fog is so celebrated, in fact, that locals even gave it a name—Karl—and a cheeky fan page on Twitter. While it may not be the sunny weather visitors expect, the cool fog adds a mysterious and romantic ambiance to the city.

As Carl Sandberg penned in his poem “Fog,” “The fog comes on little cat feet. It sits looking over harbor and city on silent haunches and then moves on.” Although Sandburg was writing about Chicago, these words perfectly encapsulate the experience of fog in San Francisco. If you visit during the summer, you will likely witness this soft veil creeping over the harbor and around the Golden Gate Bridge.

What Causes Fog

Fog blankets San Francisco most heavily during the summer when the cold winds from the Pacific Ocean meet the heat of inland California. As the warm air rises, the cooler ocean breeze replaces it, creating the fog effect. This movement of air towards the low-pressure zone over Northern California’s Central Valley draws the fog through the Golden Gate passage and into San Francisco Bay.

When and Where to Find the Fog

It’s typical to see fog in the summer months, but it doesn’t guarantee a foggy day every time. If you’re aiming for a romantic fog adventure, spontaneity is key. Fog can usually be spotted in San Francisco Bay from June through August. Typically, it rolls in early in the morning, burns off by afternoon, and returns again in the evening. Therefore, you may want to set your alarm early or plan to stay out late to catch it.

The fog creeps in gracefully between the arches of the Golden Gate Bridge towers, flowing over the Marin Headlands until it reaches the shoreline piers. Rarely is the entire city submerged in fog; more often, some areas remain visible.

Best Places to View the Fog

To truly experience the fog, consider walking across the Golden Gate Bridge. However, if that’s not your style, superb views can be enjoyed along Crissy Field, the Golden Gate Promenade, Marina Green, and Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’re less likely to feel the chill from the wind and dampness. Other notable locations for witnessing the fog include East Baker Park, Mount Tamalpais State Park, and Tilden Regional Park.

For those seeking a breathtaking perspective, climb the hills of San Francisco for a bird’s-eye view of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the city skyline. From this vantage point, you can spot iconic structures like the Coit Tower and the Transamerica Pyramid rising above the fog.

Travel Tips for the Foggy San Francisco Summer

Occasionally, the foggy, overcast conditions may linger for days due to atmospheric pressure above the marine layer, commonly referred to as “June Gloom” by locals. These chilly, damp days, which have average temperatures in the 60s, can catch tourists by surprise. Therefore, if you’re planning a visit to the Bay Area between June and August, be sure to pack a sweatshirt, jeans, and warm layers to stay comfortable in the fog. Additionally, factor in extra travel time, as flight delays can occur at the San Francisco International Airport when fog descends.

If you prefer sunshine, the ideal period for visiting San Francisco is between September and November. During these fall months, temperatures are generally in the mid-70s, accompanied by clear, cloudless skies. This season is also perfect for beachgoers. Nonetheless, don’t forget to bring a light jacket for the brisk sea breeze!