6+ Easy Essentials for SF: San Francisco Perfect Packing Guide

Packing for a trip to San Francisco? Looking to plan the perfect outfits for foggy mornings, long days of uphill walking, and chilly evenings by the Bay? Your favorite, long-removed though frequently visiting, Bay Area local has rounded up her San Francisco packing essentials for your trip to Northern California.

So track down that rain jacket and we'll dive right in!

Cable car, San Francisco (SFC)

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Originally posted December, 2019. Updated July, 2024.

Packing for a trip to San Francisco?

Golden Gate Bridge (SFC)

A trip to San Francisco is a true treat and it's not just Union Square. Cable cars, Ghirardelli chocolate, fresh fish, stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, & world-class art is all at your finger tips in this phenomenal city (ok, ok, I'm from there, but it's still true!) The best way to experience San Francisco is on foot, from the minute you step out of your hotel room to when you drag your exhausted calves back into it. The misty, foggy, breezy City by the Bay has much to offer. Walk through Chinatown, explore Golden Gate Park, ride a cable car, or take a boat out to Alcatraz Island.

Packing for San Francisco is perhaps a less simple story. While you can certainly purchase anything your heart desires once you arrive in the City by the Bay, the generally unpredictable weather forecast does make packing in advance a bit of a headache. Even in summer months San Francisco's climate is chillier and more unpredictable than you might expect.


On top of the baseline unpredictable weather, there's a wide-spread misconception among the rest of the U.S., in which I now live (and maybe the world? Let me know your understanding!) that all of California shares the same weather. So if it's fog, clam chowder, and windbreakers that you're in the mood for, let's discuss some San Francisco outfit ideas!

Another shot of the Golden Gate Bridge...bit chillier!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the weather like in San Francisco?

By far the most common misunderstanding that I've experienced among non-Californians is a belief that "California is warm." Well, yes, Southern California is super warm. But there's quite a breeze off the Pacific Ocean in winter. It's no Boston, but if you're looking for sun-drenched beaches and bikini-clad models...San Francisco is not the place for you! California takes up almost an entire coast of the U.S., so naturally it is home to diverse climates and people.

The average temperature in San Fran in June is 67/53, so leave those beach flip flops, tank top, and tiny shorts at home! That said, the weather in San Francisco is generally what the rest of the country would call "nice," with low humidity, plenty of sunny days, and few "extreme" temperatures. Oh and did I mention they have fewer flying bugs than we do here in the Midwest? I mean, they couldn't have more...

You can expect a very dry summer, with rain chances almost too non-existent in the region and droughts all too common. But the maritime climate makes for misty, rainy winters. It doesn't snow, even in winter. Keep an eye on the forecast for unusual weather patterns. We had a washout once in May that shocked us all.

Can I wear the same clothes in San Francisco and LA?

No. As we've discussed, regardless of the time of year, the weather in the Bay Area is going to be significantly cooler and wetter than in LA, much further south. Beyond the weather, how you'll want to look in Fisherman's Wharf is going to differ pretty significantly from your ideal appearance on Rodeo Drive. Reusable items are your best friend, if you'll be visiting both of the major West Coast hot spots.

6+ Easy Essentials for SF: San Francisco Perfect Packing Guide

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
​Light Jacket

The one *essential* item you'll want for San Francisco is absolutely a light jacket. You likely won't ever need a heavy winter coat, either, but even in summer, you're going to want a light jacket in your suitcase. That persistent fog can vary the temperature greatly, and once that sun goes away, you could be looking at a 10 degree change in San Francisco weather in a matter of minutes.

A light windbreaker is ideal for rainy days or just windy ones. Much like the Brits, San Franciscans will trudge on through the mist and drizzle, and you should too. ​

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
​Sweatshirt (no hood please)

A crewneck sweatshirt, in addition to the light jacket, is my next San Francisco outfit essential. You can easily throw it over your shoulders if the day warms up, but trust me, you're going to thank me when you're prepared for a chilly midday boat ride in the June Gloom. Extra layers are the name of the game. 

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
​Scarf

Along with that light jacket/blazer, you're likely going to want to dress things up with a chunky (but not woodsy) scarf in fall or winter!

Piers & the Bay Bridge

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
​Lightweight sweaters

It's not Boston, so you don't want too many warm sweaters (if you've brought your jacket and sweatshirt), but a few tops and light sweaters should do just fine. In summer, obviously skip the sweaters in favor of t-shirts (no logos please!) and lightweight tops.

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
​Baseball Cap

The understated, dark baseball cap is the dark horse San Francisco essential you might not be expecting. Even when baseball caps aren't trending nationwide, they're a classic in SF. Leave the logos at home.

Lombard Street, San Francisco

San Francisco Outfit Essential:
Finding the Right Purse

As with many destinations, purse-wise, you can't be a basic Longchamp in my book. Foldable, squish-able, getting wet-able, & cute - the perfect combination! And while I don't want to sound critical of my hometown, in SF, as in any tourist destination, always be smart. Keep your purse with you and closed. I wouldn't carry around a big empty tote bag.

San Francisco Outfit Essential: Comfortable Walking Shoes

If there's any city in which you'll need your best walking shoes, it's absolutely San Francisco (for a walker's guide to SF, check out the San Francisco on Foot: A Self-Guided Walking Tour!)


In the state that gave birth to athleisure, those walking shoes are probably sneakers. With those steep hills doing a number on your calves, you'll thank me, and, of course, fit right in.

For a casual, yet still preppy, daytime look, I'm all-for loafers​. Though you're unlikely to encounter an actual dress code, if you'll be visiting nicer restaurants, be sure to bring some loafers or other non-sneaker everyday shoes. You won't see a ton of high, high heels, for obvious reasons.

On warmer days, sandals are fine (if you can walk in them up the hills), but I would avoid beach flip flops at all costs. They're incredibly uncomfortable for walking, your feet will get dirty, and they frankly aren't very tasteful.

San Francisco Outfit Essential: Perfect (Long) Pants

My mothers tells me that San Francisco locals have a number of nicknames for tourists who don't do their research like you, my savvy traveler, and show up to SF having packed exclusively the shortest shorts, only to find that the fog and temperature fluctuations make for much chillier conditions than the expected. For day-to-day walking around I'd pack a pair of dark blue jeans and some non-sweatpant joggers. You'll be comfortable and cozy on foggy days. Should you have warmer weather, some longer shorts are fine too.

​San Francisco Outfit Idea:
​All black scarf, blazer, & loafers

There's something very San Francisco about a black blazer and a thick, black scarf to top off a fully-black ensemble. Why not?

San Francisco Packing List [One Week]

• 1 pair of sneakers
• 1 pair of loafers
• 1 pair of sandals (NOT beach flip flops)
• A purse that zips
• 1 neutral belt
• 4 short-sleeved shirts/nice blouses
• 2 dresses
• 1 pair of jeans
• 1 pair of black pants/ joggers
• 1 pair of leggings
• 1 pair of long shorts
• 1 scarf
• Optional: Bathing suit and cover-up
• Small travel umbrella
• Light jacket
• 1 hoodless sweatshirt
• Travel set for return flight
• 7 pairs of socks, underwear, etc.
• Reusable water bottle
• Toiletry bag
• Medications
• Travel documents
• Chargers/converters/ear plugs

Thanks for stopping by!

'The Painted Ladies' (SFC)

Thank you so much, as always, for stopping by the blog for your travel tips. Whatever takes you to SF, be it work or pleasure, I know you'll have a wonderful time in the City by the Bay. I hope you devour some delicious sea food, get a great calf workout, indulge in some Ghirardelli, and enjoy San Francisco as much as we always do!

​Pack layers, prepare for any weather conditions, and don't forget that warm jacket and baseball cap xx


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• San Francisco on Foot in 2 Days
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