Wondering what to pack for San Francisco in October? This San Francisco October packing list will help you handle mild days, chilly evenings, and the city’s famous microclimates.
October is one of the warmest months in San Francisco, but temperatures can shift quickly. Bring light layers, a cardigan or hoodie, and a windproof jacket.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the city’s hills, along with sunglasses, a daypack, and a scarf for breezy waterfront areas.
This post is all about the San Francisco October packing list.
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
🌡️ Weather Overview
October is one of the best months to visit San Francisco—milder weather, less fog, and fewer tourists. Still, layering is law.
- Temps: 52°F–72°F (11°C–22°C)
- Fog: Mostly clears, but lingers near the coast
- Wind: Afternoon breezes can be chilly
- Sunlight: Up to 11 hours of golden glow
- Rain: Rare, but possible later in the month
💡 Bottom line: It may be sunny in Mission and foggy in the Sunset at the same time. Pack layers you can peel off or bundle up on a whim.
🎒 What to Pack for San Francisco in October
Dressing Etiquette: San Francisco is casual but curated—think smart streetwear, tech-chic, artsy accents, and sustainably layered looks. Function meets fashion, and sneakers are perfectly acceptable for dinner if styled well.
🧳 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 – Easy on cable cars and hilly sidewalks.
- 🧳 Checked luggage – Only if staying long or layering heavy.
- 👜 Duffle bag – For wine country weekends or Big Sur trips.
- 👜 Backpack / tote – For museums, food trucks, or hikes.
- 🎒 Daypack – Holds tech, snacks, water bottle, and layers.
- 📦 Packing cubes – Sort citywear, activewear, and cozy layers.
- 👟 Shoe bags – Keep hiking shoes away from outfits.
- 💄 Makeup bag – Minimalist glam fits SF vibes.
- 🚿 Hanging toiletry bag – Compact + travel-friendly.
- 📂 Document organizer – ID, Clipper card, credit cards.
- 🛍️ Collapsible tote – SF is plastic-free—BYO bag.
- 🧺 Laundry bag – Needed if layering often.
- ⚖️ Luggage scale – Handy after Valencia Street shopping.
- 🔐 Small lock – For lockers or safes.
- 🧢 Zipper pouch – Earbuds, cash, hand cream.
- 🧴 Quick-dry towel – Optional, for park picnics.
- 🛏️ Neck pillow – SF is a hub = long journeys.
- 😴 Sleep mask – Useful near Union Square noise.
👗 Clothes
- 👕 T-shirts (2–3) – Cotton or merino base layers.
- 👚 Casual tops (2–3) – Long-sleeve, breathable.
- 👔 Blouses (1–2) – For dinners in North Beach.
- 🧥 Sweaters / sweatshirts (2) – Wool or fleece layers.
- 🧥 Blazer / structured jacket (1) – Elevates daywear.
- 👖 Jeans (1–2 pairs) – Slim/straight, hill-ready.
- 👖 Casual pants (1) – Wide-leg, joggers, or linen.
- 👗 Dress pants (1) – Only if doing formal events.
- 🩳 Shorts (1) – For sunny Marin hikes or Dolores Park.
- 👗 Skirt (1) – Midi length resists wind gusts.
- 👗 Dresses / jumpsuits (1–2) – Layer with tights + boots.
- 🧥 Outerwear – Waterproof trench or windbreaker.
- 🏃 Activewear (1–2 sets) – For yoga or city trails.
- 🛌 Pajamas / loungewear (1–2 sets) – Foggy mornings ready.
- 👙 Swimsuit (1) – Optional: pools or hot springs nearby.
- 👘 Cover-up (1) – Only if staying at a pool hotel.
- 🩲 Underwear (7+) – Enough for layers.
- 👙 Bra (3) – Include a sports bra.
- 🧦 Socks (5–7 pairs) – Breathable + walk-friendly.
- 🧦 Tights / leggings (1–2) – Extra warmth under skirts.
💆 Skincare
- 🧼 Cleanser – Gentle for city buildup.
- 💧 Toner – Balances foggy mornings + dry heat.
- 🧴 Moisturizer – Hydrating and lightweight.
- 🧴 Sunscreen – Fog ≠ no UV—apply daily.
- 🧽 Makeup remover – For SPF-heavy days.
- 🧼 Exfoliator (optional) – 2x/week max.
- 👁️ Eye cream – SF wind dries skin fast.
- 💦 Facial mist – Refresh after long walks.
- 🧖 Sheet masks (optional) – Great after walking-heavy days.
- 💋 Lip balm – Fog + wind = chapped lips.
- ⚠️ Spot treatment – Breakouts happen while traveling.
💄 Makeup
- 💄 Foundation / BB cream – Dewy with SPF.
- 🖊️ Concealer – After long transit or late nights.
- 🧼 Powder – Minimal in coastal humidity.
- 🌸 Blush – Cream lasts longer in fog.
- ✨ Highlighter – Sunset-hour glow.
- 🌞 Bronzer – Brightens cloudy days.
- 🎨 Eyeshadow palette – Neutrals + shimmer.
- 🖋️ Eyeliner – Wing it for Castro nights.
- 👁️ Mascara – Waterproof for windy eyes.
- 🪞 Eyebrow pencil / gel – Control windswept brows.
- 💋 Lipstick / gloss – Warm berry or nude.
- ✍️ Lip liner – Survives sourdough + sangria.
- 💄 Lip primer – Optional, café-day proof.
- 💧 Setting spray – Holds glam at Golden Gate.
- 🖌️ Brushes / sponge – Compact, travel-friendly.
💇 Hair
- 🪮 Hairbrush / comb – Wind = tangles.
- 🎀 Hair ties / clips – Fog-proof buns + knots.
- 🧴 Shampoo & conditioner – Hydrating formulas.
- 🧴 Dry shampoo – Stretch styles between washes.
- 🛡️ Heat protectant – For flat-ironed mornings.
- 💧 Styling cream / mousse – Pick for your hair type.
- 🌬️ Mini blow dryer – Optional; most hotels supply.
- 💇 Mini flat iron / curling wand – If styling daily.
- 💧 Hair serum / oil – Fight flyaways.
- 🎀 Hair accessories – Silk scarf, scrunchie, clip.
👠 Shoes & Accessories
- 👟 Sneakers – Comfy for hills, chic for brunch.
- 🥿 Flats / loafers – Day-to-dinner ready.
- 👢 Ankle boots – SF fall essential.
- 🩴 Sandals (optional) – Wine country days.
- 🧢 Cap / hat – Ferry rides, sunny parks.
- 🧣 Scarf (lightweight) – Foggy layering tool.
- 🧤 Gloves (optional) – Dawn bike rides.
- 🕶️ Sunglasses – Foggy UV still burns.
- 💍 Jewelry – Statement earrings or gold layers.
- ⌚ Watch – When phone’s dead.
- 👜 Day purse / crossbody – Must be secure.
- 🌂 Umbrella – Rare but handy later in month.
🧾 Documents & Essentials
- 🛂 Passport – Only for international visitors.
- 🗂️ Copy of passport – Good backup.
- 🪪 Driver’s license / ID – Needed for tastings/bars.
- 🛡️ Travel insurance – Smart for Yosemite/Big Sur trips.
- 💳 Health insurance card – Carry with you.
- 🧾 Vaccination records (optional) – Just in case.
- 🎫 Boarding passes – Print + digital.
- 🏨 Hotel receipt – Tech fails happen.
- 🚗 Rental car receipt – Napa/road trips.
- 📅 Itinerary – Paper copy helps.
- 🗺️ Offline maps – Hilly dead zones exist.
- 💳 Credit / debit cards – Visa/Mastercard everywhere.
- 💵 Cash ($50–100) – For markets, taxis, tips.
- 📞 Emergency contacts – Hotel + home numbers.
- 🖊️ Pen + notebook – SF inspires notes.
- 📚 Phrasebook (Spanish optional) – Bilingual city bonus.
- 🔑 House keys – Keep zipped.
- 👝 Wallet – Compact + zipped.
- 💍 Valuables (carry-on only) – Never checked.
