San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

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Ready to pack for San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America? If you're planning to go to San Francisco International Airport, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

  1. When to go to San Francisco International Airport
  2. Important essentials for San Francisco International Airport
  3. Activities for San Francisco International Airport
  4. San Francisco International Airport in January: weather and what to pack
  5. San Francisco International Airport in February: weather and what to pack
  6. San Francisco International Airport in March: weather and what to pack
  7. San Francisco International Airport in April: weather and what to pack
  8. San Francisco International Airport in May: weather and what to pack
  9. San Francisco International Airport in June: weather and what to pack
  10. San Francisco International Airport in July: weather and what to pack
  11. San Francisco International Airport in August: weather and what to pack
  12. San Francisco International Airport in September: weather and what to pack
  13. San Francisco International Airport in October: weather and what to pack
  14. San Francisco International Airport in November: weather and what to pack
  15. San Francisco International Airport in December: weather and what to pack

When to go to San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in San Francisco International Airport, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America by month

January

January in San Francisco International Airport is crisp and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to choose the right kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

February

If you go to San Francisco International Airport in February, you will notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you pick the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are just plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

March

If you visit San Francisco International Airport during March, you might notice that it is chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (mid 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 40s F (single digits C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most places.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

April

April is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the right type. Most adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

May

If you are traveling to San Francisco International Airport in May, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most locations.

June

If you visit San Francisco International Airport during June, you may find that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July for San Francisco International Airport is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters on sale are simply plugs and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most locations.

August

If you are traveling to San Francisco International Airport in August, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the correct type. The majority of adapters on sale are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

September

September for San Francisco International Airport is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to pick the right kind. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

October

If you visit San Francisco International Airport during October, you will probably see that it is mild and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally around 60 during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health

  • Travel first aid kit

    This one is a excellent option.

  • Hand sanitizer

    This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry plane-friendly product.

  • Emergency motion sickness relief

  • Travel disinfecting wipes

    Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.

Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. Most adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

November

If you vacation in San Francisco International Airport during November, you might find that it is crisp. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 40s F (single digits 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:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to get the right type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

December here can be chilly and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in San Francisco International Airport. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are just plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most locations.

What to do in San Francisco International Airport, California, United States of America

San Francisco International Airport, located in San Mateo County, California, is one of the largest airports in the United States. In addition to its primary function as a transportation hub, SFO offers several unique attractions that make it a tourist destination in its own right. Here are some of the top tourist attractions at San Francisco International Airport:

1. The Aviation Museum and Library: The Aviation Museum and Library is a free exhibit located in the International Terminal, showcasing the history of aviation and California's aviation industry. The museum features exhibits on the Wright Brothers, Charles Lindbergh, and other aviation pioneers, as well as displays on commercial aviation, space travel, and military aviation.

2. The SFO Museum: SFO is home to one of the few accredited museum programs in the country that is entirely dedicated to exhibiting aviation-related artifacts and art. The airport's museum program presents a rotating selection of exhibits across various terminals – many of which are free and open to the public.

3. The Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum: Located in the United Airlines Terminal, the Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum showcases a collection of vintage planes, engines, and other aviation artifacts. Admission to the museum is free and visitors can experience interactive displays and presentations.

4. The Berman Reflection Room: One of SFO's hidden gems, the Berman Reflection Room is located in Terminal 1, and is a unique, meditative space. Designed to be a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of an airport, the room features a beautiful, stained-glass window and a serene pool of water that reflect the light and create a calm atmosphere.

5. The AirTrain: Getting around SFO has never been easier, with the AirTrain, a free, automated people-mover system that operates 24/7, connecting all terminals, parking garages, and the rental car facility. While the AirTrain is primarily a transportation service, it also offers a bird's-eye view of the airport and the surrounding Bay Area.

6. The world's largest indoor sculpture: 'Reflection', a huge mirror-like installation in the Terminal 2, is the world's largest indoor sculpture, designed by Colombian artist, Felipe Mujica. The sculpture which is made up of more than 1,000 pieces of foil, has a reflective surface on both sides and stretches the length of the Terminal.

In conclusion, San Francisco International Airport is more than just an airport – it's a destination in itself. From its aviation history exhibits to its unique, meditative spaces and the world's largest indoor sculpture, SFO offers an array of attractions that give visitors a glimpse of the region's culture and history. So, the next time you find yourself transiting through SFO, be sure to give yourself some extra time so you can explore all that this fascinating airport has to offer.

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.

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