November has always been a confusing month, but this year it felt even more unpredictable. With changing weather, early sunsets, and Christmas decorations popping up before Thanksgiving, many people were left wondering what season it really was.
November’s Identity Crisis: Hot Days, Rainstorms & Everything in Between
November couldn’t make up its mind. One day San Francisco hit 76 degrees, and just a couple of days later the city saw rain. People enjoyed sunny hours at Stinson Beach earlier in the week, only to watch an atmospheric river roll in by Friday.
Even time seemed to shift suddenly. The World Series ended on Nov. 1, and the very next day clocks switched to standard time. By 5 p.m., it was already getting dark—something almost everyone dislikes but nobody changes.
Signs That San Francisco Is Truly Back
As the shadows grew longer, one thing became clear: San Francisco felt alive again. This wasn’t just a feeling—it showed in everyday life.
Traffic, Crowds & Tourists Return
- More cars on the streets, just like the old days
- Buses packed during rush hour
- Tourists lining up for cable cars at Powell and Market
Even panhandlers were more visible downtown again. The city wasn’t just active—it felt crowded.
Robotic Cars Taking Over
Another new sight: Waymo driverless cars everywhere, often moving together like a pack. And on one corner, a Zoox robotaxi rolled by, looking like a futuristic silver box. It was a glimpse of a future where nobody is driving.
November Turns Into a Monthlong Black Friday
November used to have a quiet, peaceful identity—especially with Thanksgiving. But now it feels like one long warmup for Christmas shopping. Black Friday stretched across the whole month, with endless deals and holiday pressure.
Christmas decorations appeared early. Cable cars glowed with festive lights, Union Square’s big tree went up, and Macy’s lit up like it was already Christmas Eve. One afternoon, an old man was even playing “Jingle Bells” on a fiddle in the street.
Nature Still Follows Its Own Timetable
Outside the city, November still holds onto autumn. Soft haze, cool air, and fading daylight set the tone across the Bay Area. Up on the slopes of Mount Tamalpais, you could feel the quiet shift between fall and winter.
The Return of the Salmon
Every November, after the first good rains, salmon return from the Pacific Ocean and swim up rivers like Alameda Creek and Redwood Creek near Muir Woods. It’s a natural event that has taken place for thousands of years, and witnessing it feels like seeing a small miracle.
The Tule Fog: A Sign That Winter Is Near
November fog doesn’t always come from the ocean. Instead, tule fog creeps in from inland valleys after rain, covering the Bay Area in a cold, still layer of mist. For many, it’s the first real sign that winter is arriving.
Golden Evenings Over the Bay
Back in San Francisco, simple errands in places like the Ferry Building or Jackson Square offered beautiful surprises. The sunset reflected off East Bay windows, turning them silver and then red. The moment was brief, reminding everyone to slow down and appreciate the view.
Weather Experts Look Ahead
This November brought early rains, helping the region avoid major wildfires—at least for now. Scientists are watching climate patterns like El Niño, La Niña, and the jet stream to predict the coming winter. For city life, rain might just mean wet commutes, but for California, winter weather is a billion-dollar question.
Conclusion
November in San Francisco was a mix of warm days, heavy rain, early holiday cheer, and the return of city crowds. Though the month may feel confused, it reminds us that the transition between fall and winter is full of small beauty and big changes. As December approaches, the city steps firmly into the holiday season while nature quietly prepares for winter.
