Is there anything that can make us grumpier than seeing someone who lives in a nice climate post photos of their gorgeous weather when you seem to stuck in the endless winter season? Damn you, social media. The truth is, though, there are a lot of things people don’t realize about living in nicer climates. Until one actually makes the leap and moves to a city or state with this kind of weather, one might not realize some of these untruths, if you will. Wondering what some of these common misconceptions about living in nicer climates are? Read on.
It’s Hot, or At Least Warm, All the Time
One of the funniest things about living in a state like California is people assume there is hot weather here all year long. It’s interesting to watch what people pack when they come for a visit, as they will bring shorts even in the winter. And, while it is possible to get “shorts weather” during these months, it’s more likely going to be “pants and a tee weather”, or something of the sort. And evenings are cool in the Golden State, even in the summertime. Visitors often forget to pack jackets, assuming that balmy days always lead to balmy evenings. Not so! In fact, in California, in particular, there are very few warm evenings—save maybe for the month of August.
“As a New Yorker who visits California four times a year, I am always struck by how unexpectedly cold I get,” Style Director for Good Housekeeping Lori Bergamotto says via VisitCalifornia.com, “I learned quickly that layering is the only solution if you desire comfort at any temperature. Denim jackets, lightweight knit cardigans, capes, ponchos—even a swingy trench—can all be dressed up or dressed down and will prepare you for whatever the weather may be.”
In short: Don’t forget to pack that fleece!
They Don’t Have Any Gray Months
Once again using California as an example, many visitors will be disappointed upon visiting to find out that there are two distinct months there in which there could very well be gray skies. In fact, the locals have dubbed the fifth month “May Gray”. The other month is June, and this has been known for its “June Gloom”. The two months during which you’re likely to see the sun nearly everywhere else in the U.S. are likely the riskiest months to visit California if you’re in search of that giant yellow ball in the sky.
Exterior Maintenance is Barely Necessary
One might assume that because those living in nicer climates don’t experience snow and other harsh elements that they rarely, if ever, have to take care of exterior maintenance to keep their home looking outstanding. They also likely think nothing is involved in transitioning a home from winter to spring. Not so! In fact, an expert from a painting service in San Diego says of this misconception, “You wouldn’t believe how many houses are overdue for maintenance due to salt damage from living so close to the ocean.”
This also goes for their lawn maintenance, in that many of these areas are very prone to droughts. Many Californians have fought back against the water regulations by taking out their grass altogether and replacing it with either turf or simply a variety of drought-resistant plants like succulents.
There are No Seasons
While there might not be as distinct of seasons as in cold-weather climates, states like California do, in fact, have four seasons. Weather is cooler and rainier in the winter, hotter in the summer, quite mild in the spring, and there is that welcome “nip” to the air in fall. It’s just a lot subtler than in other areas. And, of course, the climate varies fairly drastically between Southern and Northern California. Ever heard the phrase, “The coldest winter I ever spent was summer in San Francisco”? Truer words were never spoken! But of course, you could also experience the Santa Ana winds blowing in SoCal in the middle of December and get an 85-degree day. Once again, when visiting a state like California no matter what time of year, it’s best to pack a variety of clothes for layering.
Thinking of moving to a nicer climate? Good for you! You might want to familiarize yourself with their temperatures and seasonal habits first, though, as you can see misconceptions do abound.