December Packing List for San Francisco — What to Wear & Bring

Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

• Waterproof trench coat or insulated rain jacketEssential

  December is San Francisco's rainiest month at 11 precipitation days — tied with January — and a waterproof coat is the most important item in the bag for navigating the Embarcadero holiday market, Union Square shopping, and the Mission District's outdoor patios.

• Mid-weight sweaters (2–3)Essential

  SF's December high of 57°F with Bay wind chill at the Embarcadero makes mid-weight sweaters the essential layering core — the 11°F daily swing from 46°F to 57°F is modest, and the temperature stays cold enough for sweaters throughout the entire day.

• Long-sleeve thermal or heavier knit topsEssential

  46°F December mornings in San Francisco — particularly at the Ferry Building Farmers Market and the Embarcadero waterfront — are the coldest of the year: heavier long-sleeve tops or light thermal tops under a sweater provide necessary base warmth.

• Mid-weight lined jeans or wool trousersEssential

  December rain and 46°F lows make lined or mid-weight trousers a significant comfort upgrade over standard denim — the steep wet sidewalks of the Castro and the cold, rain-soaked outdoor spaces of the Civic Center area are most comfortable in warmer bottom layers.

• Waterproof flat ankle bootsEssential

  December's 11 rainy days — SF's wettest month — and the city's steep terrain make waterproof flat ankle boots the single most essential footwear item: they handle the wet Castro hill climbs, the rain-soaked Embarcadero waterfront, and the Union Square holiday shopping streets.

• Waterproof sneakers for drier daysEssential

  On San Francisco's 20 dry December days, waterproof sneakers handle the fog-damp streets and minor rain events while providing the flat-sole stability essential for hill navigation throughout the city.

• Windproof scarfEssential

  December Bay wind at Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, and the Ferry Building waterfront drops the effective temperature to around 46–48°F even when the thermometer reads 57°F — a windproof scarf is the most impactful warmth accessory for SF's cold December waterfront visits.

• Compact travel umbrellaEssential

  December's 11 rainy days — the most of any month in San Francisco — make a quality compact wind-resistant umbrella the essential daily carry for outdoor navigation in Union Square, the Embarcadero, and the Mission neighborhood.

• Waterproof crossbody bagEssential

  SF's December rain and hill-climbing reality make a waterproof crossbody the practical bag of choice — hands-free for steep wet inclines and rain-resistant for the 11 wet days that define the city's wettest month.

• Packable waterproof rain jacketEssential

  December's 11 rainy days include multi-day atmospheric river events — a packable waterproof shell provides full weather coverage for outdoor activities at the Presidio holiday events, Ocean Beach walks, and the Golden Gate Park paths.

Clothing

• Waterproof trench coat or insulated rain jacketEssential

  December is San Francisco's rainiest month at 11 precipitation days — tied with January — and a waterproof coat is the most important item in the bag for navigating the Embarcadero holiday market, Union Square shopping, and the Mission District's outdoor patios.

• Mid-weight sweaters (2–3)Essential

  SF's December high of 57°F with Bay wind chill at the Embarcadero makes mid-weight sweaters the essential layering core — the 11°F daily swing from 46°F to 57°F is modest, and the temperature stays cold enough for sweaters throughout the entire day.

• Long-sleeve thermal or heavier knit topsEssential

  46°F December mornings in San Francisco — particularly at the Ferry Building Farmers Market and the Embarcadero waterfront — are the coldest of the year: heavier long-sleeve tops or light thermal tops under a sweater provide necessary base warmth.

• Mid-weight lined jeans or wool trousersEssential

  December rain and 46°F lows make lined or mid-weight trousers a significant comfort upgrade over standard denim — the steep wet sidewalks of the Castro and the cold, rain-soaked outdoor spaces of the Civic Center area are most comfortable in warmer bottom layers.

• Festive or polished outfit for holiday eventsRecommended

  December is San Francisco's most socially active month — the SFMOMA holiday events, Union Square Christmas tree lighting, the SF Ballet's Nutcracker performances at War Memorial Opera House, and restaurant holiday parties all call for one elevated outfit worn under a waterproof coat.

Footwear

• Waterproof flat ankle bootsEssential

  December's 11 rainy days — SF's wettest month — and the city's steep terrain make waterproof flat ankle boots the single most essential footwear item: they handle the wet Castro hill climbs, the rain-soaked Embarcadero waterfront, and the Union Square holiday shopping streets.

• Waterproof sneakers for drier daysEssential

  On San Francisco's 20 dry December days, waterproof sneakers handle the fog-damp streets and minor rain events while providing the flat-sole stability essential for hill navigation throughout the city.

• Warm lined booties or dress shoes for holiday eventsRecommended

  SF's December holiday events — the SF Ballet, the SF Symphony, holiday parties in SoMa — require footwear that works for polished indoor occasions while handling the cold, potentially wet walk from the parking structure or BART station.

• Tall rain boots for storm daysOptional

  December atmospheric river events in San Francisco — the multi-day heavy rain systems the Bay Area receives from the Pacific — create conditions on Market Street and in the Tenderloin where tall rain boots provide full-leg coverage for the heaviest precipitation.

Accessories

• Windproof scarfEssential

  December Bay wind at Fisherman's Wharf, the Embarcadero, and the Ferry Building waterfront drops the effective temperature to around 46–48°F even when the thermometer reads 57°F — a windproof scarf is the most impactful warmth accessory for SF's cold December waterfront visits.

• Compact travel umbrellaEssential

  December's 11 rainy days — the most of any month in San Francisco — make a quality compact wind-resistant umbrella the essential daily carry for outdoor navigation in Union Square, the Embarcadero, and the Mission neighborhood.

• Light glovesRecommended

  46°F December mornings with Bay wind at the Ferry Building Farmers Market and the Embarcadero make hand coverage worthwhile — lightweight gloves add meaningful warmth for the cold outdoor morning activities that December in SF involves.

• Waterproof crossbody bagEssential

  SF's December rain and hill-climbing reality make a waterproof crossbody the practical bag of choice — hands-free for steep wet inclines and rain-resistant for the 11 wet days that define the city's wettest month.

Gear

• Packable waterproof rain jacketEssential

  December's 11 rainy days include multi-day atmospheric river events — a packable waterproof shell provides full weather coverage for outdoor activities at the Presidio holiday events, Ocean Beach walks, and the Golden Gate Park paths.

• Insulated reusable water bottleRecommended

  December's indoor heating and cold outdoor air create mild dehydration conditions in SF — staying hydrated during the holiday shopping circuits through Union Square, Hayes Valley, and the Mission is important even in cold weather.

• Intensive hand cream and lip balmRecommended

  December's alternating rain and cold Bay wind creates the year's most aggressive skin-dehydrating conditions in San Francisco — daily intensive hand cream and protective lip balm prevent the cracking and discomfort of the city's coldest, wettest month.

• Reusable tote for holiday market shoppingRecommended

  California's plastic bag ban is in full effect during December holiday shopping — a quality reusable tote handles the Ferry Building holiday market, the Mission boutique shopping, and the Union Square gift store purchases without requiring single-use bags.