San Francisco in December is a moody mix of chilly fog, light rain, and bursts of sun. The weather changes fast—layering is your best friend. Expect cool temperatures, especially near the bay, and always prepare for microclimates.
It’s not freezing, but it’s damp and breezy. Comfort and versatility win here, especially with outerwear and waterproof accessories. Street fashion is casual-chic with a warm twist.
📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for San Francisco in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- Average high: 14°C / 58°F
- Average low: 8°C / 46°F
- Foggy mornings, breezy afternoons, light rain likely
- Cooler at night and near water
What to Pack for San Francisco in December
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
🧳 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 – Lightweight, hard-shell for wet streets 🧳
- Daypack – Compact for layering pieces and water bottle 🎒
- Packing cubes – Maximize layering space 🧩
- Shoe bags – Protect from damp streets 👞
- Toiletry bag – Organized with leak-proof compartments 🪥
- Document organizer – Essential for IDs & travel passes 📁
- Reusable tote – Great for local markets and shops 🛍️
- Laundry bag – Separate damp or dirty items 🧺
- Luggage scale – Avoid surprise airline fees ⚖️
- Travel lock – Secure your bags 🔒
- Quick-dry towel – Compact and useful for the unexpected 🧼
- Neck pillow & sleep mask – For flights and road trips 💤
👗 Clothes
- Long-sleeve tees (3-5) – Layering basics 👕
- Cozy sweaters (2-3) – Chunky and stylish 🧶
- Lightweight hoodie or fleece – Warm layering piece 🧥
- Warm coat or puffer – Waterproof or wind-resistant 🧥
- Jeans or travel pants (2-3) – Go for comfort and style 👖
- Leggings – Great under dresses or long tops 🩳
- Warm pajamas – It can get chilly indoors 🛌
- Rain jacket or trench – Packable and functional 🌧️
- Thermal top & bottom – For colder days or night strolls ❄️
- Underwear (7+) – Everyday essentials 👙
- Warm socks (5-7) – Wool or thermal 🧦
- Bras (2-3) – Comfortable and supportive 👚
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – Protect against dry air 🧴
- Hydrating toner – Refresh your skin 💧
- Thick moisturizer – Cold wind requires extra hydration 🧴
- SPF 30+ sunscreen – Yes, even in winter ☀️
- Makeup remover – For long sightseeing days 🧼
- Face exfoliator – 2x a week to refresh skin 🧽
- Eye cream – Fight fatigue from travel 👁️
- Hydrating mist – Refresh during flights or city walks 🌬️
- Sheet masks – Restore skin overnight 😌
- Lip balm – Wind-chapped lips beware 💋
- Spot treatment – Be prepared for surprises 🌚
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation – Combat dry air 💄
- Concealer – For dark circles or blemishes 🙈
- Powder – Keep shine away in photos 📸
- Blush – Bring some color to winter cheeks 🌸
- Highlighter – Brighten gloomy days ✨
- Neutral eyeshadow palette – Subtle and chic 🎨
- Eyeliner & mascara – Define those eyes 👁️
- Brow pencil or gel – Windproof brows 🪄
- Lipsticks/gloss – Moisturizing formulas 💋
- Brushes – Compact set 🖌️
- Setting spray – Lock it all in 💦
💇 Hair Care
- Travel hairbrush – Compact & detangling 💇
- Hair ties/clips – Always handy 💁
- Mini shampoo & conditioner – Hydrating formulas 🚿
- Dry shampoo – Extend style days 🌫️
- Heat protectant – For styling days 🔥
- Styling cream or mousse – Frizz control 🌬️
- Mini straightener or curler – Sleek or styled 💇♀️
- Hair serum – Extra shine and moisture ✨
- Warm hat – Cozy and protective 🧢
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Water-resistant sneakers – Walkable and practical 👟
- Ankle boots – Dress up or down 👢
- Umbrella – Windproof and compact ☂️
- Warm scarf – Cozy and stylish 🧣
- Gloves – Touchscreen-friendly 🧤
- Sunglasses – Bright winter sun 😎
- Crossbody bag – Keep hands free 👜
- Watch – Stay on schedule ⌚
- Jewelry – Keep it minimal 💍
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – Always carry ID 🛂
- Travel insurance – Essential for peace of mind 🧾
- ID & credit cards – For all purchases 💳
- Printed tickets & itinerary – Handy backups 📄
- Local transit card – Like Clipper card 🚋
- Cash – Small bills for tips/markets 💵
- Notebook & pen – Great for journaling 📝
- Wallet – Secure and compact 👛
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – For new shoe blisters 🩹
- Alcohol wipes – Quick cleanups 🧽
- Gauze/tape – Minor scrapes 🏥
- Thermometer – Monitor travel sniffles 🌡️
- Tweezers & scissors – Always handy ✂️
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescriptions – Full supply 💊
- Motion sickness pills – For bay cruises 🚢
- Allergy meds – Winter pollen can strike 🌾
- Pain relief – For long walking days 💥
- Feminine care – Stay prepared 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – City transit must 🧴
- Toothbrush & paste – Travel set 🪥
- Floss & mouthwash – Compact sizes 🦷
- Deodorant – Stay fresh 👃
- Razor & shaving cream – Mini versions 🪒
- Perfume – Rollerball ideal 💐
- Nail kit – Trim on-the-go 💅
- Eye drops – Wind and dry air 👁️
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Smartphone – With offline maps 📱
- Camera – Capture the fog and Golden Gate 📸
- Chargers – All necessary types 🔌
- Power bank – For long city days 🔋
- Adapter – If international 🌍
- Headphones – Podcasts or flights 🎧
- SIM/eSIM – For international travelers 📶
- Tablet or e-reader – For downtime 📖
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – Set in San Francisco, maybe? 📚
- Downloaded shows – For evenings in 📺
- Podcasts – History or local guides 🎙️
- Journal – Chronicle your trip 📓
- Card games – Travel-sized 🎴
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – For walks or cable car queues 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – Eco-friendly refill 🚰
- Foldable shopping bag – Perfect for thrift finds 🛍️
- Laundry detergent sheets – Pack light, wash often 🧼
- Lint roller – Fog = fuzz 🧤
- Mini sewing kit – Buttons happen 🧵
- Sleep aid – Beat jet lag 😴
🌍 Travel Tips
- Check MUNI & BART schedules 📱
- Layer your day-one outfit 🧥
- Download offline Google Maps 🗺️
- Photograph your luggage 🎞️
- Let bank know your travel dates 🏦
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check ESTA or tourist visa status 🧳
- Print hotel and return ticket info 📄
- Know local customs rules 🧾
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport & ID – Don’t leave home without it 🛂
- Travel insurance – Always worth it 📋
- Phone + charger – Top priority 🔌
- Health kit – Pack your basics 🚑
- Reusable bottle – Stay hydrated 💧
- Crossbody bag – Safe and stylish 👜
👍 Good-to-Have
- Travel blanket – Flights get cold 🛏️
- Portable steamer – Wrinkle-free travel 👕
- Extra tote – For souvenirs 🛍️
- Neck pillow – For naps on the go 💤
- Backup SIM – Stay connected 📲
- Sleep mask – Catch zzz’s anywhere 😴
