San Francisco is a beautiful city in the state of California, USA. The city is true to its cultural roots while being liberal and modern, and is a great place to meet new people.
The weather of San Francisco, in May, offers a mix of chilly and sunny throughout the day.
The weather can be warm throughout the day, with chilly winds blowing soon after sundown.
This city is a crowded tourist spot from September to November due to its pleasant weather.
However, we recommend visiting the city in May instead, since you are more likely to find fewer crowds during this month, which allows you to explore the city much better.
The best things happening in May are the bay cruises and theatre performances. And while you’re at it, make sure you also visit nearby locations such as the Napa Valley.
Napa Valley, or Napa County, is a famous hillside along with a vineyard and offers a picturesque view that boasts of nature’s glory.
Another famous spot that’s a must-visit is the Golden Gate Bridge. The beautiful sight can be a treat to the eyes in the evenings before sundown.
While you’re in San Francisco, it’s best to explore the city on foot to check what it has to offer.
San Francisco Weather in May
San Francisco has something called microclimate. The term refers to the type of climate that changes in a matter of few minutes.
The weather in San Francisco during May is a little chilly. If you love weather like this, it might be great for you.
Average temperatures for the mornings stay in the low 50F (11°C – 12°C)
Throughout the day, the weather goes high to 60F – 70F ( 18°C – 21°C)
At night the weather drops back down to 50F.
Since the weather during May is a bit chilly in San Francisco, you must pack adequate warm clothing to help keep you warm when you are out.
Carry a shawl in your bag or a cardigan so you can pull it on if the weather feels cold during the night.
What to Wear for Daytime Activities in San Francisco?
Keeping the weather temperatures in mind, make sure you do not pack too much. The weather differs during the day from the nighttime.
Pack some long sleeve shirts and some jeans while out during the day.
Long jeans and pants will come in handy as the weather changes momentarily.
Wearing a long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and a zipper hoodie is a hip getup choice and is also pretty convenient since you can take off your hoodie if you feel warm and do not want to layer yourself.
Daytime activities during the day start at Pier 39.
Pier 39 is a tourist attraction where you can see shops, play at a video arcade, enjoy street performances, and pet sea lions at the marina.
You can also visit the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. It is the first museum on the west coast dedicated to Modern Art.
If you are a fan of science, you can visit the Exploratorium. It is a scientist’s penny arcade, a scientific funhouse, and an experimental laboratory- all in one place!
Wear anything casual or semi-casual at these places- a sweatshirt paired with jeans, or maybe a crop top with wide-legged jeans and a hat.
You can also wear a nice flowy dress or a jumpsuit if you’re feeling a little more adventurous!
What to Wear for Nighttime Activities in San Francisco?
The nighttime in San Francisco can get cold during May, so you must keep a strict balance between stylish and warm in your outfit choices.
We all have different aesthetics and we match outfits that describe us best. We would love for you to do that in San Francisco while also making sure you’re warm and cozy.
While dressing up, you can be adventurous and show off some skin but make sure you have your coat nearby!
You can opt for vintage dressing, or flaunt your body with a bodycon dress.
If you aren’t feeling too fancy, simply get a fitted long-sleeved t-shirt, match some pants with it and style it with some jewellery and combat boots, and you’re good to go!
The important thing is keeping yourself warm as you don’t know when strong winds might start blowing.
You don’t want to start shivering when you have just started your trip.
You can take a trench coat along with you, a hoodie or sweatshirt, even a cape.
If you’re off to a party, we recommend wearing a long or midi dress, or a silk blouse and skirt. You can even wear a nice playsuit with complementary jewelry.
Mix and match different items in your wardrobe and get creative with what you already have!
Other things you should pack for a May holiday in San Francisco:
- Warm Jackets
- Socks with comfortable walking shoes
- A travel backpack
- A pair of jeans
- A smart wallet
- A water bottle
- A scarf
- A portable charger
These are your necessities. You can keep all these items in your backpack. Who knows what you might need and when.
Final Verdict
San Francisco is an artsy city where you can meet new cool people. Learn about their dressing style and so much more.
When you visit during May, there are a few things you have to keep in mind. Always pack according to your trip.
If it is a week’s trip, pack according to the outfits you will wear each day. You can also make a checklist to keep all your belongings in place.
During May, SF gets breezy, and the weather changes sooner than you think. That’s why it’s important to pack layers.
