Dressing for San Francisco’s Summer: The Foggy and Very Chilly City

Helpful Travel Tips – Dressing for San Francisco’s Summer: Embrace the Fog and Chill

How to Stay Comfortable and Stylish in San Francisco’s Cool, Foggy Summer Weather

Welcome to San Francisco, the City by the Bay, where summer behaves like it didn’t get the memo. If you’re visiting June through August, here’s the big surprise: you’ll probably use your jacket more in July than you do back home in winter. (Okay, slight exaggeration… but not by much.)

While most of the country is melting, San Francisco is out here serving cool breezes, foggy mornings, and microclimates that can change your outfit plan in the time it takes to find parking. The good news? Once you know how SF “summer” works, it’s easy to dress smart and stay comfy.

Quick Read: What to Wear in San Francisco in Summer

• Layers are the whole game. You’ll add and remove them all day.
• Bring a real jacket (windproof beats “cute but useless” every time).
• Morning + evening = chilly, even when the afternoon feels nice.
• Waterfront areas feel colder than inland neighborhoods.
• Fog + wind makes 60°F feel way colder—especially near the Golden Gate.
• Closed-toe shoes are a safer bet than sandals most days.
• A scarf or beanie can be weirdly clutch when the wind kicks up.
• The sun can pop out suddenly—pack sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Microclimates are real (Golden Gate Park ≠ the Mission).
• Locals dress for comfort and keep an “extra layer” mentality year-round.
• If you’re doing an open-air tour, dress warmer than you think you need.

The Fog: San Francisco’s Summer Star

San Francisco is famously known for its fog, affectionately named Karl the Fog by locals. Karl is a regular summer guest, rolling in from the Pacific and wrapping the city in a misty hug. It’s not just vibes—fog is a major reason SF stays cooler than nearby areas.

Want to go full fog-nerd (in the best way)? Here are two fun rabbit holes:
Who is Karl the Fog? and 14 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Fog in San Francisco.

Average Summer Temperatures in the City by the Bay

During the summer months, average temperatures in San Francisco often hover in the mid-50s to high-60s°F (13–20°C). That sounds mild—until you add wind, fog, and the fact that you’ll be outside sightseeing near the bay. Meanwhile, inland areas (even just across the bridge or over the hills) can spike into the 80s and 90s°F (27–37°C). It’s the classic SF flex: “same day, different climate.”

Why San Francisco Feels So Cold in the Summer

Here’s the short version: cold ocean + warm inland air = fog + wind + a marine layer that loves to drift into the city. Add in coastal geography, hills, and valley pockets, and you get SF’s famous “weather roulette.” It’s why you can be shivering at the Golden Gate Bridge and sweating 20 minutes later in the Mission District.

Fun Facts About San Francisco’s Summer Weather

1. The Microclimates: San Francisco is famous for microclimates. You might start your day foggy and chilly in Golden Gate Park, then end up in noticeably warmer air in the Mission District. This is why layering isn’t “extra” here—it’s survival.
2. The “Coldest Winter” Quote: Mark Twain is often (incorrectly) credited with saying, “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”He didn’t actually say it, but the quote lives on because… honestly, it feels true when you’re standing in fog near the water.
3. Fog Season Nicknames: Summer fog is so reliable it has nicknames like “June Gloom,” “No-Sky July,” and “Fogust.” (Yep, we really did that.) For more fog trivia, check out these fun fog facts.

Dressing Tips for San Francisco’s Summer

Given this unique weather, here’s how to dress so you’re comfortable from foggy mornings to surprise sunshine:

1. Layers, Layers, Layers!

Start with a light base layer (tee, long-sleeve, or thin sweater), then add a warmer mid-layer (hoodie, fleece, or cardigan), and finish with a wind-blocking jacket. The point is flexibility—because SF weather loves plot twists.

2. Pack a Scarf and Hat

Even in summer, a scarf and hat can feel like magic. They’re small, easy to stash, and they take the edge off when the wind picks up near the bay or you’re caught in a foggy afternoon.

3. Comfortable Shoes

San Francisco is a walking city, and those hills are not shy. Go for shoes with good support and traction—especially since fog can leave sidewalks a bit damp in certain areas.

4. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Fog doesn’t mean the sun is off-duty. UV still gets through, and the sky can flip from grey to bright fast. Sunglasses + sunscreen = you’re ready for either mood.

5. Skip the “Full Summer Outfit” Assumption

Shorts and flip-flops are totally possible on the right day… but they’re not the “default” here. Most visitors are happier in long pants and closed-toe shoes—especially if you’ll be near the waterfront, on the bridge, or out after dinner.

What to Wear on a San Francisco Sightseeing Day (Especially Open-Air)

If you’re doing a sightseeing day that includes exposed viewpoints (hello, Golden Gate Bridge and coastal overlooks), dress a notch warmer than you think you need. Wind across the water is the real deal—and if you’re on an open-air tour, it’s even more noticeable. The win: you’ll stay comfortable, enjoy the views longer, and won’t spend your day hunting for an emergency sweatshirt.

Fun S.F. Weather Quotes

1. Oscar Wilde: “It’s an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco.” It fits the city’s dreamy vibe—especially when Karl is doing his dramatic entrance.
2. Herb Caen: “The cool, grey city of love.” A classic line from a classic SF voice.

Embrace the Chill

One of the best parts of San Francisco’s summer is that it’s a break from the heat. Instead of sweating through your trip, you can enjoy crisp air, moody fog, and that unmistakable SF atmosphere that makes the city feel a little cinematic.

Iconic Foggy Spots to Visit

1. Golden Gate Bridge: Seeing it half-hidden in fog is a true SF moment. Dress warmly—the wind can be fierce.
2. Twin Peaks: For panoramic views (and sometimes an ocean of fog), Twin Peaks delivers. It’s almost always breezy up there.
3. Fisherman’s Wharf: Foggy, salty air + chowder in a bread bowl = peak San Francisco. Bring a layer and lean into the vibe.

Why We Love the Fog

Despite the chill, the fog is beloved by locals. It’s natural air conditioning, it adds personality, and it makes for ridiculously good photos. And if you want the story behind the city’s favorite fog celebrity, read Karl the Fog’s origin tale—or go deeper with these fog fun facts.

Final Thoughts

So as you pack for San Francisco, embrace the plot twist: summer here is cool, foggy, and wildly charming. Dress in layers, be ready for wind near the water, and you’ll be comfortable from your first viewpoint stop to your last dinner reservation.

Bring a jacket, keep a flexible mindset, and enjoy the City by the Bay exactly as it is—mysterious fog, iconic views, microclimates and all. If you’re comfortable, you’re doing SF summer correctly.