October · Autumn · Mediterranean — wet winters, warm and dry summers.
What to pack for San Francisco in October
Mild all year but rarely warm. Summer brings the marine layer (fog) that keeps afternoons near 18 °C; September–October is the warmest stretch. Winter is the rainy season.
Travel month
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Climate at a glance · October
- Avg high
- 22°C · 71°F
- Avg low
- 12°C · 54°F
- Rain days
- 3
- Daylight
- 11h
Pack for San Francisco in October
Anchored on San Francisco's October climate.
0 of 9 packed
Base layers
Mid layers
Outer shell & accessories
Footwear
Local quirks & hazards
- Marine layer (Karl the Fog) — summer afternoons can drop 8 °C in an hour, especially west of Twin Peaks.
- Microclimates: the Mission can be sunny while the Sunset is cold and grey.
- Steep hills — grippy, comfortable shoes beat style shoes.
- Strong wind on the waterfront and Golden Gate Bridge.
Dress & culture in San Francisco
- Layers are the local uniform — a light puffer or fleece goes everywhere, even in July.
- Very casual dress; tech-casual works for most dinners.
Leave at home
- Shorts-only summer packing — July is often colder than October.
- Flimsy umbrellas; a hooded shell handles winter rain and wind.
San Francisco month by month
Average high / low and rainy days. Helpful for planning a trip outside this month.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 14°C · 57°F | 7°C · 45°F | 10 |
| Feb | 16°C · 60°F | 8°C · 47°F | 10 |
| Mar | 17°C · 62°F | 9°C · 48°F | 9 |
| Apr | 18°C · 65°F | 10°C · 50°F | 5 |
| May | 20°C · 67°F | 11°C · 52°F | 3 |
| Jun | 22°C · 71°F | 12°C · 54°F | 1 |
| Jul | 22°C · 72°F | 13°C · 56°F | 0 |
| Aug | 23°C · 73°F | 14°C · 57°F | 0 |
| Sep | 23°C · 74°F | 14°C · 56°F | 1 |
| Oct | 22°C · 71°F | 12°C · 54°F | 3 |
| Nov | 17°C · 63°F | 10°C · 49°F | 7 |
| Dec | 14°C · 57°F | 7°C · 45°F | 10 |