San Francisco in December is a study in contrasts: crisp ocean air one minute, sudden downpour the next, bright sunshine giving way to thick fog rolling over the hills. After living in the city for twelve years (Noe Valley, then the Mission, then a brief and very cold stint in the Richmond), I can tell you with absolute certainty that the single biggest mistake visitors make is treating December here like December anywhere else in America. There is no “winter wardrobe” in the traditional sense-no heavy parkas, no snow boots, no cashmere turtlenecks that never come off. There is only the Art of the Layer, the Religion of the Waterproof Shell, and the Eternal Truth that the weather can and will change three different seasons before lunch.
I’ve ruined more trips for out-of-town friends than I care to admit by letting them pack “cute coats” that left them shivering on the N-Judah at 6 p.m. I’ve also watched tourists in shorts and flip-flops turn blue at Fisherman’s Wharf in December because they believed the 58 °F on their phone meant “mild.” This guide is my penance-and my gift to you.
Why San Francisco’s December Weather Defies Logic
Let’s start with the numbers so you can’t say I didn’t warn you.
| December | 57 | 46 | 4.6 | 11 | ~6 |
(Source: National Weather Service & WeatherSpark data averaged 1991-2024)
Yes, the high temperature is basically late-October weather in Chicago. But here’s what the chart doesn’t tell you:
- The temperature swing between sun and shade can be 15-20 °F in the same neighborhood.
- Wind gusts off the Pacific regularly hit 25-35 mph, dropping the “feels like” temperature into the low 40s or upper 30s.
- Rain is rarely all-day Seattle-style drizzle; it’s more likely three separate 20-minute showers that catch you without an umbrella.
- Fog can appear in minutes and cut visibility (and temperature) dramatically, especially west of Twin Peaks or along the Great Highway.
I once left my house in the Mission at 11 a.m. in bright sunshine wearing just a denim jacket. By the time I reached Ocean Beach at 1 p.m., the temperature had dropped to 48 °F with 30 mph wind and horizontal mist. That denim jacket is still traumatized.
The Only Rule That Matters: Layers, Layers, Layers
Every single local will tell you the same thing, because we have all suffered.
My go-to December uniform for the last decade has been:
Base layer → Mid layer → Shell → Accessory armor
Here’s exactly what that looks like in practice.
Base Layers That Actually Work
Forget cotton. Cotton kills comfort in San Francisco because it holds moisture. I swear by merino wool or synthetic tech tees.
Personal favorites after testing dozens:
- Smartwool 150 or 250 weight long-sleeve tees (I own six in different colors)
- Unbound Merino crew necks (wrinkle-resistant, odor-resistant, perfect for multi-day wear)
- Lululemon Metal Vent Tech long sleeve (if you run hot)
In December I’m almost always in a merino base. On the rare 62 °F sunny day I can wear it alone; when the fog rolls in I’m still warm.
Mid Layers – The Make-or-Break Piece
This is where most visitors fail. A single thick sweater will leave you roasting in the sun and freezing in the shade.
My rotation:
- Patagonia R1 Air half-zip (best breathable fleece ever created)
- Arc’teryx Delta LT hoody (lighter than it looks, insanely warm)
- Cashmere hoodie from Everlane or Quince (for when I want to look like I have my life together while running to Tartine)
Pro tip: Always bring at least two mid layers. I keep a rolled-up R1 in my tote 365 days a year. It has saved me more times than I can count.
The Non-Negotiable Shell
You will get wet in December. Accept it.
After trying literally twenty rain jackets, these are the only three I recommend without hesitation:
- Patagonia Torrentshell 3L (best value, fully waterproof, packs into its own pocket – I’ve had mine since 2018 and it still beads water like new)
- Arc’teryx Beta AR (if money is no object – this is the jacket locals who actually hike in rain own)
- Lululemon Rain Rebel Jacket (surprisingly good, slightly longer cut that covers your butt – great for city wear)
Skip umbrellas unless you enjoy watching them flip inside out on Market Street. A hooded shell is mandatory.
Footwear: Your Feet Will Hate You If You Get This Wrong
San Francisco has hills. Steep ones. Wet ones. Cobblestone ones.
My December shoe lineup after years of trial and very painful error:
Everyday walking (10k+ steps):
- Blundstone #500 or #510 Chelsea boots (water-resistant leather, zero break-in, look good with everything)
- Hoka Transport or On Cloud 5 Waterproof (if you want sneaker comfort with actual grip)
For dinners or slightly dressier occasions:
- Ecco Soft 7 Tred Gore-Tex (look like normal sneakers, completely waterproof)
- Thursday Boot Company Captain in weather-safe leather
Never, ever wear suede in December unless you enjoy watching $300 boots get ruined in one rain shower. Ask me how I know.
Accessories That Save Lives (Literally)
- A packable down puffer (Patagonia Nano Puff or Arc’teryx Cerium) that stuffs into its own pocket for when the sun disappears at 4:30 p.m.
- Cashmere or merino scarf large enough to function as a blanket (I use this one from White + Warren)
- Thin merino gloves that work with phone screens
- Beanie (I alternate between Carhartt and a vintage Giants one)
- Cross-body waterproof bag (I use this one from Bellroy that fits everything including my puffer when it’s not needed)
What to Wear for Specific December Scenarios
Christmas in Union Square & Holiday Markets
It gets brutally cold standing around after dark. Last year at the Union Square tree lighting I saw tourists literally crying from cold.
Wear:
- Merino base + cashmere sweater + puffer + Torrentshell + scarf wrapped twice + beanie + gloves I looked like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man and was perfectly comfortable while others fled after 20 minutes.
New Year’s Eve
If you’re going out, most venues are indoors, but you’ll still need to walk/transit.
My 2023 NYE outfit that worked perfectly:
- Silk camisole + oversized blazer + black jeans + Blundstones + long wool coat + giant scarf I could lose the coat inside and still look put-together.
Day Trip to Muir Woods or Wine Country
Temperature can be 10-15 °F colder than the city.
Pack:
- Full waterproof hiking boots (I wear Oboz Bridger)
- Extra socks
- Hand warmers (yes, really)
Alcatraz Tour
The boat ride is arctic. I always wear my Patagonia DAS Light Hoody on the ferry-it’s synthetic so stays warm even if it gets damp.
My Exact 7-Day December Packing List (Tested on Real Trips)
I use this capsule when I return to visit friends every Christmas.
Tops:
- 3 merino long-sleeve tees
- 2 merino turtlenecks
- 1 silk camisole (for dressing up)
- 1 cashmere sweater
- 1 fleece mid layer
- 1 packable down puffer
Bottoms:
- 2 pairs black jeans
- 1 pair waterproof pants (for heavy rain days)
- Leggings for layering under jeans when needed
Outerwear:
- Patagonia Torrentshell
- Long wool coat (for evenings)
- Nano Puff
Shoes:
- Blundstone Chelseas
- On Cloud waterproof runners
Accessories:
- 2 scarves
- Beanie + gloves
- Waterproof cross-body bag
This fits in a carry-on and covers every possible weather scenario I’ve encountered in 12 Decembers.
Common Mistakes I See Every Single Year
- Bringing only one jacket → “It’s California!” (dies in 48 °F wind)
- Wearing suede boots or sneakers without Gore-Tex → ruined in first rain
- Packing “holiday party dresses” without tights or cover-ups → freezes outside the venue
- Trusting the morning weather forecast → SF microclimates laugh at forecasts
- Bringing an umbrella instead of a hooded jacket → watches it become modern art on Polk Street
Final Thoughts After Twelve San Francisco Winters
The beauty of dressing for San Francisco in December is that when you get it right, you feel like a genius. You’re the one still smiling at Lands End while everyone else has retreated to their hotel. You’re the one who can spontaneously say yes to drinks on a rooftop when the fog clears at sunset.
The city rewards preparation and punishes hubris. Pack like someone who respects the weather, not someone who looked at the average temperature and thought “mild.”
Because as Mark Twain (probably) never said, but we quote anyway: The coldest winter I ever spent was a December afternoon in San Francisco wearing the wrong jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Will I need a heavy winter coat in San Francisco in December? No. A packable down jacket plus waterproof shell is warmer and more practical than one giant coat you can never take off.
Q2: Is it too cold for jeans? Jeans are perfect. I wear them 90% of the time. Just bring ones you can layer leggings under if needed.
Q3: Can I wear open-toed shoes or sandals? Only if you enjoy frostbite and judgmental looks from locals. Closed-toe only in December.
Q4: Do locals really wear puffer jackets with nice outfits? Yes. A black Patagonia Nano Puff under a long camel coat is peak San Francisco formal winter attire.
Q5: What if I’m only visiting for 3-4 days? Bring exactly half the clothes and twice the layers. You’ll still have too many clothes and wish you’d brought another mid layer.
About the Author
Lauren Mitchell is a travel writer and former San Francisco resident of twelve years. She has written about Bay Area style and weather for Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, and AFAR, and her SF packing checklist has been shared across Reddit, Pinterest, and private Facebook groups more than 50,000 times. She currently lives in Los Angeles but returns to San Francisco every December-properly dressed, of course.