What to Wear in San Francisco (Month by Month)

Last updated: February 2026

TL;DR: San Francisco is NOT the sunny California you’re imagining. Average temps range from the mid-40s to low 70s year-round, summer is often the foggiest and coldest season, and microclimates mean it can be 65°F in the Mission and 52°F at Ocean Beach at the same time. The golden rule? Layers. Always layers.

If I had a dollar for every time I saw a shivering tourist in shorts and flip-flops on Fisherman’s Wharf in July, I could probably afford a one-bedroom apartment in SF. (Okay, maybe not — but you get the idea.)

Here’s the thing: San Francisco weather is one of the most misunderstood topics in all of travel. People hear “California” and picture tank tops, sunglasses, and 85-degree beach days. Then they land at SFO in August, step outside into 55°F fog, and immediately regret every packing decision they’ve ever made.

I’ve lived here for over eight years, and honestly? The weather still surprises me sometimes. But after plenty of trial and error (and one very memorable afternoon where I was sunburned AND shivering in the same day), I’ve figured out the SF wardrobe formula. Let me save you the trouble.

If you’re planning a trip, check out my 3-day San Francisco itinerary alongside this guide so you can pack accordingly.

Why Is San Francisco Weather So Weird?

Before we get into what to wear, a quick explainer on why SF weather is the way it is — because once you understand it, the packing part makes a lot more sense.

San Francisco sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The cold California Current runs along the coast (we’re talking water temps in the low 50s, even in summer). When warm air from inland California hits that frigid ocean water, it creates fog. A LOT of fog. Locals have affectionately named it Karl the Fog, and he has his own Instagram account with over 300,000 followers. Karl is basically a celebrity here.

This fog is most aggressive in summer — yes, summer — which is why Mark Twain (probably) said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.” The quote might be misattributed, but the sentiment is painfully accurate.

Then there are the microclimates. San Francisco’s hills, valleys, and proximity to water create dramatically different weather zones within the same 49-square-mile city. It’s genuinely possible to be freezing in the Sunset District and perfectly comfortable in the Mission, just a 15-minute drive away. The eastern neighborhoods (Mission, SoMa, Dogpatch) tend to be warmer and sunnier, while the western side (Sunset, Richmond, Ocean Beach) gets blasted with fog and wind.

Average annual temperature in San Francisco: 57°F (14°C). For reference, that’s cooler than the annual average in Seattle. Let that sink in.

The Golden Rule of Dressing for San Francisco: LAYERS

If you take absolutely nothing else from this article, take this: layers are not optional in San Francisco. They are survival gear.

I’m not being dramatic. (Okay, I’m being a little dramatic.) But the temperature can swing 15-20 degrees in a single day, and you might walk from a sunny neighborhood into a foggy one in the span of a few blocks. The only way to handle this is to dress like a fashionable onion.

Here’s my tried-and-true SF layering system:

1. Base layer: A comfortable t-shirt or long-sleeve tee
2. Mid layer: A flannel, light sweater, or hoodie
3. Outer layer: A windproof jacket (this is the non-negotiable piece)

You’ll see Patagonia everywhere here — it’s basically the unofficial uniform of San Francisco. There’s a reason for that: their stuff is lightweight, packable, and built for exactly this kind of unpredictable weather. But you don’t need to spend Patagonia money. Any decent windbreaker or light jacket will do the trick.

Now, let’s break it down month by month.

What to Wear in San Francisco: Month-by-Month Guide

January

• Average High: 57°F (14°C)
• Average Low: 46°F (8°C)
• Rainfall: ~4.5 inches (one of the wettest months)

January is SF’s rainy season, and while it’s not freezing, it’s damp and chilly. Think Pacific Northwest vibes, not polar vortex.

What to wear: A waterproof rain jacket is essential — not just water-resistant, actually waterproof. Layer with a warm sweater or fleece underneath. Jeans or comfortable pants, closed-toe shoes (waterproof boots or sneakers with good traction are ideal), and don’t forget an umbrella. I know some San Franciscans pride themselves on never using umbrellas, but I am not one of those people.

Events to dress for: If you’re catching a 49ers playoff game (fingers crossed), layer up heavily — Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara is warmer than SF proper but evening games get cold.

February

• Average High: 60°F (15°C)
• Average Low: 48°F (9°C)
• Rainfall: ~4.0 inches

February is still rainy season, but you’ll start getting more breaks of sunshine. It can actually be quite pleasant on clear days — I’ve had gorgeous February afternoons in Dolores Park.

What to wear: Similar to January. Rain jacket, layers, closed-toe shoes. On sunny days, you can get away with a lighter jacket, but always have one with you. If you’re here for Valentine’s Day in SF, bring a nice outfit that still allows for layering — a blazer over a sweater works great for dinner out.

March

• Average High: 62°F (17°C)
• Average Low: 49°F (9°C)
• Rainfall: ~3.0 inches

March is transitional. The rain starts tapering off, and you’ll get more sunny days, but it’s still cool. This is honestly one of my favorite times to explore the city because the light is gorgeous and the tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet.

What to wear: Light layers are your friend. A long-sleeve shirt with a mid-weight jacket, comfortable walking shoes. You can probably start leaving the heavy rain jacket behind on some days, but keep a packable one in your bag. If you’re doing any urban hikes, bring a windbreaker — the hilltop views are worth it, but those hills are windy.

April

• Average High: 63°F (17°C)
• Average Low: 50°F (10°C)
• Rainfall: ~1.5 inches

April in SF is genuinely lovely. The rain is mostly gone, wildflowers are blooming, and you get these perfect clear days where you can see all the way to the Farallon Islands from Land’s End. This is peak “I understand why people pay $3,640/month in rent” weather.

What to wear: Jeans or comfortable pants, a t-shirt with a light sweater, and a windbreaker for when the afternoon breeze kicks in. Evenings still get chilly (low 50s), so bring that extra layer for sunset drinks or dinner. Comfortable walking shoes — always.

May

• Average High: 64°F (18°C)
• Average Low: 51°F (11°C)
• Rainfall: ~0.5 inches

May is one of the best months to visit. The rain is gone, the fog hasn’t fully committed yet, and temperatures are comfortable. You’ll have some foggy mornings that burn off to beautiful afternoons. This is the month where visitors from other places finally start to “get” the SF hype.

What to wear: This is peak layering season. Morning fog might have you in a jacket, midday sun might have you in a t-shirt, and evening wind will have you zipping that jacket back up. A versatile outfit: t-shirt, flannel or light sweater (tied around your waist when you don’t need it), and a light jacket in your bag.

Events to dress for: Bay to Breakers (third Sunday in May) — this is a legendary SF footrace/costume party/mobile block party. Dress in a costume if you’re participating, or in comfortable layers if you’re spectating. You’ll see everything from elaborate group costumes to… very little clothing at all. Welcome to San Francisco.

June

• Average High: 66°F (19°C)
• Average Low: 53°F (12°C)
• Rainfall: ~0.1 inches

Here’s where it gets interesting. June is when “June Gloom” arrives. While the rest of California is basking in summer sun, San Francisco is wrapped in a cold, gray blanket of fog. Mornings are overcast and chilly, and some days the fog doesn’t burn off at all. I’ve seen tourists in the checkout line at Walgreens buying emergency sweatshirts in June, looking absolutely betrayed.

What to wear: Do NOT pack for a California summer. You need a solid jacket — a fleece or a medium-weight windbreaker — plus layers underneath. Long pants, closed-toe shoes. If you’re near the water (Embarcadero, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge), add a scarf or buff. The wind chill is real.

Events to dress for: SF Pride (last weekend of June) — the parade route along Market Street can actually be one of the warmer spots in the city, but bring layers for the after-parties as evening temps drop.

July

• Average High: 67°F (19°C)
• Average Low: 54°F (12°C)
• Rainfall: Basically 0 inches

July. The month that breaks tourists’ hearts. Locals call it “No Sky July” because the fog can be so thick and persistent you forget the sun exists. Average highs of 67°F in JULY. Meanwhile, it’s 95°F in Sacramento, an hour and a half away. Microclimates are wild.

What to wear: A warm jacket. I’m serious. Bring a proper jacket — not a cardigan, not a thin hoodie, a real jacket that blocks wind. Layers underneath, long pants, and sturdy shoes. If you venture to the sunny eastern neighborhoods (Mission, Potrero Hill), you might be able to shed a layer, but keep it accessible. The fog rolls back in fast.

Pro tip: If you’re planning day trips from SF, this is a great time to escape to Napa or Sonoma where it’ll actually feel like summer. Pack a lighter outfit in your bag for when you cross the Golden Gate Bridge — it’s a different world up there.

August

• Average High: 68°F (20°C)
• Average Low: 55°F (13°C)
• Rainfall: ~0.1 inches

“Fogust” is a word San Franciscans use unironically. August continues July’s foggy tradition, though you’ll start to get some warmer breaks toward the end of the month. The fog pattern is fairly predictable: thick in the morning, potentially burning off by early afternoon, rolling back in by late afternoon.

What to wear: Same strategy as July. Warm layers, windproof jacket, long pants. BUT — and this is key — also pack a t-shirt and lighter layer because when the fog burns off in the Mission or downtown, it can actually feel warm. This is THE month where the layering system pays for itself.

Events to dress for: Outside Lands music festival (Golden Gate Park, usually early August) — Golden Gate Park is in the fog zone, so even though you’re at a summer music festival, bring a puffy jacket for the evening headliners. I’ve seen people huddled in blankets at Outside Lands while their friends in LA are posting beach pics. The juxtaposition is hilarious.

September

• Average High: 70°F (21°C)
• Average Low: 56°F (13°C)
• Rainfall: ~0.2 inches

THIS. This is the month. September and October are San Francisco’s actual summer, and locals know this. The fog retreats, the sun comes out to play, and the city hits its warmest temperatures of the year. Average high of 70°F doesn’t sound scorching, but after months of fog, it feels GLORIOUS. You’ll see everyone at Dolores Park, on rooftop bars, and actually wearing sunglasses for once.

What to wear: Finally, you can dress for warm weather — with caveats. T-shirts, lighter layers, maybe even a dress or shorts during peak afternoon warmth (especially in sunnier neighborhoods). But still bring a light jacket for evenings. It can drop into the mid-50s after sunset and the breeze is always lurking. Sunscreen! You actually need it this month.

Events to dress for: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (free music festival in Golden Gate Park, early October but the warm weather often starts in September). Start planning outfits that work from afternoon sun to evening chill.

October

• Average High: 69°F (21°C)
• Average Low: 55°F (13°C)
• Rainfall: ~1.0 inch

October continues the Indian summer vibes. SF’s warmest days of the year sometimes land in October — it’s not unheard of to hit 80°F+ during a heat wave (which, for SF, basically means anything over 75°F). The city is buzzing, patios are packed, and the light is incredible.

What to wear: Your most versatile outfits. Layers you can easily add and remove. T-shirt, flannel, light jacket in the bag. Sunglasses. Comfortable shoes for exploring — if you want to check out free things to do in SF, October’s weather makes everything better. Toward the end of the month, you might catch the first rains, so have a rain layer accessible.

Events to dress for: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (first weekend of October usually) — dress in layers with sun protection for the afternoon and a warm layer for when the sun dips. Fleet Week air shows along the waterfront — bring a warm jacket for the wind off the bay.

November

• Average High: 62°F (17°C)
• Average Low: 51°F (10°C)
• Rainfall: ~2.5 inches

The transition back to rainy season begins. November can be a mixed bag — some years it stays dry and pleasant well into mid-November, other years the rain arrives early. Temperatures are cooling down but still manageable.

What to wear: Back to the rain jacket, unfortunately. Layer with a warm sweater or fleece, jeans or comfortable pants, and waterproof footwear. This is a great month for that classic “cozy San Francisco” aesthetic — think warm knit sweaters and a good jacket. Pack an umbrella.

December

• Average High: 57°F (14°C)
• Average Low: 46°F (8°C)
• Rainfall: ~4.5 inches

December is cold and wet by SF standards. It rarely drops below 40°F, so you won’t need a heavy winter parka, but a solid warm jacket and rain protection are essential. The upside? SF during the holidays is absolutely magical — Union Square ice skating, holiday lights, and cozy bars with warm drinks.

What to wear: Warm layers — think sweaters, a medium-weight insulated jacket, rain jacket over or as your outer layer, and waterproof boots or shoes. A beanie and scarf are nice to have for evening outings. If you’re here for the Great Dickens Christmas Fair, dress warmly for the trip to the Cow Palace — bonus points for Victorian-inspired attire.

What to Wear in SF by Activity

Month-by-month is great, but let’s be real — what you’re doing matters just as much as when you’re doing it.

Walking and Hiking

San Francisco has some of the most stunning urban hikes you’ll find anywhere. Land’s End, Batteries to Bluffs, Twin Peaks — they’re all incredible and they’re all WINDY.

• Moisture-wicking base layer (you will sweat going up those hills)
• Windproof outer layer (non-negotiable at Land’s End and Coastal Trail)
• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes with good grip (SF has some steep sidewalks and uneven trails)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses, even on foggy days (UV still gets through)
• A small packable backpack for carrying layers you take off

The hills are no joke — I learned this the hard way trying to walk up Filbert Street in cute but very impractical shoes. Don’t be like past-me.

A Nice Dinner Out

San Francisco’s restaurant scene is incredible, and the vibe ranges from very casual to upscale. Most SF restaurants lean smart-casual — you won’t feel out of place in nice jeans and a good top at 90% of places.

• Smart casual is almost always appropriate (dark jeans, nice top or button-down, clean sneakers or boots)
• For upscale spots (Quince, Lazy Bear, Atelier Crenn), step it up — a blazer, nice dress, or elevated separates
• ALWAYS bring a jacket for the walk to and from the restaurant — even if you Uber, the walk from the car to the door in January wind will get you
• Comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to dinner (which I always recommend — SF neighborhoods are beautiful at dusk)

Beach Day at Ocean Beach

I need to set expectations here: Ocean Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it is also one of the coldest. This is not a bikini beach. This is a “stand on the shore in a puffer jacket and marvel at the Pacific while the wind rearranges your hair” beach. And it’s wonderful.

• Warm layers — windproof jacket is absolutely essential
• Long pants (jeans, joggers)
• A hat or beanie that won’t blow away (the wind is aggressive)
• Shoes you don’t mind getting sandy — leave the sandals at home, your toes will be freezing
• A blanket if you plan to sit — the sand is cold

Water temperature at Ocean Beach averages around 52-56°F year-round. People do surf here, but they wear full wetsuits, hoods, and booties. That tells you everything you need to know.

Nightlife and Bar-Hopping

SF nightlife is spread across several neighborhoods — the Mission, SoMa, North Beach, Marina, and the Tenderloin all have great bar scenes with very different vibes.

• Dress for the neighborhood — Mission bars tend to be casual and quirky, Marina bars lean more polished, North Beach has that classic Italian-American dive bar charm
• Comfortable shoes you can walk in (you WILL end up walking between bars, probably uphill)
• A jacket for the walk home or to your rideshare — temperatures drop into the 40s and 50s at night, year-round
• If you’re bar-hopping, a crossbody bag or something secure is practical — check out my safety tips for SF

Ferry Rides and Waterfront Activities

Whether you’re taking the ferry to Sausalito, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, or exploring the Embarcadero, the waterfront is consistently the coldest part of the city.

• Your warmest windproof layer
• A scarf or neck gaiter (the wind coming off the bay is brutal)
• Layers you can add when you get to the water and shed when you’re back in a sheltered neighborhood
• If walking the Golden Gate Bridge: expect 10-15°F colder than downtown, with strong winds. Bring everything.

I always tell friends visiting from out of town to bring their warmest layer for the Golden Gate Bridge walk, even in September. They always think I’m exaggerating. They always text me afterward saying I was right.

The SF Packing Essentials Checklist

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or moving here (welcome! check out our public transit guide), here’s what should always be in your SF wardrobe:

• A windproof, packable jacket — THE single most important item. Something you can stuff in a bag and pull out when the wind hits.
• Layers, layers, layers — T-shirts, long-sleeves, sweaters, and flannels you can mix and match.
• Comfortable walking shoes — SF is a walking city built on 50+ hills. Your cute but painful shoes will betray you on the Filbert Steps.
• A light scarf or neck gaiter — Surprisingly useful for waterfront wind and foggy evenings.
• Sunscreen — The fog tricks people into skipping this. Don’t. UV rays don’t care about Karl.
• Sunglasses — For those September/October glory days and any time the fog burns off.
• A small crossbody bag or daypack — To carry the layers you’ll inevitably take on and off throughout the day.
• Rain jacket or waterproof layer — Essential November through March, smart to have year-round.
• One nice outfit — For dinner at that restaurant you’ve been dying to try.
• A warm hat/beanie — For Ocean Beach, the Golden Gate Bridge, and foggy summer evenings.

Common Mistakes Tourists Make (and How to Avoid Them)

I share these with love and absolutely zero judgment, because I made every single one of these mistakes when I first moved here.

1. “It’s California, I’ll just pack shorts and sandals.” This is the number one mistake. SF’s average summer high is 65-68°F. Pack like you’re visiting San Francisco, not San Diego. They are extremely different cities, climate-wise (and in every other way, honestly).
2. Forgetting a jacket because the morning looks sunny. The weather at 10 AM has almost no correlation with the weather at 4 PM. I’ve watched fog roll in and drop the temperature 15 degrees in under an hour. Always have a jacket.
3. Wearing brand-new shoes. SF’s hills are relentless. That steep walk up from the Embarcadero to Coit Tower? That hike through the Presidio? Your feet will be talking to you. Break in your shoes before you visit.
4. Packing the same outfit for SF and Napa. If you’re combining SF with day trips to Napa, Sonoma, or inland California, pack separately for each. It can easily be 20-30 degrees warmer in wine country than in the city.
5. Not checking the weather for your specific neighborhood. Seriously. Check the weather for “Sunset District San Francisco” versus “Mission District San Francisco.” The difference will astound you. Microclimates are not a myth — they’re a daily reality.
6. Over-packing heavy winter clothes. On the flip side, SF doesn’t get that cold. You don’t need a ski jacket or heavy down coat. It rarely drops below 40°F. A good medium-weight jacket and layers will cover you all year.

Where to Buy Layers if You Forgot (No Judgment)

It happens to the best of us. Here are some quick spots to grab layers if you arrive unprepared:

• Patagonia (770 North Point St., near Fisherman’s Wharf) — Strategically located near where most tourists realize they need a jacket. Not cheap, but the quality is excellent and it’ll last you years.
• Uniqlo (865 Market St.) — Affordable, packable layers. Their Ultra Light Down jackets are perfect for SF.
• Target (multiple locations) — For budget-friendly layers in a pinch.
• Walgreens/CVS — In a true emergency, they sell cheap sweatshirts. Many tourists have walked this road before you.
• Thrift stores in the Haight — For a more uniquely-SF souvenir jacket. You might find a vintage fleece that becomes your favorite travel piece.

Quick-Reference Temperature Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a jacket in San Francisco in the summer?

Yes. Emphatically, unequivocally, absolutely yes. Summer in San Francisco (June through August) is the foggiest time of year, with average highs in the mid-to-upper 60s°F. The fog and wind make it feel even cooler, especially near the waterfront and in western neighborhoods. A windproof jacket is the single most important thing you can pack for a summer visit to SF.

What should I wear to walk across the Golden Gate Bridge?

Dress warmly, regardless of the season. The bridge is exposed to strong winds and fog coming through the Golden Gate strait. Expect temperatures 10-15°F cooler than downtown, with significant wind chill. Wear a windproof jacket, long pants, a scarf or neck gaiter, and comfortable shoes. Even on a sunny day, the wind on the bridge is intense.

Is San Francisco colder than Los Angeles?

Significantly. San Francisco’s average annual temperature is about 57°F, compared to LA’s approximately 66°F. In summer, the difference is even more dramatic: SF averages 65-68°F in July while LA averages 83-84°F. SF’s coastal fog and cold ocean currents keep temperatures much lower than what most people expect from a California city. Pack accordingly if you’re combining both cities in one trip.

When is the best weather in San Francisco?

September and October — SF locals call this “real summer” or Indian summer. The fog retreats, temperatures hit their annual peak (averaging 69-70°F, with occasional days in the 80s), and the city is at its most beautiful. If you want the warmest, sunniest SF experience, plan your trip for these months. April and May are also excellent, with mild temps and less fog.

Can I wear shorts in San Francisco?

You can, but pick your moments. Shorts are comfortable in the sunnier eastern neighborhoods (Mission, Castro, Potrero Hill) during September and October warm spells, or on the occasional warm day in April or May. For most of the year and in most neighborhoods — especially anywhere near the ocean, the Golden Gate Bridge, or in the fog zone — you’ll be more comfortable in long pants. When in doubt, opt for jeans and pack shorts as a backup.

San Francisco’s weather is weird, wonderful, and weirdly wonderful once you learn to dress for it. The city rewards you for being prepared — there’s nothing better than standing at Land’s End in your perfectly layered outfit, watching the fog roll under the Golden Gate Bridge, and feeling completely comfortable while the person next to you in a tank top is quietly rethinking their life choices.

Pack your layers, bring that jacket, and come enjoy the most beautifully bizarre weather city in America. See you out there.

For more help planning your trip, check out my 3-day San Francisco itinerary and deep dive into SF weather.