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The most important thing to know about San Francisco's quirky climate is that summer afternoons are usually not a good time to be out in shorts and a T-shirt. Late on a typical summer day, brisk winds blow cold, foggy air in from the Pacific, forcing underdressed tourists to buy overpriced souvenir sweatshirts to ward off the chill.

The hottest weather of the year typically occurs from late August to early October, when temperatures in the 80s or even 90s are not uncommon. The late fall and winter months bring intermittent rainstorms that can be quite fierce, but between storms the days can be pleasantly sunny and warm. And almost any time of year, conditions can vary tremendously from place to place within the greater Bay Area, with pockets of fog, corridors of wind or localized squalls adding an element of unpredictability to your day.

The best strategy for dealing with the local weather is to dress in layers, so you can add or subtract garments to suit the current conditions. In summer, a warm pullover and perhaps a light windbreaker will come in handy. In winter, the same pullover might be all you need on some days, but a heavier, waterproof jacket will be necessary if it rains. And don't forget to bring your layers with you when you go out for the day, or you might end up with a tacky new sweatshirt in your luggage on the way home.