Packing for San Francisco & Yosemite
 

Hi all - after tips on what types of clothing to bring. I understand it's the northern summer in August (late), but I've heard San Francisco can get rather cool and misty. Will be staying at a lodge near Mariposa outside Yosemite. I intend bringing shorts, t-shirts and 3/4 pants but will I need any warm jackets? Appreciate all advice ~ thanks!

I don't live in that area but have visited there several times. Yes, San Francisco can be quite cool. And Yosemite is in the mountains so it could be cool. I would definitely take a pair of long pants and a light jacket and perhaps a warm sweater or fleece.

Yes you'll will likely need a jacket at some point. I would bring 'layering' options like a long sleeve tshirt, fleece vest, windbreaker type jacket, in addition to the shorts and capris.

It's a local joke in SF about tourists in shorts & tshirts shivering on the street! They don't sell all those fleece jackets with "San Francisco" written on them down at Fisherman's Wharf for nothin'!! -suze

Yosemite will likely be very warm/hot during the day and quite cool/cold in the evenings. Mariposa would likely be even warmer than in Yosemite Valley, and not so cool at night.

If there is a heat wave in the central part of the State, then SF will be either very cold and foggy -- or -- have its own heat wave (which is the worse option since the city is not built for heat). It all depends on the weather patterns at the time of your visit.

Post here maybe 5-7 days before your trip and we can give you an idea what to expect. Now - there is no telling.

Thanks all - very handy tips. Janisj, I'll be sure to query again a week before departing for SFO.

Suze was right- layers are a must. Good walking shoes also.

A famous SF quotation (incorrectly attributed to Mark Twain) is "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."

A fleece and a windbreaker should be sufficient. Layering, like others have said. You won't need anything particularly heavy, just warm enough for temps in the 50s and wind.