What to Wear In Spring In San Francisco
Jan 19th, 2011, 06:50 AM
#1
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What to Wear In Spring In San Francisco
We will be in San Francisco in mid May and wondering how to dress.....Spring clothes or will it still be cool and damp enough for warmer jackets?
Jan 19th, 2011, 08:08 AM
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The weather in San Francisco is, at best, inconsistent. It could be 60s-70s-80s. It could be 50s. I'd highly recommend looking at the weather reports (or asking on here) shortly before your trip.
Jan 19th, 2011, 09:38 AM
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May can be lovely...or not. The vendors selling sweatshirts make a ton of money on tourists who expect the weather in SF to be "summery" just because the calendar says it is. Not that May is officially summer, but most people expect that and get surprised at the cool weather.
Jan 19th, 2011, 02:43 PM
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Layers! One year, we froze for two days, then nearly got heat stroke the third. It's true that we were climbing a steep hill, temps were in the 80's, but it was sunny and whew, we shvitzed. Plus, it can be warm on dry land and really cold on those ferries out to Alcatraz, so make like a Boy Scout and Be Prepared 
Jan 19th, 2011, 07:31 PM
#10
What they said-- watch the weather. Usually, layers, like a windbreaker or fleece for top layer, for touring and looking around; day activities--Fisherman's Wharf, ferry, etc., try casual wear and comfortable footwear. For evenings or downtown, medium weight black and neutrals would usually still work despite the calendar; pashmina good for evenings if it's nice; if it's windy, a heavier wrap or coat. Have a great trip.
Jan 19th, 2011, 09:33 PM
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Don't bring summer clothes. Forget shorts. Usually you see tourists shivering in a heavy sweatshirt they just picked up in desperation at Fisherman's Wharf. It's always best to have a layer that's warm and cozy like fleece or a sweater. Then bring along something to break the wind; that wind off the bay can be very chilly. And it can feel damp as well. On the other hand, the air could be still and pleasant - warm during the day but cool at night. If it turns very warm, just consider it a pleasant bonus. It won't be hot; hot weather comes in the Fall.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 07:10 AM
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After 20 years of living in Northern California my best advise is Layers! Hopefully, you'll have great weather but when the fog rolls in it's cold. The dampness gets in your bones. I always keep a lightweight softshell wind jacket and a lightweight fleece jacket in the car as well as a headband type ear warmer that's windproof. (REI $12.00) When I moved here I discovered that the breezes on the West coast cause my ears to ache and this is not uncommon.
Jan 23rd, 2011, 09:11 PM
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Whatever you pack, it's sure to be wrong, so don't worry too much about it. You can buy what you need when you get here if it's too cold (likely) or too hot (unlikely). There're many opportunities to shop for clothing here. We are not a third world country. 
