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Travel TipsSan Francisco temperatures are noted for their consistency; they normally do not rise above 90 or fall below 40 degrees. August and September are the warmest months, with highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid-50s; in January, the coolest month, highs average in the mid-50s, lows in the mid-40s. Daily temperature ranges are small, usually 15 degrees or less.
What is distinctive are the micro-climates that create different conditions in localized areas. City neighborhoods at or near the coast are often cloudier and/or foggier than those farther inland, and Bay Area coastal communities like Pacifica and Half Moon Bay are cooler and often cloudier than East Bay locations like Vallejo and Oakland. The Mission is typically designated the city's warmest and sunniest neighborhood. San Francisco weather also can be unpredictable: sunny, mild days in the middle of winter, overcast, raw days in the middle of summer, and mornings that start out sunny (or gloomy), only to switch back and forth several times as the day progresses.
Precipitation totals about 21 inches annually, more than 80 percent of it falling from November through March. Winter storms can bring occasional heavy rains, but thunderstorms are infrequent. From May through September it hardly ever rains. Morning fog frequently rolls in off the ocean; it usually dissipates before noon but can re-form again in the late afternoon, accompanied by a strong sea breeze.
When in doubt, dress in layers. Wear an extra shirt, a sweater, a light jacket or a windbreaker that can be easily tied around the waist if need be. An all-weather coat and an umbrella will come in handy during the winter months. San Francisco is a casual city, but dressing up for dinner at an upscale restaurant or an evening at the symphony is always appropriate.
San Francisco, CA
AAA’s in-person hotel evaluations are unscheduled to ensure the inspector has an experience similar to that of members. To pass inspection, all hotels must meet the same rigorous standards for cleanliness, comfort and hospitality. These hotels receive a AAA Diamond designation that tells members what type of experience to expect.
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Hyatt Regency San Francisco Downtown SOMA50 3rd St. San Francisco, CA 94103
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Hilton San Francisco Union Square333 O'Farrell St. San Francisco, CA 94102
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The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square335 Powell St. San Francisco, CA 94102
Book NowCity Population
805,235
Elevation
63 ft.
Sales Tax
State and county sales taxes total 8.5 percent in San Francisco. A hotel room tax of 15 to 15.5 percent also is levied.
Emergency
911
Police (non-emergency)
(415) 553-0123
Hospitals
California Pacific Medical Center, (415) 600-6000; Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, (415) 353-6000; St. Mary's Medical Center, (415) 668-1000; Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, (415) 206-8000; University of California San Francisco Medical Center, (415) 476-1000.
Visitor Information
749 Howard St San Francisco, CA 94103. Phone:(415)391-2000
Air Travel
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 13 miles south near San Bruno off US 101 (Bayshore Freeway); it receives flights from some 50 airlines as well as private charters. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) is about 3 miles northwest of downtown San Jose. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is off I-880 about 10 miles south of downtown Oakland.
Rental Cars
Hertz, with locations at the San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose airports, offers discounts to AAA members. Phone (650) 624-6600 for the San Francisco airport location, (415) 771-2200 for the outlet at 325 Mason St., (510) 633-4300 for the Oakland airport location, (408) 938-6000 for the San Jose airport location, or (800) 654-3080.
Rail Service
For schedule and fare information phone Amtrak at (800) 872-7245.
Buses
Greyhound Lines Inc., (800) 231-2222, departs from Bus Deck Level Three of the Salesforce Transit Center, 425 Mission St.
Taxis
Taxis in San Francisco are metered, with fares averaging about $3.50 for the first one-fifth mile and 55c for each additional one-fifth mile or minute of waiting time. Either phone for a cab or wait at a hotel taxi stand (hailing one on the street often takes time and persistence). Limousine service ranges from $60-$80 per hour.
Public Transportation
San Francisco Municipal Railway (Muni) provides public transportation consisting of buses, streetcars, light rail, trolley buses and cable cars. BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) connects San Francisco with East Bay cities, and passenger ferries link the city with the northern Bay Area.
As a AAA member, you'll save even more. Your AAA Travel Agent will check to see if AAA Vacations is combinable with other AAA member benefits, plus cruise and tour past passenger discounts and benefits.
