Visiting San Francisco in winter? Don’t expect snow, but do expect layers, fog, and the occasional downpour. The City by the Bay doesn’t get freezing, but it does get damp, breezy, and unpredictably chilly—sometimes all in one day!
Winter here means microclimates. You might walk through sunshine downtown, then hit dense fog at Golden Gate Park. The trick? Layer smart, pack versatile pieces, and be ready for wind and wet weather with sleek, stylish outerwear.
Whether you’re biking the bridge, exploring Alcatraz, or café-hopping in the Mission, this list will keep you warm, dry, and effortlessly cool.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for San Francisco in winter. 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 daytime: 10–15°C / 50–59°F – cool and cloudy
- 🌙 Nights: 7–10°C / 45–50°F – breezy and damp
- 🌫️ Frequent fog – especially in mornings and coastal areas
- 🌧️ Light rain – drizzle and wind, not torrential
Think breathable base layers, windproof jackets, and waterproof shoes. A stylish scarf and compact umbrella go a long way in SF’s unpredictable winter weather.
What to Pack for San Francisco in Winter
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
- Rolling carry-on – easy on hills and sidewalks 🧳
- Checked bag – for longer trips with layers 🛄
- Weekend duffel – perfect for a wine country side trip 🎒
- Daypack – holds essentials without bulk 👜
- Packing cubes – organize layers and accessories 🧩
- Shoe bags – protect clothes from wet soles 👞
- Toiletry bag – TSA-ready, water-resistant 🧼
- Document organizer – for city maps and IDs 📁
- Foldable tote – ideal for market or museum shopping 🛍️
- Laundry pouch – stash damp or worn clothes 🧺
- Luggage scale – avoid surprises at the airport ⚖️
- Travel lock – for hostel or Airbnb peace of mind 🔒
- Compression pouch – for puffy jackets 📦
- Quick-dry towel – just in case of rain or workout 🛁
- Neck pillow – for road trips up the coast 💤
- Sleep mask – for city light pollution 😴
👗 Clothes
- Long-sleeve tops (3–4) – perfect for layering 👚
- Base layers (2–3) – thermal or breathable tees 🥶
- Mid-weight sweaters (2–3) – warm without bulk 🧶
- Blazer or cardigan – elevate your city look 🧥
- Dark jeans or trousers (2–3) – urban and practical 👖
- Casual pants or chinos – good for dinner or work 👔
- Skirt or midi dress – pair with tights for warmth 👗
- Raincoat or trench – waterproof and windproof ☔
- Insulated jacket – lightweight but warm 🧥
- Hoodie or fleece – cozy for foggy days 🌫️
- Activewear – for urban hikes or morning runs 🧘
- Sleepwear – warm but not bulky 🛏️
- Swimsuit – for hotel spa or hot tub 🩱
- Cover-up – useful if visiting hot springs 🧖
- Undergarments (5–7) – comfort-focused 👙
- Bras (2–3) – supportive for long walks 👗
- Wool socks (4–5 pairs) – warm + breathable 🧦
- Tights or leggings – layer under skirts or dresses 🩰
💆 Skincare
- Gentle cleanser – SF air can dry your skin 🧴
- Toner – to refresh after fog or wind 💧
- Hydrating moisturizer – day and night formulas 🧊
- Sunscreen – yes, even when it’s cloudy! ☁️
- Makeup remover – wipes or balm 🧼
- Exfoliator – keep skin smooth weekly ✨
- Eye cream – reduce puffiness from wind 👁️
- Face mist – revive skin during the day 💨
- Sheet masks – great after long walking days 😌
- Lip balm – avoid wind-chapped lips 💋
- Spot treatment – for sudden blemishes ⚕️
💄 Makeup
- Hydrating foundation or BB cream – avoid cakey look 💄
- Concealer – light formula for under eyes 🎯
- Setting powder – combat foggy-day shine ⚪
- Blush – healthy flush in overcast weather 🌸
- Highlighter – glow in gloomy light ✨
- Bronzer – warmth for pale skin tones 🌞
- Neutral eyeshadow palette – chic and compact 🎨
- Waterproof eyeliner – for wind and mist 🖊️
- Lengthening mascara – avoid smudging 💧
- Brow gel or pencil – clean, bold brows 🪄
- Lip tint or balm – color + moisture 💋
- Mini brush kit – portable and easy 🧽
- Setting spray – longwear hold 💦
💇 Hair Care
- Brush or comb – for windy day tangles 💇
- Hair ties and clips – hold up in the breeze 🧷
- Travel shampoo/conditioner – frizz-fighting 🧴
- Dry shampoo – refresh on foggy mornings 🚿
- Frizz serum – crucial in damp weather 🌬️
- Heat protectant – if styling on trips 🔥
- Mini dryer – check hotel first 💨
- Flat iron or curling wand – for SF dinner glam 💁
- Accessories – clips, scrunchies, or barrettes 🎀
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Waterproof boots – must for rainy days 👢
- Comfy sneakers – stylish + walking-friendly 👟
- Flats or casual shoes – for dining out 👠
- Warm beanie – especially near the water 🧢
- Lightweight scarf – stylish + warm 🧣
- Gloves – optional, for early morning strolls 🧤
- Sunglasses – yes, even in the fog! 😎
- Minimal jewelry – stay sleek and travel-safe 💍
- Watch or fitness tracker – helpful for hill hikes ⌚
- Crossbody or anti-theft bag – keep it city-smart 👜
- Compact umbrella – a must for SF drizzle ☔
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Photo ID – for hotel check-ins 🪪
- Travel insurance – smart for any big trip 🏥
- Transit cards or passes – Clipper Card for Muni 🚋
- Credit card + some cash – cards work most places 💳
- Digital itinerary – keep all bookings handy 📱
- Receipts – for expense tracking or returns 🧾
- Notebook and pen – jot down recs or inspo ✍️
- Offline maps – SF’s hills mess with GPS 🗺️
- Emergency contacts – printed backup 📞
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – for unexpected blisters 🩹
- Antiseptic wipes – keep clean on the go 🧼
- Gauze and tape – compact and useful 🩺
- Tweezers – splinters or grooming 🔧
- Thermometer – just in case 🌡️
- Small scissors – carry-on safe or checked ✂️
- Q-tips or cotton rounds – multipurpose 🧽
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – always bring extra 💊
- Pain relief – for all the walking! 🩺
- Allergy pills – seasonal air shifts 🌸
- Motion meds – for windy road trips 🌉
- Vitamins – immunity boosters 💪
- Feminine care – bring your brand 🩸
- Hand sanitizer – for cable cars and cafés 🧴
- Wipes – stay fresh on the go 🧻
- Toothbrush and toothpaste – travel kit 🪥
- Floss – essential after sourdough 🍞
- Deodorant – keep fresh on the move 🧼
- Razor – if needed 🪒
- Nail kit – always helpful 💅
- Perfume – rollerball or small spray 🌸
- Tissues – for cold or allergy days 🚽
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Smartphone – camera, maps, apps 📱
- Chargers – phone and other devices 🔌
- Power bank – for long days exploring 🔋
- Headphones – for cable car rides 🎧
- Camera – if you want HQ Golden Gate shots 📸
- Tablet or e-reader – great for evenings 📚
- Travel adapter – if international 🌍
- Offline map app – SF’s signal can drop 🗺️
🎧 Entertainment
- Books – read in Dolores Park or cafés 📖
- Downloaded movies/shows – good for foggy nights 📺
- Music playlists – for SF cable car vibes 🎶
- Journal – document your San Fran days 📓
- Travel games – if visiting with friends 🃏
- Magazines – easy reading on the plane 📰
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – trail mix or bars for hikes 🍫
- Reusable water bottle – stay eco and hydrated 💧
- Reusable shopping bag – plastic bag ban 🛍️
- Laundry detergent – for longer stays 🧼
- Mini sewing kit – just in case 🪡
- Whistle – optional for solo travelers 📣
- Foot spray – after hills and staircases 🦶
- Sleep aid – melatonin or earplugs 🌙
🌍 Travel Tips
- Bring layers – weather changes street by street 👕
- Waterproof outerwear is a must ☔
- Comfortable shoes for hills and stairs 👟
- Check Muni schedules – buses and trains 🚋
- Reserve Alcatraz tickets in advance 🚤
- Don’t overpack – SF is very casual overall 🧳
- Use Clipper Card for public transport 💳
🛂 Visa Tips
- Check U.S. visa or ESTA requirements 🌍
- Bring printed confirmations + hotel details 🖨️
- Proof of return/onward travel for immigration ✈️
- Declare electronics or valuables as needed 📦
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport or ID 🛂
- Credit/debit card + backup cash 💳
- Phone + charger + adapter 🔋
- Layered outfits + waterproof jacket 🧥
- Comfortable shoes 👟
- Reusable water bottle 💧
- Day bag or crossbody 🎒
- Health and hygiene kit 🧼
👍 Good-to-Have
- Travel steamer – keep outfits crisp 🧺
- Neck scarf – fashion + warmth 🧣
- Sleep mask – hotels can be bright 😴
- Small umbrella ☔
- Extra phone battery 🔋
- SIM/eSIM – for travelers 📶
- Luggage tag – always helpful 🏷️
