What to Pack for San Francisco in August: The Ultimate SF Packing List for Foggy Summer Days ☁️
Planning a trip to San Francisco in August? Here’s your guide to packing for this famously foggy city, where summer doesn’t mean heat — and layering is everything.
Weather Overview 🌡️
Expect mild temps and microclimates.
In August, San Francisco rarely gets hot — think daytime highs around 18-20°C and evening lows in 10–13°C. While the rest of California sizzles, SF is often wrapped in fog (nicknamed Karl by locals). Prepare for breezy days, cloudy skies, and the occasional golden-hour sunshine in neighborhoods like the Mission.
What to Pack for San Francisco in August 🎒
Dress code: Layer like a local.
Forget typical summer attire — you’ll need layers, closed-toe shoes, and something warm for evenings. Stylish yet practical wins here: think comfy chic with light jackets, scarves, and weatherproof gear.
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
✅ Full San Francisco Packing List for August
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
- 🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Durable and light for hilly sidewalks.
- 🎒 Lightweight backpack or tote – Perfect for day trips to Alcatraz or Golden Gate Park.
- 🧼 Packing cubes – Keep your layers and tech tidy.
- 👜 Collapsible tote – For groceries at Ferry Building or souvenirs from Haight-Ashbury.
- 🧺 Laundry bag – City fog = damp clothes.
- 🔐 Small lock – For hostels or hotel safes.
- 📏 Luggage scale – Budget airlines flying out of SFO can be strict.
- 🧼 Waterproof toiletry bag – Foggy mornings = wet counters.
- 💤 Sleep mask – Early sunlight if you’re staying east-facing.
- 🛏️ Inflatable neck pillow – For long drives to Napa or Monterey.
👗 Clothes
- 👕 T-shirts (3–4) – Great for sunny pockets like Dolores Park.
- 👚 Long-sleeve tops (2–3) – Lightweight but warm.
- 🧥 Lightweight jacket (1) – Windproof or trench for coastal chills.
- 🧥 Fleece or hoodie (1) – Warm, soft, and SF-essential.
- 🧣 Scarf (1) – Stylish and shields from the wind.
- 🧵 Blazer or casual jacket (1) – For dinner or museums.
- 👖 Jeans (2) – SF uniform. Day or night, always in style.
- 👖 Casual pants (1) – Chinos, cargos, or travel joggers.
- 👗 Dresses / jumpsuits (1–2) – With tights or jacket for evening.
- 🩳 Shorts (1) – Only if you’re planning to explore inland (like Berkeley or wine country).
- 🧦 Socks (5+) – Fog = damp sidewalks.
- 👙 Swimsuit (1) – For hot tubs or day trips to Sausalito.
- 🧥 Rain shell (optional) – Rare, but mist happens.
💆 Skincare
- 🧴 Cleanser – For city grime.
- ☀️ Moisturizer – Wind can dry skin fast.
- 🌞 Sunscreen – Even in fog, UV rays get through.
- 👄 Lip balm – Fog-chapped lips are real.
- 🧖 Facial mist – Refreshing on a long day exploring.
💄 Makeup
- 💧 BB cream – Light coverage and hydration.
- 👁️ Eyeliner – SF loves bold eye looks.
- 💄 Lipstick – Choose long-wear shades for foodie adventures.
- 💨 Setting spray – For long days out in unpredictable weather.
💇 Hair
- 💆 Dry shampoo – City hair-saver between washes.
- 🧴 Leave-in conditioner – Counteracts moisture.
- 💇 Travel brush + hair ties – SF is breezy.
- 🌬️ Mini flat iron – Tame frizz after a foggy morning.
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Sneakers – Comfy for hilly walks (seriously!).
- 👢 Ankle boots – Stylish & fog-resistant.
- 🥿 Flats – For dressier dinners in the Mission or North Beach.
- 👓 Sunglasses – Golden hour is strong when it breaks through.
- 👜 Crossbody bag – Hands-free & pickpocket-safe.
- 🌂 Compact umbrella – Optional, but could be handy.
- 🧢 Cap or wide-brim hat – For rare sunny moments.
- 🧤 Gloves (optional) – Thin ones for cold mornings if you’re sensitive.
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport / ID
- 💳 Credit & debit cards
- 💵 Cash (some local spots are cash-only)
- 📱 Printed itinerary & hotel confirmation
- 🗺️ Offline maps (some areas have poor cell reception)
- ✍️ Emergency contact list
- 🔑 House keys
- 🧳 Travel insurance info
🩹 First Aid
- 💊 Painkillers – For jet lag or hill-induced soreness.
- 💉 Band-aids – For minor blisters from walking.
- 🧼 Antiseptic wipes – City grime = wash often.
- 👣 Blister pads – Those hills are real.
💊 Health & Hygiene
- 🧴 Hand sanitizer – Public transport essential.
- 🩸 Feminine hygiene products – Harder to find in local corner stores.
- 😷 Face masks – Still common in public transport.
- 🦷 Toothbrush & toothpaste
- 🧴 Body wash
- 💅 Nail clippers + tweezers
📱 Tech & Electronics
- 📱 Phone + charger
- 🔌 Power bank – You’ll be out all day.
- 📸 Camera – SF is photogenic!
- 🔌 Universal adapter (if international)
- 🎧 Headphones – Perfect for BART rides.
- 📚 E-reader – Great for foggy coffee shop mornings.
🎧 Entertainment
- 🎵 Music playlists or podcasts – For long walks across the Golden Gate.
- 📚 Book or e-book – Lazy brunch reads.
- 🎮 Travel games or journal – Ideal for downtime.
🎒 Extras
- 🥤 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated on the go.
- 🧺 Travel detergent – In case fog makes clothes damp.
- 🧂 Travel-size lint roller – That coastal breeze = linty jackets.
- 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Just in case.
- 🍫 Snacks – Fuel for epic stair climbs or ocean strolls.
✈️ Travel Tips
- ✅ Always bring a layer — weather changes hourly.
- ✅ Leave the shorts and flip-flops at home unless you’re heading inland.
- ✅ Wear closed-toe shoes for hilly exploring.
- ✅ Bring a reusable bag — SF charges for paper/plastic.
🛂 Visa Tips
- 🛃 U.S. visa (if needed) – Print & digital copy
- 🖼️ Bring a passport photo – Optional, but smart
- 🧾 Proof of hotel / return flights – U.S. immigration may ask
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth SF Trip
- 🛂 Passport / ID
- 📱 Phone + charger
- 💳 Emergency cash
- 🧴 Sunscreen & lip balm
- 🧥 Warm layer
- 🥤 Water bottle
- 🗺️ Offline maps
- 🎒 Day bag
👍 Good-to-Have Extras
- 💤 Sleep mask
- 🧴 Dry shampoo
- 📚 Book or journal
- 🌂 Small umbrella
- 📸 Instant camera for foggy Golden Gate pics
