San Francisco Weather in November: What to Pack, What to Wear & Fun Activities this Month

San Francisco weather in November is mild and cool. It's the official start to our rainy season.

The beginning of the month is mostly dry with slightly warmer than average highs. The temperatures cool down and the rain begins as you head into the third week around Thanksgiving.

To help you prepare for your visit in November, read on for tips on what to pack, a few of my favorite activities this month, and how to get around.

A Typical Day in November in SF

The San Francisco weather in November offers cool but mild days. There is minimal fog and moderate sunshine.

Mornings often start with temps in the mid-50s. By the afternoon, it warms up to the lower to mid-60s. Once the sun goes down, it cools off again to the mid- to lower 50s.

It does start to rain this time of year, but usually not until the middle of the month. Most days, the rain is light or mostly at night/early morning, so you can still explore SF even on one of our rainy days.

Even though it's cool here, it's much warmer than most of the US at this time of year. That means you can really enjoy the early holiday festivities outside.

Here are a few more details about San Francisco weather in November.

Average High in November: 63° F / 17° C

Average Low in November: 51° F / 11° C

Average Monthly Rainfall: 2.3 inches

Record High: 86° F / 30° C (11/01/1966)

Record Low: 40° F / 4° C (11/19/1944)

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What to Wear for the San Francisco Weather in November

To make sure you are prepared for the San Francisco weather in November, bring along warm clothing that you can layer. During this time of year, you should pack the following:

• Medium-weight jacket with a hood (my recommendations here)
• Medium-weight sweaters for layering under the jacket
• Long-sleeve shirts for layering under the sweater
• Jeans or casual pants (it's too cold for shorts)
• Closed-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking and hold up in the rain
• Light scarf for the evenings
• Optional wind-resistant umbrella (some ideas here)

It's too cool this time of year for shorts or short skirts. On the other hand, it's not really cold enough to need gloves or other cold weather items. 

I suggest you check the forecast before you arrive, as the San Francisco weather in November can vary quite a bit. Occasionally, we'll be hit by an atmospheric river, which brings heavier, prolonged rain.

If I can avoid an umbrella, I typically prefer a jacket with a hood, as it allows me to quickly move around on the sidewalks and grab the bus when needed. This is a personal preference, but I find it helpful in busier areas.

>> More about what to pack for your stay

5 Fun Things to Do in San Francisco in November

1. Thanksgiving Day activities: You will find plenty of fun things to do on Thanksgiving Day and all weekend long. Most tours run regular schedules this holiday. Most top attractions are closed on Thanksgiving Day (except for the free attractions that are always open), but all run regular schedules throughout the weekend. Read my insider's guide for more tips on what to see and do this holiday.

2. Theater performances: Every November, there are dozens of theater performances on stages all around town. There are usually at least two to three large Broadway shows this month. You can also enjoy a smaller, local or off-Broadway show at one of our smaller theaters. Find all of the shows on the theater calendar.

3. Tree lighting ceremonies & other holiday events: In November, many local hotels and attractions begin to light up for the holidays. Some of the big displays are at Pier 39, Union Square, and along Market Street. Find details for this year's tree lighting ceremonies and holiday events.

4. Golden State Warriors games: Our Golden State Warriors play at the Chase Center in Mission Bay, which is easily accessible by public transit. This month, they typically have just over a half a dozen games at home. Find their November schedule here.

5. Santa in SF: Santa is planning several stops in San Francisco, so don't miss your chance to see him. Every year, he stops at places such as Pier 39, the Zoo, and Union Square beginning in November. Find a list of his stops this year.

More Fun Activities for November

>> Top indoor activities for rainy days

>> My favorite bay cruises

Getting Around SF on Public Transit

With the cool temps from our San Francisco weather in November, it is easy to get around from place to place on foot. However, if you catch SF on a rainy day, you will find our public transit system will get you to where you want to go with ease.

Buses: Our bus system offers you the chance to get all around town. Most start around 6am and run until almost midnight. For the most popular routes, you will also find some "owl" buses that run all night long. More details here.

Cable Cars: The cable cars are a fun way to travel. We have three lines still in operation. The two main lines run between Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. They stop in places such as Chinatown, Nob Hill and North Beach. Find details on taking these here.

Light Rail Trains: The light rail trains will get you from downtown SF to places on the western side of town. They are faster than the buses with fewer stops. They are a great choice if you plan to visit the Castro, Haight Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, or the Sunset.

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