San Francisco, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to San Francisco, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to San Francisco, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to San Francisco
- Important essentials for San Francisco
- Activities for San Francisco
- San Francisco in January: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in February: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in March: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in April: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in May: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in June: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in July: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in August: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in September: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in October: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in November: weather and what to pack
- San Francisco in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to San Francisco, California, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in San Francisco, the best time to go is September. See below for details.
Important essentials for San Francisco, California, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in San Francisco, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear out. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
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Luggage protection
Theft can be a problem, so lock your luggage. We recommend this lock.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most locations, but check with your hotel.
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in San Francisco. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for San Francisco, California, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in San Francisco can be chilly and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) to high 50s F (mid 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Standard footwear
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Extra socks
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Pants or jeans
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Dresses
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Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
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Light jacket or fleece
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A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
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100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
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Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We suggest:
February
In February, San Francisco is relatively cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) and about half of the time jump into the low 60s F (mid 10s C) range. At night, lows are in the high 40s F (single digits C). This is also a rainy time for San Francisco, with several of the days of the month having rain. In February, humidity reaches as high as 70%.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in a storm.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
March
March in San Francisco is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly. But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
April
April here is crisp. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
May
If you vacation in San Francisco during May, you are likely to find that it is relatively cool and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Dresses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
June
If you go to San Francisco in June, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
July
Traveling to San Francisco in July, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
August
If you visit San Francisco during August, you may find that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
September
Traveling to San Francisco in September, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
October
If you are traveling to San Francisco in October, you will notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
November
If you visit San Francisco during November, you are likely to find that it is chilly. Temperatures tend to hover around the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
December
December here is cool and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
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