What to Wear in San Francisco: Leather Jacket Outfits for Fog
San Francisco rarely gets truly hot or truly cold, but it can feel like three seasons in a single afternoon. Knowing what to wear in San Francisco comes down to easy layers, a jacket that blocks the wind and shoes that can handle steep hills.
Quick answer: Dress in layers all year. A T-shirt or light knit under a leather jacket covers most days, since downtown highs usually sit between the high 50s and about 70°F. Add a scarf for foggy, windy evenings, wear comfortable shoes with grip for the hills, and pack a compact umbrella from November to March.
What is the weather like in San Francisco?
San Francisco has a mild, cool climate year-round. Based on 1991 to 2020 normals for downtown, average highs range from about 58°F in January to about 71°F in September, while average lows stay between the high 40s and mid 50s. That narrow range is why one good jacket can do so much work here.
The seasons don't follow the usual pattern. Summer is often cool and gray, with fog drifting in from the ocean, and the city's June to August temperatures are among the coolest of any major US city. The warmest, clearest weather usually arrives in September and October. Most of the year's rain falls between November and March, while summer is nearly dry.
| Season | Typical downtown highs | What to expect | What to wear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | High 50s to about 60°F | Rainy spells between crisp, clear days | Leather jacket, sweater, umbrella, water-resistant shoes |
| Spring (Mar to May) | Low to mid 60s | Breezy, drying out | Leather jacket over a tee or light knit |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | High 60s, cooler in the fog | Fog, wind and chilly evenings | Leather jacket, sweater and a scarf |
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | Mid 60s to low 70s | Warmest, clearest weeks in Sep and Oct; rain returns in Nov | Light layers, jacket for evenings |
Why does the weather change so much across the city?
San Francisco is famous for its microclimates. Neighborhoods on the west side, near the ocean, such as the Sunset and the Richmond, often sit under fog while eastern neighborhoods like the Mission enjoy sun. Crossing town can mean a noticeable jump in temperature, so the outfit that felt right at breakfast may not suit your afternoon plans.
Wind is the other factor. Afternoons can get breezy, especially near the water at Ocean Beach, along the waterfront and on the Golden Gate Bridge, and on hilltops like Twin Peaks. A sunny 65°F can feel much colder in a steady wind, which is why a layer that blocks it matters more than a heavy one. Our guide to the windproof qualities of leather explains why leather does this job so well.
Why is a leather jacket the classic San Francisco layer?
It fits the climate almost perfectly. Genuine leather cuts the wind, adds just enough warmth for cool, damp air, and feels comfortable across that narrow temperature range. It also works from a morning walk to a late dinner, which suits a city where you might not go back to your hotel between plans.
Light rain is fine too, as long as you dry the jacket properly afterward. Our guide to wearing a leather jacket in the rain covers what to do if you're caught in a winter shower.
These three jackets are easy picks for the city's cool, breezy days:
Women's Black Leather Asymmetrical Moto Jacket
Men's Black Leather Asymmetrical Biker Jacket
Men's Distressed Brown Lambskin Leather Trucker Jacket
What to wear in San Francisco: outfits by season
Summer (fog season)
- Women: a T-shirt under a light knit, a black leather moto jacket, straight jeans, leather sneakers and a lightweight scarf.
- Men: a henley, a black leather biker jacket, chinos and leather sneakers, with a thin crewneck in your bag for the evening.
Fall (the warm season)
- Women: a midi dress or relaxed trousers with a tee, and a leather jacket for the evening, when temperatures drop quickly.
- Men: a T-shirt, a distressed brown leather trucker jacket, straight jeans and low boots.
Winter and spring
- Women: a fine turtleneck, a leather moto jacket, wide-leg trousers or dark jeans, and water-resistant ankle boots.
- Men: a merino crewneck over a shirt, a leather biker jacket, dark jeans and Chelsea boots with rubber soles.
How should you dress for day vs evening?
During the day, plan for the warmest and coolest parts of your route. Wear layers you can take off and carry, keep sunglasses handy for clear afternoons, and use a crossbody bag so your hands are free on steep streets.
Evenings are almost always cooler, and fog often rolls back in near sunset. Bring your jacket even if it's sunny at noon. For dinner, dark jeans or trousers, a knit or a simple top and a leather jacket look right almost anywhere in the city.
What should you wear on the water or at the beach?
A ferry ride across the bay, a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge or an afternoon at Ocean Beach is usually colder and windier than the streets downtown. Dress one layer warmer than you think you need: zip your jacket all the way, add a sweater and a scarf, and bring a knit hat if you feel the cold. Choose a jacket that closes fully rather than one you can only wear open, and keep sunglasses handy, since the glare off the water can be strong on clear days.
Which shoes are best for San Francisco's hills?
Some streets are remarkably steep, so comfort and grip matter more than anything. Good choices include cushioned leather sneakers, low boots with rubber soles and supportive flats. Leave slick-soled shoes and high heels for short trips, especially when sidewalks are damp from fog or rain. For pairings that suit your jacket, see our guide to shoes to wear with a leather jacket.
What should you pack for San Francisco?
- One leather jacket, worn on the flight to save space (see our tips for traveling with a leather jacket)
- Two or three light knits or sweatshirts
- T-shirts and long-sleeve tops for layering
- Dark jeans plus one pair of trousers or a skirt
- A light scarf for wind and fog (see our ideas for pairing a scarf with a leather jacket)
- Comfortable walking shoes and one dressier pair
- A compact umbrella from November to March
- Sunglasses, especially in September and October
FAQ
Do I need a heavy coat in San Francisco?
Rarely. Temperatures stay mild all year, so a leather jacket with a sweater underneath handles almost every day. A warmer layer can help on the coldest winter nights or out on the water.
Is San Francisco cold in summer?
It often feels cool, especially in the fog, on the west side of the city and in the evenings. Pack layers and a jacket even in July and August.
Can I wear shorts in San Francisco?
On a warm fall day, yes, but most days are too cool for shorts once the wind picks up. Long pants and a jacket are the better plan.
When is the best weather in San Francisco?
September and October are usually the warmest and clearest months, which makes them a great time to visit.
Knowing what to wear in San Francisco is mostly about layers that come off and go back on as the fog moves. For a jacket that handles wind, mist and city evenings, browse our women's biker jackets and men's biker jackets.