Find cheap flights to San Francisco and book your next trip to California

Spring is one of the best times to visit the city as the rain subsides and nature blooms. Temperatures are mild and pleasant, making it perfect for exploring Golden Gate Park or walking along the Embarcadero. Flight prices are often reasonable before the summer peak season kicks off. There are fewer tourists at popular landmarks like Alcatraz, providing a calmer experience. Pack layers as mornings can be chilly despite sunny afternoons. Don't miss the cherry blossoms in the Japanese Tea Garden. This is an ideal period for those who want to book flights to San Francisco at a good price and avoid the largest crowds.

Summer in San Francisco is unique due to 'Karl the Fog', the thick fog that often rolls into the city. While the rest of California is hot, San Francisco can be cool and windy. This is peak season for tourism, so expect higher flight prices and more people at attractions. It is a time for many festivals, outdoor concerts, and lively markets. Despite the fog, it is an exciting time to experience the city's pulse. Be sure to book your tickets well in advance to find cheap flights to California during these months. A warm jacket is a must even in July, as evenings by the bay get quite cool.

Many locals consider autumn to be the absolute best time. September and October often offer the city's warmest and clearest days, as the fog finally lifts. It is the perfect time for beach visits at Ocean Beach or picnics at Dolores Park. Since the American school term has started, the number of tourists decreases slightly, which can lead to affordable flights to San Francisco. Wine festivals in nearby Napa and Sonoma are popular day trips during this harvest time. The weather is stable and sunny, providing fantastic views over the bay. It is an excellent period to find last-minute trips with good weather guarantees.

Winter is the city's rainy season, but temperatures rarely get extremely low. It never snows, but it can be damp and chilly. For the price-conscious traveler, this is the cheapest time to fly, with the exception of the Christmas holidays. You can find the lowest prices on flight tickets to San Francisco during January and February. Museums like SFMOMA and the California Academy of Sciences are excellent indoor activities when it rains. The city is beautifully decorated during December and the atmosphere at Union Square is magical with ice skating and shopping. If you don't mind a little rain, you can find real bargains on both accommodation and flights during this low season.

Swedish citizens planning a trip to San Francisco usually do not need a traditional visa for tourist trips under 90 days. Instead, an entry permit via ESTA is required. This must be applied for online at least 72 hours before departure. The process is simple but mandatory for everyone flying from Sweden to the USA. Ensure your passport is biometric and valid throughout the stay. Compared to Sweden, security checks upon arrival are more extensive, so expect a little extra time at border control at the airport.

San Francisco is known for its steep hills and iconic streetcars. Using public transport like BART and Muni is often smoother than renting a car, as parking is extremely expensive and hard to find. For an authentic experience, you should ride the historic Cable Cars, but for daily commuting, buses and the subway are more efficient. The city is very walkable in areas like Union Square and the Embarcadero. A tip from TICKETS.SE is to download the Clipper app to easily pay for all types of transport directly with your mobile, just like the SL app in Stockholm.

A major difference from Sweden is the tipping culture. In San Francisco, you are expected to leave 18-25% in tips at restaurants and bars. The service charge is rarely included in the menu price. The locals are generally very open and talkative compared to what we are used to at home. Environmental awareness is high, so bring your own reusable water bottle. When ordering coffee or food, be prepared that the price shown is often exclusive of VAT, which is added at the checkout. Greeting the bus driver or shop staff friendly is part of the local etiquette.

As in all large cities, one should be vigilant. Avoid leaving valuables visible in cars, as break-ins are unfortunately common. Areas like the Tenderloin should be avoided at night. To not be a typical tourist, avoid buying souvenirs in the most commercial parts of Fisherman's Wharf; instead, head to local markets in the Mission District or Hayes Valley. A tip for maximum atmosphere is to visit Marshall's Beach at sunset for the perfect photo of the Golden Gate Bridge without the large crowds that gather at the usual viewpoints.