There’s something about the first crisp morning of fall that makes me feel like I can finally breathe again.
Growing up in San Francisco, I learned early that the weather forecast doesn’t always tell the whole story. A sunny afternoon can still call for a jacket, the fog can roll in without warning, and 68 degrees can somehow feel like a heat wave. So when the Bay Area finally starts cooling down, I’m more than ready.
Give me an oversized sweater, a warm drink, and an excuse to spend the afternoon somewhere cozy. Suddenly, getting dressed feels more fun, walking outside feels refreshing, and staying in sounds like the perfect plan.
But my excitement for fall goes beyond the weather. It’s the feeling of settling into a new season.
There’s a certain comfort in seasonal routines. Pulling out sweaters you haven’t worn in months, watching the evenings get darker, and trading iced drinks for something warm can make everyday life feel a little different.
College can be overwhelming, especially when every week seems to bring another assignment, meeting, or responsibility. Sometimes, we get so caught up in planning what’s next that we forget to appreciate the small things happening around us.
For me, cooler weather is a reminder to slow down. It makes me want to take a longer walk, spend more time with friends, or enjoy a quiet evening without feeling like I should be doing something more productive.
And maybe that is why fall feels so comforting. It gives us permission to settle in rather than constantly chase the next thing.
As daylight saving time ends on Nov. 1, the sun will set earlier, bringing darker evenings and a noticeable shift in our daily routines. In San Francisco, November also typically brings cooler temperatures and more rain than the summer months.
Of course, shorter days aren’t everyone’s favorite. But personally, I enjoy them and am ready for the change.
Growing up in San Francisco has shaped what comfortable weather means to me. While someone else might be reaching for a sweater at 68 degrees, I’m looking for my sunglasses to protect me from the sun. And when the air turns crisp, the city feels a little more like home.
Maybe fall doesn’t have to mean pumpkin patches, elaborate seasonal bucket lists, or completely reinventing your routine. Sometimes, it can be as simple as appreciating the weather, enjoying the walk to class, and finding comfort in the familiar.
So here’s to cooler mornings, cozy clothes, and finally feeling comfortable outside again. If you need me, I’ll be wearing a sweater and ordering a bunch of new clothes for the season.