As promised, "microclimate by real estate zone" posts hereby begin. Here is the
real estate zone map, via the
Zephyr site, where you can see that Zone 1E is the in the far northwest corner of the city, extending west of 32nd Avenue out to Ocean Beach. It is surrounded by parks (GGNRA's
Lands End to the north, and
Golden Gate Park to the south) and ocean on three sides. 1E is one of the coolest parts of the city, temperature-wise, with fog often moving in from the beach, and pouring in the Golden Gate.
The
spring winds from the northwest hit this area first, and sometimes with the most force, because the wind accelerates when it finds the gap of the Gate, so both the north coast and Ocean Beach sides get plenty of wind. The new
Lands End Lookout is brilliantly oriented with its back to the wind, which creates a wonderfully sheltered outdoor space in the lee of the building, and on days like today you can enjoy the awesome views from your cozy spot inside.
There are some areas that are more sheltered than others, such as the coveted blocks of Sutro Heights, near
Sutro Heights Park (below) on the south facing hillside below the far west end of Geary. Washington High School is at the top of the other large hill in the district, there are some warmer pockets east and south of there, and on each block there are more or less sheltered areas.
Here is the Kelly's Cove weather station, for your use, should you be sweating in the Mission and thinking about the beach. Today's 33 mph winds probably nixed that idea. Kite surfers were happy though.
If you are a heat lover, you may not be happy in the Outer Richmond. If you like it cool and fresh and quiet, with seagull sounds and salty air, and appreciate good food and a fun theater, 1E is for you. If you are park and ocean minded, you will love it. Many winter days are lovely, with sparkling clear skies, and less wind than in the spring. In the summer, the fog and sun dance can be very entertaining, and the fall, well, it's pretty heavenly.
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