What to wear in San Francisco
San Francisco, United States
If you’re walking a lot in San Francisco, comfort and “staying dry” can matter more than the temperature number.
Packing for San Francisco is less about a perfect outfit and more about combinations you can adjust through the day.
Facts only
Nov · Dec · Jan · Feb · Mar
Avg low 7–10°C / high 13–16°C · Rainy days: 6–12 / ~50–120 mm (year-to-year variation)
Apr · May
Avg low 9–11°C / high 16–19°C · Rainy days: 3–7 / ~15–55 mm
Jun · Jul · Aug
Avg low 12–14°C / high 18–22°C · Rainy days: 0–3 / ~0–10 mm
Sep · Oct
Avg low 12–14°C / high 20–26°C (warm spells possible) · Rainy days: 1–4 / ~5–30 mm
What it feels like
Trips tend to alternate between cooling down indoors and warming up outside—thin layers handle that loop best.
When it tends to work well
- • If you can layer (thin pieces), you can adapt even when forecasts swing.
- • Choosing shoes for walking-first comfort often reduces fatigue more than any clothing tweak.
- • When rain is possible, “staying dry” (materials, shoes) can matter more than styling.
When it may feel annoying
- • Trying to do everything with one outfit can get uncomfortable on days with big indoor-outdoor gaps.
- • Long walks without water-resistant shoes or spare socks can backfire even with light rain.
- • Thick fabrics in hot periods make fatigue accumulate over long days.
Typical outfit choices
These are “common choices,” not guarantees—wind/rain/AC can change how it feels.
- • 🌫️ Key idea: San Francisco can feel cool, windy, and foggy even in summer. Packing only “summer clothes” is a common mistake.
- • 🧥 Default setup: a thin outer layer (windbreaker/hoodie/light jacket) gets used in almost every season.
- • 🌧️ Winter (Nov–Mar): rain can arrive in clusters. Windy days often favor a rain shell over an umbrella, and wet pavement makes footwear matter.
- • ☀️ Sep–Oct: often the warmest-feeling window. Days can be warm, but evenings still cool down—plan for both.
- • 📍 Microclimates: Golden Gate/coastal areas feel windier and cooler; inland neighborhoods can feel warmer in sun—let your itinerary guide packing.
- • 👟 Shoes: hills + long walking days are common—cushioning and traction help.
In the end, it often depends on one or two conditions you care about most.
Explore San Francisco
These pages are connected so you can compare conditions and decide for yourself.