What to Wear in San Francisco
Mark Twain's coldest-winter-was-summer-in-SF quote is apocryphal but the climate is real. SF is famously chilly all year. The summer fog can drop temperatures into the 50s in July. The right SF wardrobe is built around layers, wind protection, and a heavier coat than any other California city.
Winter in San Francisco
December through February. 50-60°F days, 40-50°F nights. Frequent rain. A real winter coat, sweaters, water-resistant footwear. Often colder than tourists expect.
Spring in San Francisco
March through May. Similar to winter but drier. 55-65°F. Layered tops, jacket. The fog that defines SF summer starts arriving in May.
Summer in San Francisco
June through August. The famous SF summer. 60-70°F days, often foggy mornings and evenings. Sweaters, jackets, often pants instead of shorts. Tourists in shorts and t-shirts are easy to spot.
Fall in San Francisco
September through November. SF's warmest season — often called Indian Summer. 65-75°F, clearer skies, less fog. The best months.
Local tips
Layer aggressively. Always pack a sweater and a windbreaker, even in July. Microclimates are extreme — Mission can be 15°F warmer than Outer Sunset on the same day.