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 π‘οΈ
San Francisco’s fall (SeptemberβNovember) is often its warmest seasonβbut donβt be fooled. Mornings are crisp, afternoons can be sunny, and evenings get chilly fast. Layers are non-negotiable.
- September: 13β22Β°C (56β72Β°F) β Sunny & mild
- October: 11β21Β°C (52β70Β°F) β Golden month, less fog
- November: 9β17Β°C (48β63Β°F) β Cooler, wetter
β‘οΈ Pro tip: Karl the Fog is realβpack for wind, chill, and stairs.
What to Pack for San Francisco in Fall π
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Hereβs 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 casualβthink layers, sneakers, and tech-friendly looks. Youβll blend in with practical chic: puffer vests, denim, hoodies, and stylish coats. Save glam for dinners in Nob Hill or cocktails in the Mission.
𧳠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
𧳠Carry-on suitcase β Compact, with wheels for hilly streets
𧳠Checked luggage β Optional unless staying long or shopping
π Daypack or backpack β For day trips and tech
π Crossbody bag β City-safe and hands-free
π§Ό Packing cubes β Keep layers organized
π Shoe bags β SF = walking city
π Makeup bag β Humidity-resistant products
π Hanging toiletry bag β For compact bathrooms
π Document organizer β Tickets, transit passes, ID
ποΈ Collapsible tote β Farmers markets and bookstore runs
π§Ί Laundry bag β Layers = more laundry
βοΈ Luggage scale β Budget flights = strict
π Lock β For hostels or coworking spaces
π§’ Zipper pouch β Transit card, lip balm, coins
π§ Quick-dry towel β For hostels or gym
π€ Neck pillow β For road trips to Napa
π΄ Sleep mask β Light leaks in city stays
π Clothes
π§₯ Lightweight jacket β Windproof for bay breezes
π§₯ Denim jacket or blazer β SF style essential
π§₯ Warm coat (1) β For November nights
π T-shirts / base layers (3β5) β Neutral colors work well
π Long-sleeve tops (2β3) β Great for layering
π Jeans (2β3) β Classic & comfy for hills
π Casual pants or leggings (1β2) β Airport, hikes, museums
π Dresses (1β2) β Pair with tights & boots
𧣠Sweaters / cardigans (2β3) β Chunky or cropped
π§ Activewear (1β2 sets) β For Dolores Park yoga or hikes
π Pajamas / loungewear β Warm enough for Airbnb drafts
𧀠Underwear (7+) β Always
π Bras (3β4) β Include wireless & sports
𧦠Socks (5+) β Wool-blends for comfort
𧀠Tights / leggings (1β2) β Add under skirts or dresses
π Skincare
π§Ό Cleanser β Pollution-cleansing
πΈ Toner β Balancing for coastal air
𧴠Moisturizer β Lightweight for day, creamier for night
π SPF moisturizer β Yes, even in fog
𧽠Makeup remover β Cleansing balm or wipes
πΏ Exfoliator β Once or twice a week
ποΈ Eye cream β For dry, tired eyes
π¦ Facial mist β Midday refresh
π§ Sheet masks (1β2) β Self-care in the city
π Lip balm β Wind + city = dry lips
π©Ή Spot treatment β For hormonal or travel breakouts
π Makeup
𧴠Tinted moisturizer or foundation β Dewy finish for SF glow
ποΈ Concealer β Tired eyes or blemishes
π«οΈ Powder β Minimal for shine control
πΊ Blush β Add warmth
π Highlighter β For foggy glow
ποΈ Eyeshadow palette β Earthy tones for daytime looks
βοΈ Eyeliner β Smudge-proof
ποΈ Mascara β Waterproof for breezy corners
ποΈ Brow pencil β Natural shape is in
π Lipstick or gloss β Mauve, berry, or warm nude
ποΈ Makeup brushes / sponge β Small set only
π Setting spray β Long days in changing temps
π Hair
π Hairbrush / comb β Compact
π§· Hair ties, clips β Wind + hills = frizz
𧴠Travel shampoo & conditioner β For soft city water
𧴠Dry shampoo β If skipping hotel hair dryers
π₯ Heat protectant spray β SF mornings need heat tools
𧴠Styling cream / oil β Smooth flyaways
π¨ Travel blow dryer β Optional, most hotels provide
π Flat iron / curling wand β Optional for polished evenings
π§ Hair serum β Extra shine for foggy days
π Accessories β Silk scarf, headbands
π Shoes & Accessories
π Sneakers β Must-have for all the hills
π₯Ώ Flats or loafers β For art galleries, shopping
π’ Ankle boots β Cute and functional
π©΄ Sandals β Only for warm September days
𧀠Gloves β For windy Golden Gate walks
𧣠Scarf (1β2) β Wool, cotton, or silk
π© Beanie or beret β Stylish and warm
πΆοΈ Sunglasses β Sun breaks through the fog
β Watch β Helpful for transit hopping
π Jewelry β Simple gold or artsy pieces
π Day purse β Crossbody for safety
β Compact umbrella β SF drizzle happens
π§Ύ Documents & Essentials
π ID or passport β Needed for flights
π Copy of ID β Just in case
πͺͺ Driverβs license β For car rentals to Napa or Muir Woods
π Travel insurance β Always smart
π² Transit pass (Clipper card) β Load it for MUNI/BART
π¨ Hotel/Airbnb confirmations β Printed + saved
π Rental car info β For day trips
ποΈ Tour tickets β Alcatraz, museums, concerts
πΊοΈ Offline maps β SF hills can kill phone battery
π³ Credit/debit cards β Apple Pay is widely accepted
π΅ Cash β Small bills for tips, coffee, etc.
π Emergency contacts β Paper & digital
ποΈ Pen & small notebook β SF is a journaling city
π Local guidebook β Hidden staircases, murals, eats
π House keys β Keep safe
π RFID wallet β Protect your cards
π©Ή First Aid
π©Ή Bandaids β For those new-hill-walking blisters
𧴠Antibiotic ointment β For scrapes
𧻠Antiseptic wipes β Clean hands or wounds
π©Ί Gauze pads + tape β Optional
βοΈ Mini scissors β Travel-safe
π¦Ά Blister pads β Just do it
π‘οΈ Thermometer β Optional
βοΈ Tweezers β For splinters
π Health & Hygiene
π Prescription meds β Bring enough
π Pain relievers β Fog headaches are real
π€§ Allergy meds β City pollen or pets
π Motion sickness β For twisty roads to Marin
π Stomach meds β For food truck adventures
π Vitamins β Travel immunity
π©Έ Feminine hygiene β Tampons/pads may differ in availability
𧴠Hand sanitizer β Public transit essential
𧻠Disinfecting wipes β Clean your Uber seatbelt
π¦ Bug spray β Rarely needed
π Birth control β Bring your brand
ποΈ Eye drops β For windy days
πͺ Mirror β For makeup in shared spaces
πͺ₯ Toothbrush + toothpaste β Travel-sized
𧴠Mouthwash + floss β Keep it fresh
𧴠Body wash β Hotels may offer
𧴠Deodorant β Always
πͺ Razor + cream β For sleeveless moments
π
Nail file / clippers β Chip-proof nails
πΈ Travel perfume β Roll-on
𧻠Pocket tissues β Public restrooms aren’t perfect
π± Tech & Electronics
π± Phone + charger β Obvious, but crucial
π» Laptop or tablet β Optional, but SF = startup central
πΈ Camera β City skyline, murals, fog shots
π Power bank β Long days exploring = dead phone
π Charging cords β Extra for backup
π Bluetooth speaker β For your Airbnb
π Adapter β Not needed if you’re from the US
πΆ SIM or hotspot β Optional if U.S.-based
π Kindle β For Dolores Park reading
π§ Headphones β For cable car rides or walks
π§ Entertainment
π Books / e-reader β SF is full of bookstores
π¬ Downloaded shows β Hotel downtime
π§ Podcasts β True crime in a foggy city hits different
π Travel journal β Document your adventures
π Card games β If you’re traveling with friends
π° Zines or local papers β Discover hidden gems
π Extras
π₯ Snacks / protein bars β Keep one on hand
π§ Reusable water bottle β SF = eco-conscious
ποΈ Foldable shopping bag β Say no to plastic
π§Ό Travel laundry detergent β Handwash layers
𧡠Sewing kit β Wardrobe mishaps happen
π’ Safety whistle β If solo traveling
π§Ό Lint roller β For city grit
π¦Ά Footrest pillow β For your flight
π Shoe deodorizer β Rainy-day sneakers = funk
π€ Sleep aid β Time zone adjustment
βοΈ Travel Tips
βοΈ Always bring layersβyouβll use them all in one day
βοΈ Download the BART and MUNI apps
βοΈ Uber is everywhere, but cable cars are iconic
βοΈ Avoid driving/parking if staying in the city
βοΈ Walk a lotβSF is small but hilly
βοΈ Wear sunscreen, even in fog
π Visa Tips
π U.S. citizens donβt need visas
πΈ Always carry ID for tours or car rentals
π Consider a valid driverβs license if heading to wine country
𧳠Donβt forget travel insurance for hikes & gear
β Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip
π§₯ Layer-friendly jacket
π Comfortable walking shoes
πΆοΈ Sunglasses
ποΈ Transit card or app
π± Phone + charger
π³ Cards + backup cash
π Daypack
𧴠SPF + lip balm
π Itinerary with offline maps
π Good-to-Have Items
π§ Hydration packets
π§ Noise-canceling earbuds
π΄ Sleep mask
π Blanket scarf or travel wrap
π§Ό Stain remover pen
β Compact umbrella
πΆ eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi
ποΈ Extra tote for books & souvenirs
πΈ Wide-angle phone lens for cityscapes
