Most people pack shorts for a California summer and freeze in San Francisco. July highs here are just 66°F (19°C), fog rolls in off the ocean, and the warmest month is actually October at 72°F (22°C). Pack layers you can add and remove as you walk between neighborhoods, and shoes that can handle the hills.
San Francisco weather by month
Daily high and low (°F), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 57°F14°C | 57°F14°C | 57°F14°C | 61°F16°C | 64°F18°C | 64°F18°C | 66°F19°C | 70°F21°C | 70°F21°C | 72°F22°C | 63°F17°C | 57°F14°C |
| Low | 46°F8°C | 45°F7°C | 48°F9°C | 48°F9°C | 52°F11°C | 54°F12°C | 55°F13°C | 57°F14°C | 57°F14°C | 55°F13°C | 50°F10°C | 46°F8°C |
| Rain days | 10 | 11 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 57°F (14°C), lows of 45–46°F (7–8°C) and 10 to 11 rain days a month. This is the wet part of the year, so pack a rain shell and a warm mid layer. It doesn't get truly cold, and a sweater plus a jacket covers almost every day.
Spring
March–MayMarch is the wettest month with 14 rain days, then the rain nearly stops, with just 2 days in April and May. Highs climb from 57–64°F (14–18°C). Wind on the Golden Gate Bridge and at Ocean Beach makes it feel colder than the number.
Summer
June–AugustAlmost no rain, but highs only reach 64–70°F (18–21°C) and fog can sit over the Sunset and the Presidio all day. Bring a real jacket for evenings and the boat to Alcatraz. The Mission is often sunnier than the west side of the city.
Fall
September–NovemberThis is San Francisco's best weather. September and October hit 70–72°F (21–22°C) with 1 to 3 rain days, the warmest stretch of the year. November cools to 63°F (17°C) and the rain returns, with 8 days.
What to bring to San Francisco
0 of 23 packed- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The hills around North Beach and Russian Hill make shoes the most important thing you pack, and this light knit sneaker is built for all-day city walking in the dry months from April to October.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Same shoe in a women's fit, light enough for a full day of Lombard Street, the Embarcadero and the Mission, though the knit soaks through in winter rain.
November to March brings 8 to 14 rain days a month, and a shell that packs into its own pocket is easy to carry on days that start sunny and end wet.
A light waterproof shell in a women's fit that packs down small, easy to keep on you for the sudden showers between November and March.
- A warm wrapClothing
Foggy summer evenings at 54–57°F (12–14°C) catch out everyone in shorts, and this wool or cashmere wrap goes over a tee and packs into a corner of your bag.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
San Francisco is known for car break-ins, so keep your phone, cards and passport on you in a crossbody with a steel-wire strap and lockable zips instead of in the car.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
Maps, transit cards on your phone and photos from the hills drain a battery fast, and this one fits a pocket and plugs straight into a USB-C phone.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Visitors from the UK, Europe and Australia need a US plug, and this one adds five USB ports so the whole hotel room charges off one outlet.
Clothing
- Warm sweater or fleece · 2Summer highs only reach 18–19°C
- Light layering tops · 4
- Jeans or casual pants · 2
- Beanie and light scarfFog and wind at the Golden Gate
- Light T-shirts · 2October is warmest, 22°C high
Footwear
- Wool socks · 3 pairs
- Water-resistant shoesDec–Mar rain on steep streets
Gear
- Compact umbrellaMarch has 14 rain days
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenSun is strong even when it feels cool
- Lip balm
- Blister plastersThe hills add up
Documents and money
- Passport or photo ID
- Contactless card or transit appFor cable cars, Muni and BART
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for San Francisco?
The hills are the real story. Walking up from North Beach to Coit Tower or over Russian Hill and Nob Hill is steep, so wear cushioned sneakers with grip, not fashion flats. Between cable car stops and BART stations you'll walk more than you plan, and the right shoe pays off by day two.
What do people wear in San Francisco?
Layers, every day. Locals wear jeans, a tee, a light sweater and a jacket they can tie around their waist when the sun comes out in the Mission. Dress is casual almost everywhere, and a dark jacket covers you for a nicer dinner.
What plugs does San Francisco use?
San Francisco uses US type A and B sockets at 120V. Travelers from the UK, Europe and Australia need an adapter, and the universal adapter covers it. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 120V, but check hair dryers and straighteners.
Tours and things to do in San Francisco
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for San Francisco.
What should you leave at home for San Francisco?
Leave the heavy winter coat, lows rarely drop below 45°F (7°C). Skip the shorts-and-sandals wardrobe for a summer trip, since 66°F (19°C) and fog in July is normal. Cheap umbrellas are a waste here too, the wind on the hills flips them.
Around San Francisco
Packing for San Francisco: questions people ask
What should I wear in San Francisco in July?
Layers. Highs are only about 66°F (19°C) and fog is common, so bring jeans, a sweater and a jacket even if the rest of California is hot.
What is the warmest month in San Francisco?
October, with highs around 72°F (22°C). September is close behind at 70°F (21°C), and both months see only 1 to 3 rain days.
Does it rain much in San Francisco?
Mostly from November to March, with 8 to 14 rain days a month. April to October is close to dry, with 0 to 3 rain days.
What shoes should I bring to San Francisco?
Comfortable sneakers with grip. The hills around North Beach, Russian Hill and Nob Hill are steep, and you'll walk more than you think.
Do I need an adapter for San Francisco?
Only if you're coming from a country that doesn't use US plugs. The US uses type A and B at 120V, so UK, European and Australian travelers need an adapter.
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