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 November
November in San Francisco marks the return of the Pacific Northwest's rainy season influence, with highs averaging 62°F and lows near 50°F and an increase in both rainfall and atmospheric drama as storm systems arrive from the Pacific. Medium-weight layers and a proper rain jacket are essential, and rain arrives on about 9 days. The Ferry Building Marketplace, the de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park, and the Mission District's vibrant restaurant scene provide excellent weather-resilient November experiences.
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 November conditions in San Francisco. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
November in San Francisco closes out the city's 'second summer' golden period and transitions toward winter rain — Pacific storm systems begin arriving with regularity, the microclimate differentials between neighborhoods become more pronounced as fog and rain create complex local weather patterns, and the city's world-class indoor culture (the de Young and SFMOMA leading the list) comes into seasonal focus. The Golden Gate Bridge and the Marin Headlands views are spectacular in the dramatic clouds-and-sun interplay that characterizes November Pacific weather. The San Francisco November wardrobe challenge is similar to October but with meaningful additional rainfall. Nine rainy days across the month means the city's famous 'just carry a jacket' culture needs upgrading to 'carry a proper rain jacket.' The microclimate dynamics are in full November force: the Sunset District near Ocean Beach and the Richmond neighborhood near Golden Gate Park regularly run 10°F colder and wetter than the Mission or SoMa, and the Bay-facing Ferry Building and Embarcadero remain windy and exposed in any weather. Pack a waterproof rain jacket — not just a DWR-treated fashion piece — and wear it over whatever layering system you've built for the 50°F lows.
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 November →
Other Months in San Francisco
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear in San Francisco in November?+
Layer medium-weight clothing under a waterproof rain jacket: a long-sleeve shirt or sweater with a fleece mid-layer for the 50°F lows, topped with a proper waterproof outer layer for the ~9 rainy days. San Francisco's microclimate means the same outfit experiences very different conditions in the Sunset vs. the Mission — always carry the rain jacket rather than leaving it at the hotel.
Is November a good time to visit San Francisco?+
November is a good time to visit San Francisco if you appreciate the city's dramatic fall weather character. The de Young Museum, SFMOMA, and the Ferry Building are excellent, the restaurant scene in the Mission and Hayes Valley is vibrant, and the city's fall light and cloud-and-sun weather patterns are genuinely beautiful. Proper rain gear makes the outdoor experience worthwhile.
What shoes are best for San Francisco in November?+
Waterproof boots or ankle boots with traction are ideal for November San Francisco. The city's steep hills become slippery with rain, the Embarcadero and Ferry Building area are exposed to Bay wind and wet conditions, and 9 rainy days make waterproofing a practical necessity. Cushioned soles handle the significant hill-climbing distances.
How cold does San Francisco get in November?+
November lows average around 50°F with highs near 62°F — cooler and wetter than the 'second summer' October period. Microclimate variation means the Sunset and Richmond neighborhoods regularly run 55°F when the Mission is 65°F. The Pacific storm systems bring genuine rain rather than light drizzle, and wind off the Bay amplifies the cold significantly.
What should I pack for San Francisco in November?+
Pack medium-weight layers — sweaters, a fleece, long-sleeve shirts — under a waterproof rain jacket with a hood. Add waterproof ankle boots with traction for the steep, wet streets and the Embarcadero's exposed conditions. A compact umbrella supplements the rain jacket. Layer for the significant microclimate variation and always have the rain layer accessible, not packed away.