What to Pack for San Francisco, Month by Month

Our weather includes micro climates and Karl the Fog. Here's what to pack, so you don't have to buy a sweatshirt down at Fishermans Wharf.

Updated on 10/26/2026

San Francisco has a mild marine climate with small seasonal swings. Average highs run from about 58°F (14°C) in winter to about 70°F (21°C) in September, and neighborhoods a few blocks apart can feel ten degrees different. Layers work in every month. Fog tends to be most noticeable in summer, so a July visitor often needs a jacket more than a December visitor does.

Average temperature and rainfall by month

Month	Avg high (°F)	Avg low (°F)	Avg rain (in)	Days with rain (0.01 in or more)
January	57.8	46.6	4.40	11.2
February	60.4	47.9	4.37	10.8
March	62.1	48.9	3.15	10.8
April	63.0	49.7	1.60	6.8
May	64.1	51.4	0.70	4.0
June	66.5	53.0	0.20	1.6
July	66.3	54.4	0.01	0.7
August	67.9	55.5	0.06	1.1
September	70.2	55.6	0.10	1.2
October	69.8	54.4	0.94	3.5
November	63.7	50.7	2.60	7.9
December	57.9	47.0	4.76	11.6

Source: NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals, San Francisco Downtown station. Averages describe typical conditions, not a forecast.

What to pack by season

Winter (December to February): Highs near 58 to 60°F and the wettest months (4 to 5 inches of rain a month). Pack a waterproof jacket and shoes that handle wet sidewalks and hills. Best for visitors who prefer fewer crowds and do not mind a rain day.

Spring (March to May): Highs 62 to 64°F, with rain tapering off from March to May. Pack a light waterproof layer and a sweater. Suits visitors who want mild days and some flexibility to swap outdoor plans.

Summer (June to August): Highs 66 to 68°F with almost no rain, but cooler, breezier and often foggy near the water. Pack a warm layer and a windbreaker even if you plan to stay in sunnier neighborhoods. Visitors expecting beach weather should adjust expectations.

Fall (September to November): September and October are the warmest months (average highs near 70°F) and rain returns in late October and November. Pack short sleeves plus a light jacket for evenings. Best for visitors who want the warmest, driest outdoor days.