What to Wear in San Francisco in Spring: Month-by-Month Outfit Guide
San Francisco in spring sits in the 55 to 70°F range. This is the layer-by-layer outfit guide for San Francisco's spring weather — what to wear, what to pack for a visit, and the local context that shapes the recommendations.
WHAT TO EXPECT
55 to 70°F is the typical range for San Francisco in spring (March, April, May). March through May. Similar to winter but drier. 55-65°F. Layered tops, jacket. The fog that defines SF summer starts arriving in May. The temperature range is the headline; what you actually feel depends on humidity, wind, and what indoor spaces you'll cycle through.
THE FOUNDATION LAYER
Lightweight, breathable single layer. Linen, cotton voile, or technical synthetic.
THE MID LAYER
Optional. A light cardigan or unstructured blazer handles cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors.
THE OUTERWEAR
Optional. A linen blazer or light overshirt handles cool evenings and indoor air conditioning.
ACCESSORIES
Sun hat, UV-rated sunglasses, sandals or breathable sneakers, and a light scarf for over-AC interiors.
WHAT TO PACK FOR A TRIP TO SAN FRANCISCO IN SPRING
Three layer permutations covering the 55 to 70°F range, plus accessories. If your trip spans the season's edge (early March or late November), pack toward the cooler end of the range — overestimating warmth is easier to recover from than underestimating.
LOCAL CONTEXT
Layer aggressively. Always pack a sweater and a windbreaker, even in July. Microclimates are extreme — Mission can be 15°F warmer than Outer Sunset on the same day.