Business Casual
Navy Trench and Shorts
A navy trench coat over khaki bermuda shorts and a blue linen blouse works between seasons on a mild rainy day. Black pointed-toe heels sharpen what could easily be too casual.
What to Wear in San Francisco in February
February in San Francisco is cool, frequently overcast, and rainy — one of the city's wetter months, with highs around 60°F and lows near 48°F. About 10 days of precipitation are expected. Layer a waterproof jacket over warm mid-layers and wear waterproof shoes for navigating the hilly neighborhoods and Embarcadero waterfront.
What to wear
top / Long-Sleeve Top
fitted long-sleeve
lightweight layer for mild temps
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Rain Jacket
shell jacket
waterproof or DWR-treated — keep it packable
Consider bringing:
Umbrella
Based on typical February conditions in San Francisco. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
February sits squarely in San Francisco's rainy season, and the city's topography makes rain feel more consequential here than in flatter places. Walking from the Ferry Building along the Embarcadero up through North Beach to Coit Tower means ascending steep streets that turn into minor streams during a good rain, and the wind off the Bay on the waterfront can make a 55°F afternoon feel much colder. The city is beautiful in the rain — Alamo Square's Victorian houses against a cloudy sky have their own appeal, and the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences are warm indoor escapes for the inevitable rainy afternoon — but visitors who arrive underprepared spend a lot of February cold and damp. San Francisco in February operates at its most local and unhurried, with none of the summer tourist intensity at Fisherman's Wharf or the Painted Ladies. Restaurants in the Mission, Hayes Valley, and the Castro are easy to get into, and the Golden Gate Bridge viewpoints from the Marin Headlands are dramatically scenic through February mist. The wardrobe priority here is less about cold protection than about waterproofing — a properly waterproof shell over a warm fleece mid-layer handles the full February range. Flat waterproof shoes or ankle boots are essential for the city's steep hills, where stylish but non-waterproof footwear fails both functionally and physically on wet inclines.
Curated Looks
Casual
Olive Anorak Trousers
An olive anorak handles mild rain without abandoning the polish of wide-leg navy trousers underneath. The crossbody stays tucked and close.
Chic
Cream Puffer Wide-Leg
A cream oversized puffer over a navy striped cardigan and wide-leg ivory linen trousers handles mild rain with a considered mix of textures. Black ballet flats are the restrained finish.
Cozy
Parka Cable Knit Mules
A black longline parka over a cable knit sweater in mild rain keeps warmth without overdressing. Black mule heels under leggings are an unexpected and intentional detail.
Cute
Blush Jacket Knit Skirt
A blush cropped jacket over a grey cardigan and black sweater mini skirt handles mild rain with charm. A black bucket bag and ankle boots keep the proportions balanced.
Formal
Grey Coat Wide-Leg
A grey longline coat over an ivory blouse and black wide-leg trousers handles mild rain without losing formal intent. Black Chelsea boots and a mini bag keep it focused.
Sporty
Cargo Rain Jacket
A black rain jacket over an oversized graphic tee and olive cargo trousers handles mild rain practically. White lace-up booties finish the look with enough contrast to lift the palette.
Packing List
What to Pack for San Francisco in February →
Other Months in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in San Francisco in February?+
A waterproof jacket over a warm fleece or mid-layer covers most of February's conditions. Temperatures range from 48°F to 60°F, and with around 10 rainy days, staying dry is the primary challenge. Flat, waterproof shoes with grip are important for the city's steep, wet hills.
Is February a good time to visit San Francisco?+
It's a quieter, more local experience of the city — fewer tourists, easier restaurant access, and the city's indoor cultural life (de Young Museum, SFMOMA, the California Academy of Sciences) is fully active. Rain is frequent, but the city is beautiful under grey skies if you're dressed for it.
What shoes are best for San Francisco in February?+
Flat waterproof shoes or waterproof ankle boots with non-slip soles are essential. San Francisco's steep hills become treacherous in wet weather, and both heeled styles and non-waterproof leather shoes perform poorly on rain-slicked inclines. Grip and waterproofing are the two non-negotiables.
How cold and rainy is San Francisco in February?+
Highs average around 60°F and lows near 48°F, with approximately 10 rainy days. The Bay Area's marine layer and wind can make temperatures feel colder than the numbers suggest, especially along the Embarcadero, the Golden Gate, and any exposed hilltop viewpoint.
What should I pack for a February trip to San Francisco?+
Pack a waterproof rain jacket (critical, not optional), a warm fleece or mid-layer, waterproof flat shoes or ankle boots with grip, and warm socks. Layers you can remove in heated restaurants are useful — the temperature gap between damp outdoor air and well-heated San Francisco restaurants is significant.