The Ultimate Packing Guide for San Francisco
The Painted Ladies looking bright against a foggy San Francisco sky.
Don't be the visitor unprepared for San Francisco's fickle weather!
Follow my packing guide to ensure a comfortable yet stylish look while visiting the city by the bay.
So, you’re going to San Francisco! You can’t wait to see the Golden Gate Bridge, crooked Lombard Street and the barking Sea Lions at Fisherman’s Wharf. You pack a suitcase and start with flip flops, a bikini and your favorite summer dress. Who needs a jacket when you’re headed to California, right?
Wrong.
The city of San Francisco is a 7x7 mile peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. With currents from the Pacific Ocean and the Bay, San Francisco doesn’t adhere to the sunny California weather you see on TV. It stays fairly mild, only exceeding 80 °F (27 °C) on average 21 days a year and rarely dropping below 50 °F (10 °C).
I’ve lived in San Francisco for over 4 years, only a few blocks away from the popular Painted Ladies. I see tourists walking by every day that are completely unprepared for the weather, no matter what the time of year. In this post, I’ll share a packing list for women that will keep you feeling stylish, warm and comfortable on your visit to San Francisco.
xxA
A foggy day at the Sutro Baths Ruins. (October, 2016)
Quick Links:
1. San Francisco's Seasons Explained
2. The Ultimate Packing List
3. Outfit Ideas
San Francisco's Seasons Explained
Here is my personal explanation of how San Francisco's weather changes throughout the year.
A sunny day at Baker Beach. (Also October, 2016)
Indian Summer: September - November
San Francisco’s Indian Summer is my favorite time of the year with an average temperature of 70 °F (~21 °C). It’s like the Postal Service lyric “we can swim any day in November” from the song "Sleepin In" (it’s a great song, listen to it).
If you visit during these months you can expect sunny days and sporadic heat waves, but always bring a jacket for when the sun goes down.
The Rainy Season: December - March
Towards the end of November up until the beginning of March, you can expect crisper air and some rainfall. The rain usually falls the heaviest in December and January, but there hasn't been snow in San Francisco since 1976!
The average low temperatures during these months are still above 45 °F (~7 °C) so there's no need to pack your parka.
Yay it’s Spring: April and May
Spring time is an incredible time to visit San Francisco because the weather is beautiful but the city won't be as crowded in comparison to the Indian Summer months. During April and May, temperatures average above 60 °F (~16 °C) and even rose to over 80 °F (~27 °C) on a couple of April days in 2016.
Sorry not Summer: June - August
Coming to San Francisco in July? Expecting sun and beaches? Have you ever heard the famous quote by Mark Twain, "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"?
In reality, the summer isn't cold compared to a snowy east coast winter (I grew up in Philadelphia), but temperatures average at lows in the mid-50s (~10 °C) and highs below 70 °F (~21 °C). If you drive North, South or East, you can expect temperatures at least 10 degrees higher.
Some of my personal favorites.
Packing List
Here's a sample packing list of what to bring to San Francisco any time of year. See my outfit ideas below to check out my top picks for each of these pieces.
2 Pairs of Pants (1 Jean, 1 black)
1 skirt (to wear with Tights if it's chilly, or go bare leg if it's warmer)
1 Pair of Tights
1 Dress to wear to a nice dinner
1 Hat
4 Tops (a Tank, Long Sleeve or Thermal, Basic Tee and a bold Top to wear out at night)
2 Jackets (1 for the rain, 1 depending on the season)
Scarf (a lighter one if traveling in Spring or our Indian Summer, warmer in the other months)
Sunglasses
3 pairs of shoes (1 pair of waterproof and the others depending on the season - see below)
Jewelry to dress up any outfit (I recommend statement Earrings or a fun Choker)
Umbrella any time of year (just in case)
+ the basics i.e. undergarments, socks, toiletries, etc.
Seasonal Specifics
September - November, April and May
+ Opt for a Sun Hat
+ 1 swimsuit
+ 1 Sundress
+ 1 pair of walkable sandals
December - March, June - August
+ Opt for a heavier jacket (In addition to a rain jacket, bring a jacket that will keep you warm at night.)
+ Opt for a warm beanie or wool menswear hat
+ 1 sweater to throw over jeans or a skirt with tights
+ Boots that are made for walkin'
Outfit Ideas
San Francisco style is smart yet casual. No matter what time of year, always choose outfits that can be layered since the weather changes throughout the day. I recommend deciding what to wear by taking into consideration both the event/activity of the day and the weather forecast. Here are some examples of activities and my top picks for enjoying San Francisco in style.
1. Rain, Rain here to Stay
Activity Idea: Head to the newly updated MOMA and walk around downtown with an umbrella.
, a cute skirt
and leggings
with waterproof shoes
. Throw your rain jacket
on top and you're ready to look adorable while jumping in puddles.
2. Sunshine in the City
Activity Idea: Head to Dolores Park and have a picnic overlooking the skyline.
If the sun is shining, slip on a light dress and bring a jean jacket for when the breeze hits. In addition to sunscreen, I always wear a wide-brim sun hat to protect my skin, as well as classic sunglasses. You'll be walking and San Francisco hills are no joke, so embrace the current trend of mixing sporty and feminine pieces and wear comfortable sneakers.
Views from Dolores Park. (August, 2016)
3. Crisp Air and a Clear Blue Sky
The Land's End Labyrinth is the perfect place to see the Golden Gate Bridge on a crisp, clear day. (November, 2016)
Activity Idea: Start your day with a leisurely hike at Land's End and the Sutro Baths. Then go shopping on Union Street.
On a crisp San Francisco day, the skies are often blue and there's no rain in sight. You'll want to dress warm, but it's the perfect day to see the Golden Gate Bridge without the fog hovering over it. Wear a pair of comfortable jeans, layer a tank top and thermal and wrap a scarf around your neck. Wear booties or sneakers and a backpack to put your layers in while you're in the sun. Oh, and don't forget a jacket. Never venture out without one in San Francisco!
A night on the town in leather jackets, chokers and jeans. (August, 2016)
4. A night on the Town
Activity Idea: Make a reservation at my favorite restaurant, NOPA. They make the best Ramos Gin Fizz you've ever had. Then, stop by Toronado and try one of over 40 beers on tap.
While there are a few "clubs" in San Francisco, night life for locals like me usually starts with a delicious meal and a hipster dive bar. Wear an edgy top with black jeans, a moto-jacket and over-the-knee boots. If you're feeling bold, add a choker and you're ready to hit the town.
Have you ever been to San Francisco? What are your must-pack items for any trip?
If you need packing advice or help planning your San Francisco itinerary, don't hesitate to reach out at am@twobluepassports.com!
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