What to Wear in San Francisco
United States • Mediterranean Climate
September-November
18°C / 64°F
11°C / 52°F
Current Weather & What to Wear Today
Essential Packing Tips for San Francisco
Layers essential - cold fog common
Light jacket even in summer
Comfortable walking shoes for hills
Weather by Season in San Francisco
☀️ Summer Weather
Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Even in summer, San Francisco stays mild. Bring layers as temperatures rarely get hot. A light sweater or fleece is recommended for mornings and evenings. Long pants are more practical than shorts most days.
❄️ Winter Weather
Average temperature: 11°C (52°F)
A medium-weight jacket and layerable pieces work well for San Francisco's moderate winters. Pack a warm sweater, long-sleeve shirts, and a light scarf. Waterproof shoes are recommended as winter often brings rain.
🌧️ Rainy Season
The rainiest months in San Francisco are November, December, January, February. If you're visiting during these months, pack a waterproof jacket with a hood (more practical than an umbrella in windy rain), water-resistant shoes, and quick-dry fabrics that won't stay damp all day. A small packable umbrella is also useful for sudden downpours during otherwise dry days.
Month-by-Month Clothing Guide for San Francisco
Estimated average temperatures and what to wear each month, based on San Francisco's mediterranean climate pattern.
January
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
February
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
March
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
April
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
May
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
June
Medium layers. Long pants, light sweaters. A jacket for mornings and evenings.
July
Medium layers. Long pants, light sweaters. A jacket for mornings and evenings.
August
Medium layers. Long pants, light sweaters. A jacket for mornings and evenings.
September
Medium layers. Long pants, light sweaters. A jacket for mornings and evenings.
October
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days.
November
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
December
Warm layers. Sweaters, medium-weight jacket. Scarf recommended for windy days. Pack waterproof outerwear and an umbrella.
Complete Guide to Dressing for San Francisco
San Francisco, United States has a mediterranean climate, which means your clothing choices should be guided by the specific conditions you'll encounter during your visit. With summer temperatures averaging 18°C (64°F), the warm season is comfortable but rarely extreme, making it ideal for layerable outfits.
Winters are moderate with averages around 11°C (52°F). A medium-weight jacket, sweaters, and long pants are the foundation of a winter wardrobe here. You won't need heavy thermal gear, but a warm layer and a water-resistant jacket will keep you comfortable during cooler days and occasional rain.
Practical packing advice for San Francisco: Layers essential - cold fog common. Light jacket even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes for hills. Be aware that November, December, January, February tend to be the wettest months, so include waterproof outerwear and water-resistant footwear if you're visiting during this period.
For the most accurate clothing recommendations for your specific travel dates, use our personalized outfit planner above. It analyzes real weather data for your exact dates — much more precise than the monthly averages shown here, which can vary significantly from year to year.
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