What to Wear in San Francisco
Wednesday, March 18
What to wear
Based on 87°F and clear sky
top / Tank & Cami
tank top
breathable — lets heat escape in warm weather
bottom / Shorts
denim shorts
breathable fabric for high-heat days
lightweight linen pants for more coverage
footwear / Sandals
flat sandals
let feet breathe in the heat
white sneakers if you walk a lot
San Francisco's climate is unlike any other American city — cool and foggy in summer, mildest in fall, and consistently layered throughout the year. The famous fog that rolls in through the Golden Gate turns summer mornings in the Sunset and Outer Richmond into something that resembles an April morning in Seattle. July and August, when the rest of California bakes, average only 71°F in San Francisco — and feel cooler. Mark Twain's perhaps apocryphal quote about the coldest winter being a San Francisco summer isn't far off the mark. Fall is the city's secret best season: September and October bring the warmest and clearest weather of the year, often called "second summer." Winters bring the city's rainfall, mostly November through March, though temperatures rarely drop below the low 50s. San Francisco's style is built around the year-round reality of layering: a light jacket or cardigan is a daily essential in every season. The city has a quietly sophisticated fashion culture — expensive basics, interesting silhouettes, and a restrained confidence that treats trend cycles with healthy skepticism.
Curated Looks
No outfits found for this style. Try a different filter.
Plan Ahead by Month
See typical weather and outfit ideas for San Francisco in any month of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the weather like in San Francisco year-round?+
San Francisco has four seasons with meaningful variation. Summers reach highs around 73°F, while winters average around 57°F. San Francisco's climate is unlike any other American city — cool and foggy in summer, mildest in fall, and consistently layered throughout the year.
What to wear in San Francisco in summer?+
San Francisco summers average highs near 73°F. Comfortable warm-weather clothing in breathable fabrics works well. Plan for the transition between outdoor heat and heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces.
What to wear in San Francisco in winter?+
San Francisco winters average highs around 57°F. Light to mid-weight layering — a jacket, warm base, and comfortable boots — covers most winter days with room for colder evenings.
What should I pack for a trip to San Francisco?+
For San Francisco, the key is matching the season: summer visits call for lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Winter travel benefits from a solid jacket, layering pieces, and comfortable boots. Year-round, comfortable walking footwear is essential, and a compact umbrella or packable rain jacket is smart insurance in this frequently rainy city.