JanePost

Will I need an ankle-length thick overcoat or a stuffed waterproof jacket in Winter in San Francisco? I plan to explore in the city in coming November or December to check my future business school.

FYI: I?m from Thailand (where the temp is approx at 75-80 F all year round). I?ve got clothes for Spring, Summer, and Autumn in the US and Europe, but have no idea what to wear in Winter.

Your advice will be very helpful to me. I don't want to be frozen and die in action! Thanks heaps from janepost

bobludlow

The temperature will probably be in the mid-60s daytime and perhaps as low as mid-50s nighttime. There will likely be rain, fog, and a cool wind. But ankle-length thick overcoat? No. Which business school are you visiting? It should be a bit warmer across the bay in Berkeley, and warmer still down south in Palo Alto (Stanford).

dovima

Dear JanePost,
San Francisco is definitely not Detroit or Boston in the winter, thank God! It rarely freezes here - frosty mornings and a light dusting of snow on the higher peaks is as "bad" as it ever gets. That said, San Francisco is not L.A. in the winter either (thank God!).
Be prepared for rain and a penetrating damp chilliness. My wardrobe as a local from November through February depends on a lined raincoat with sweaters of varying thicknesses and good, water-resistant shoes. I wear lined woolen or knit pants or wool skirts with tights. You could bring a wool or leather jacket as well for times when it's not raining - just make sure it has room to layer beneath. We do have some stretches of mild weather during the winter, with daytime temps in the 60's. But as soon as the sun goes down, your're reminded of what season it really is.

When you get here, stop over at Macy's or another store and buy yourself a set of silk winter underwear. It's practically weightless, and you'll be able to get a lot more mileage out of lighter pants and tops by wearing them underneath.

J_Correa

As the others have said, SF is very mild compared to other parts of the US. I live in the SF Bay Area and have never worn my heavy coat at home. The only reason I even own a heavy coat is because occasionally I get sent to someplace like Nebraska in the middle of winter for my job.

I would bring a light, waterproof coat (something a little longer than waist length, but ankle length is not necesary), and some sweaters to layer under the coat. That way you can adjust to the temperature. Sometimes it's raining, but not really cold, so you will just need the light jacket to keep you dry.

Marilyn

I will only add that if you will be tripping around the city you will want that waterproof raincoat to have a hood and/or you will want an umbrella.

JanePost

Thank you so much for your kind suggestions. I'll definitely get a raincoat, but not the stuffy, fluffy Winter things.

Bobludlow, I'm visiting the University of San Francisco.

Seems like it isn't as cold as I expected. One thing that prompted me to choose a place in SF is the milder weather than in the East Coast.

enjoylife

It's all about layers. One day could be warm and the next cold. Also, there is a good chance of some rain. Definitely bring a waterproof jacket and a hat.