USA & Canada · Best Sep–Oct
San Francisco packing list for families
San Francisco surprises families every summer with fog, wind, and highs in the 60s. Packing for layers, not the calendar, is the secret to a comfortable trip with kids.
Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on San Francisco
- Summer is not warm here. Fog and wind keep many June to August days in the 60s, so pack fleece and long pants even if you're coming from a heat wave at home.
- September and October are usually the warmest, clearest months in the city. If your school calendar allows a fall break trip, that's when I'd go.
- The hills are steep and the stroller will fight you. I use a carrier for little ones and plan routes around cable cars and buses so short legs aren't climbing every block. Alcatraz tickets sell out, so book ahead.
Best timeSep–Oct
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
San Francisco
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing7
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Zip-up fleeceKristina's pickFog and wind make summer days feel cool.
Warm beanieThe Golden Gate Bridge walk is windy and cold year-round.
Windproof shell jacketFerry rides and bridge views get blustery.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Adventure1
Kids' compact binocularsSpot sea lions, ships, and whales from the shore.
Little ones5
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Health & toiletries3
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For the grown-ups
- A trench or chore jacket
- White sneakers
- One dinner outfit that packs flat
For the kids
- Cozy knits that layer
- Navy or olive leggings and joggers
- A raincoat with a hood
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Month by month
San Francisco weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 58°F 14°C | Cool and damp rainy season, with clear, crisp days between storms | Gray whales migrating past Point Reyes, a beautiful day trip north of the city |
| February | 61°F 16°C | Cool and damp rainy season, with clear, crisp days between storms | Gray whales migrating past Point Reyes, a beautiful day trip north of the city |
| March | 63°F 17°C | Cool and damp rainy season, with clear, crisp days between storms | Gray whales migrating past Point Reyes, a beautiful day trip north of the city |
| April | 64°F 18°C | Mild and breezy, with green hills and the start of afternoon fog | Gray whales migrating past Point Reyes, a beautiful day trip north of the city Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown in April |
| May | 67°F 19°C | Mild and breezy, with green hills and the start of afternoon fog | |
| June | 70°F 21°C | Foggy, windy summer that feels cool, especially near the water and bridge | |
| July | 69°F 21°C | Foggy, windy summer that feels cool, especially near the water and bridge | |
| August | 71°F 22°C | Foggy, windy summer that feels cool, especially near the water and bridge | |
| September | 73°F 23°C | The warmest, clearest stretch, with sunny days and less fog through October | Warm, clear days, ideal for walking the Golden Gate Bridge and picnics at Crissy Field |
| October | 71°F 22°C | The warmest, clearest stretch, with sunny days and less fog through October | Warm, clear days, ideal for walking the Golden Gate Bridge and picnics at Crissy Field Fleet Week in early October, with the Blue Angels flying over the bay |
| November | 64°F 18°C | The warmest, clearest stretch, with sunny days and less fog through October | Holiday lights and the big tree in Union Square |
| December | 58°F 14°C | Cool and damp rainy season, with clear, crisp days between storms | Holiday lights and the big tree in Union Square |
Questions families ask
San Francisco with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit San Francisco with kids?
The best time is Sep–Oct. The warmest, clearest stretch, with sunny days and less fog through October
What's the weather like in San Francisco?
Typical daytime highs range from about 58°F (14°C) in January to about 73°F (23°C) in September. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for San Francisco?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for San Francisco?
None. San Francisco uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for San Francisco with kids?
Summer is not warm here. Fog and wind keep many June to August days in the 60s, so pack fleece and long pants even if you're coming from a heat wave at home.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.