US coastal fog is why a San Francisco July jacket is not a joke. The marine layer can sit on San Francisco while inland East Bay hills feel like a different state: California climate.
Where is fog part of the lifestyle?
Central and Northern California coasts are famous for summer fog and breeze. Pacific Northwest mornings around Seattle and Portland bring gray marine air in a different seasonal rhythm: Pacific Northwest climate. Southern California can see night and morning low clouds near the coast even when Los Angeles basins warm inland.
Fog cools summers that newcomers expected to be hot: Summer heat. It also delays flights and softens UV for a few hours.
What should movers pack and plan?
Bring layers year-round for Pacific cities. Do not lease based on an inland afternoon and assume the shoreline matches. Check microclimate within a few miles, not just the metro name.
Common misconceptions
Assuming California summer is uniformly beach-hot fails fog belts.
Assuming fog equals heavy rain also fails; many fog days stay dry while feeling damp and cool.
Summary
Treat coastal fog as a Pacific microclimate feature. Choose shoreline chill versus inland heat on purpose, with a wardrobe that layers.
Sources
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