What should you wear when visiting San Francisco? Here’s our ultimate guide on how to properly dress for the San Francisco weather to make the most of your trip.

Layers, Layers, & Layers

Layers will be your best friend in San Francisco. Microclimates are a real thing in San Francisco — it might be foggy in the Outer Sunset but sunny in the Financial District. Also, it might be foggy and chilly in the morning but become quite sunny and warm in the afternoon.

Depending on the neighborhood and time of day, the weather can change quite a bit. To adjust to the fluctuating temperature, plan on bringing layers – such as a light sweater or jacket, lest you end up having to purchase an over-priced jacket that says “San Francisco” on it at Fisherman’s Wharf.

Bring Closed-Toe, Comfortable Shoes

This one is a no-brainer for anyone who is a traveler, but this is especially true for tourists visiting San Francisco. Walking up hills is an unavoidable experience when exploring SF. You don’t want to be hobbling up and down SF’s numerous hills in your nice boots. Save your heels and boots for a night out on the town – when you’ll be ubering everywhere and not walking.

Furthermore, some neighborhoods (e.g. the Tenderloin) can get quite grimy. I would highly recommend wearing closed-toe shoes and saving sandals for the beach.

Spring (March, April, May)

While not in peak rain season, there are still possibilities of light rain (especially in March) so an umbrella or a waterproof jacket is recommended. Average daytime temperature are in the 60s while nighttime temperatures will be between high 40s to mid 50s.

• T-shirts or thin, long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirts
• A thin sweaters or jacket that is easy to carry
• Shorts (daytime only)
• Skirts (with tights to wear underneath at night)
• Long pants
• Medium thickness jacket (just in case it gets chilly at night)

Summer (June, July, August)

Summers are not as warm as you think in San Francisco and it will still be slightly chilly (but thankfully no rain!) with LOTS of fog. Summer is also a tumultuous time in which it can be quite cold and foggy in the morning and then hot and sunny in the afternoon. This is the time of year in which many tourists are not dressed appropriately for the weather and end up buying overpriced jackets to stay warm.

• T-shirts
• Thin, long-sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirts
• A sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket that is easy to carry
• Long pants
• A windbreaker (just in case)

Fall (September, October)

The weather will be the most pleasant during this time – temperatures will be in the 70s with sunny skies (you might get a little sweaty as you climb up some hills) and fog is not as common during this time. San Francisco is actually warmer in the fall than it is during the summer.

• T-shirts or thin, 3/4 sleeve shirts
• Light sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket that is easy to carry
• Shorts or skirts (bring tights to wear under skirt if it gets chilly at night)
• Long pants (just in case)
• Sunglasses (it’s going to be quite sunny!)

Fall (November)

While September and October in SF can be quite warm, November can get chilly. Chances of rain are slim so don’t worry about bringing an umbrella but be prepared for the cold.

• Thin long-sleeve or 3/4 sleeve shirts
• Light sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket that is easy to carry
• Long pants
• Medium-thickness jacket (just in case)

Winter (December, January, February)

While there is no snow in San Francisco, it can still get quite cold and wet. Umbrellas and a waterproof jackets are a must. Daytime temperature will be at the mid-50s and will drop to mid-40s at night.

• Medium-weight shirt (long sleeve or 3/4 sleeve)
• A sweater or sweatshirt
• Long pants
• Medium thickness jacket/windbreaker (waterproof recommended)
• A scarf or hat/beanie if you plan on being near the water
• An umbrella!