Planning a trip to San Francisco this fall? While much of the U.S. is bundling up, fall in San Francisco can feel like summer one minute and full-blown fog the next. From tech-savvy city style to unpredictable coastal breezes, this San Francisco fall packing list helps you navigate the layers, hills, and iconic landmarks like a local.
Weather Overview 🌡️
San Francisco’s fall (September–November) is often its warmest season—but don’t be fooled. Mornings are crisp, afternoons can be sunny, and evenings get chilly fast. Layers are non-negotiable.
- September: 13–22°C (56–72°F) – Sunny & mild
- October: 11–21°C (52–70°F) – Golden month, less fog
- November: 9–17°C (48–63°F) – Cooler, wetter
➡️ Pro tip: Karl the Fog is real—pack for wind, chill, and stairs.
What to Pack for San Francisco in Fall 🎒
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
Dressing Etiquette:
SF is fashionably casual—think layers, sneakers, and tech-friendly looks. You’ll blend in with practical chic: puffer vests, denim, hoodies, and stylish coats. Save glam for dinners in Nob Hill or cocktails in the Mission.
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
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
🧳 Carry-on suitcase – Compact, with wheels for hilly streets
🧳 Checked luggage – Optional unless staying long or shopping
🎒 Daypack or backpack – For day trips and tech
👜 Crossbody bag – City-safe and hands-free
🧼 Packing cubes – Keep layers organized
👟 Shoe bags – SF = walking city
💄 Makeup bag – Humidity-resistant products
🛁 Hanging toiletry bag – For compact bathrooms
📁 Document organizer – Tickets, transit passes, ID
🛍️ Collapsible tote – Farmers markets and bookstore runs
🧺 Laundry bag – Layers = more laundry
⚖️ Luggage scale – Budget flights = strict
🔒 Lock – For hostels or coworking spaces
🧢 Zipper pouch – Transit card, lip balm, coins
🧖 Quick-dry towel – For hostels or gym
💤 Neck pillow – For road trips to Napa
😴 Sleep mask – Light leaks in city stays
👗 Clothes
🧥 Lightweight jacket – Windproof for bay breezes
🧥 Denim jacket or blazer – SF style essential
🧥 Warm coat (1) – For November nights
👚 T-shirts / base layers (3–5) – Neutral colors work well
👕 Long-sleeve tops (2–3) – Great for layering
👖 Jeans (2–3) – Classic & comfy for hills
👖 Casual pants or leggings (1–2) – Airport, hikes, museums
👗 Dresses (1–2) – Pair with tights & boots
🧣 Sweaters / cardigans (2–3) – Chunky or cropped
🧘 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For Dolores Park yoga or hikes
🛌 Pajamas / loungewear – Warm enough for Airbnb drafts
🧤 Underwear (7+) – Always
👙 Bras (3–4) – Include wireless & sports
🧦 Socks (5+) – Wool-blends for comfort
🧤 Tights / leggings (1–2) – Add under skirts or dresses
💆 Skincare
🧼 Cleanser – Pollution-cleansing
🌸 Toner – Balancing for coastal air
🧴 Moisturizer – Lightweight for day, creamier for night
🌞 SPF moisturizer – Yes, even in fog
🧽 Makeup remover – Cleansing balm or wipes
🌿 Exfoliator – Once or twice a week
👁️ Eye cream – For dry, tired eyes
💦 Facial mist – Midday refresh
🧖 Sheet masks (1–2) – Self-care in the city
💄 Lip balm – Wind + city = dry lips
🩹 Spot treatment – For hormonal or travel breakouts
💄 Makeup
🧴 Tinted moisturizer or foundation – Dewy finish for SF glow
🖌️ Concealer – Tired eyes or blemishes
🌫️ Powder – Minimal for shine control
🌺 Blush – Add warmth
🌟 Highlighter – For foggy glow
👁️ Eyeshadow palette – Earthy tones for daytime looks
✒️ Eyeliner – Smudge-proof
👁️ Mascara – Waterproof for breezy corners
👁️ Brow pencil – Natural shape is in
💄 Lipstick or gloss – Mauve, berry, or warm nude
🖌️ Makeup brushes / sponge – Small set only
🌟 Setting spray – Long days in changing temps
💇 Hair
💇 Hairbrush / comb – Compact
🧷 Hair ties, clips – Wind + hills = frizz
🧴 Travel shampoo & conditioner – For soft city water
🧴 Dry shampoo – If skipping hotel hair dryers
🔥 Heat protectant spray – SF mornings need heat tools
🧴 Styling cream / oil – Smooth flyaways
💨 Travel blow dryer – Optional, most hotels provide
💇 Flat iron / curling wand – Optional for polished evenings
💧 Hair serum – Extra shine for foggy days
🎀 Accessories – Silk scarf, headbands
👠 Shoes & Accessories
👟 Sneakers – Must-have for all the hills
🥿 Flats or loafers – For art galleries, shopping
👢 Ankle boots – Cute and functional
🩴 Sandals – Only for warm September days
🧤 Gloves – For windy Golden Gate walks
🧣 Scarf (1–2) – Wool, cotton, or silk
🎩 Beanie or beret – Stylish and warm
🕶️ Sunglasses – Sun breaks through the fog
⌚ Watch – Helpful for transit hopping
💍 Jewelry – Simple gold or artsy pieces
👜 Day purse – Crossbody for safety
☔ Compact umbrella – SF drizzle happens
🧾 Documents & Essentials
🛂 ID or passport – Needed for flights
📄 Copy of ID – Just in case
🪪 Driver’s license – For car rentals to Napa or Muir Woods
📃 Travel insurance – Always smart
📲 Transit pass (Clipper card) – Load it for MUNI/BART
🏨 Hotel/Airbnb confirmations – Printed + saved
🚗 Rental car info – For day trips
🎟️ Tour tickets – Alcatraz, museums, concerts
🗺️ Offline maps – SF hills can kill phone battery
💳 Credit/debit cards – Apple Pay is widely accepted
💵 Cash – Small bills for tips, coffee, etc.
📇 Emergency contacts – Paper & digital
🖊️ Pen & small notebook – SF is a journaling city
📘 Local guidebook – Hidden staircases, murals, eats
🔑 House keys – Keep safe
👛 RFID wallet – Protect your cards
🩹 First Aid
🩹 Bandaids – For those new-hill-walking blisters
🧴 Antibiotic ointment – For scrapes
🧻 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands or wounds
🩺 Gauze pads + tape – Optional
✂️ Mini scissors – Travel-safe
🦶 Blister pads – Just do it
🌡️ Thermometer – Optional
✂️ Tweezers – For splinters
💊 Health & Hygiene
💊 Prescription meds – Bring enough
💊 Pain relievers – Fog headaches are real
🤧 Allergy meds – City pollen or pets
💊 Motion sickness – For twisty roads to Marin
💊 Stomach meds – For food truck adventures
💊 Vitamins – Travel immunity
🩸 Feminine hygiene – Tampons/pads may differ in availability
🧴 Hand sanitizer – Public transit essential
🧻 Disinfecting wipes – Clean your Uber seatbelt
🦟 Bug spray – Rarely needed
💊 Birth control – Bring your brand
👁️ Eye drops – For windy days
🪞 Mirror – For makeup in shared spaces
🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Travel-sized
🧴 Mouthwash + floss – Keep it fresh
🧴 Body wash – Hotels may offer
🧴 Deodorant – Always
🪒 Razor + cream – For sleeveless moments
💅 Nail file / clippers – Chip-proof nails
🌸 Travel perfume – Roll-on
🧻 Pocket tissues – Public restrooms aren’t perfect
📱 Tech & Electronics
📱 Phone + charger – Obvious, but crucial
💻 Laptop or tablet – Optional, but SF = startup central
📸 Camera – City skyline, murals, fog shots
🔋 Power bank – Long days exploring = dead phone
🔌 Charging cords – Extra for backup
🔊 Bluetooth speaker – For your Airbnb
🔌 Adapter – Not needed if you’re from the US
📶 SIM or hotspot – Optional if U.S.-based
📖 Kindle – For Dolores Park reading
🎧 Headphones – For cable car rides or walks
🎧 Entertainment
📚 Books / e-reader – SF is full of bookstores
🎬 Downloaded shows – Hotel downtime
🎧 Podcasts – True crime in a foggy city hits different
📓 Travel journal – Document your adventures
🃏 Card games – If you’re traveling with friends
📰 Zines or local papers – Discover hidden gems
🎒 Extras
🥜 Snacks / protein bars – Keep one on hand
💧 Reusable water bottle – SF = eco-conscious
🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Say no to plastic
🧼 Travel laundry detergent – Handwash layers
🧵 Sewing kit – Wardrobe mishaps happen
📢 Safety whistle – If solo traveling
🧼 Lint roller – For city grit
🦶 Footrest pillow – For your flight
👟 Shoe deodorizer – Rainy-day sneakers = funk
💤 Sleep aid – Time zone adjustment
✈️ Travel Tips
✔️ Always bring layers—you’ll use them all in one day
✔️ Download the BART and MUNI apps
✔️ Uber is everywhere, but cable cars are iconic
✔️ Avoid driving/parking if staying in the city
✔️ Walk a lot—SF is small but hilly
✔️ Wear sunscreen, even in fog
🛂 Visa Tips
📝 U.S. citizens don’t need visas
📸 Always carry ID for tours or car rentals
🚙 Consider a valid driver’s license if heading to wine country
🧳 Don’t forget travel insurance for hikes & gear
✅ Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
🧥 Layer-friendly jacket
👟 Comfortable walking shoes
🕶️ Sunglasses
🛍️ Transit card or app
📱 Phone + charger
💳 Cards + backup cash
🎒 Daypack
🧴 SPF + lip balm
📘 Itinerary with offline maps
👍 Good-to-Have Items
💧 Hydration packets
🎧 Noise-canceling earbuds
😴 Sleep mask
🛌 Blanket scarf or travel wrap
🧼 Stain remover pen
☔ Compact umbrella
📶 eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi
🛍️ Extra tote for books & souvenirs
📸 Wide-angle phone lens for cityscapes
