I’m pretty confident that 40ish percent of SF’s economy rides on selling embroidered fleece sweaters to tourists deceived by our palm trees. Even with the recent slightly-hot-spell, we all know that drastic temperature change can happen in mere blocks, and certainly once the sun goes down.
Illustrator Vi Lam put together this guide on how to dress for a summer day in various parts of SF. Here it is:
Outer Richmond, 63°. Karl the Fog's permanent mailing address. Beanie, mittens, a coat you'd consider excessive in actual winter climates. The sun is a rumor out here, occasionally confirmed around 3 p.m. and retracted by 5.
Twin Peaks, 67°. Technically warmer, but the wind cancels it out. Whatever you wear, make sure it's attached to you. If you can't see the top of Sutro Tower, dress like you can't see the top of Sutro Tower.
The Castro, 73°. Tank top territory. The hills block just enough fog to make bare arms viable, and the neighborhood treats that fact as both weather report and lifestyle.
Chinatown, 78°. Somehow the warmest stop on the tour. Sunscreen is non-negotiable; even the lucky cat is holding SPF. Light layers only, and accept that you'll be carrying your jacket instead of wearing it.
SoMa, 75°. Shorts, a tee, sunglasses. Flat streets and wide blocks mean the sun actually reaches the ground here. It's Giants game weather even when there's no game.
Night Time, Everywhere, 55°. This is the line that matters. Whatever the afternoon gave you, the fog repossesses it at sunset. Bring a real layer, or surrender $90 to an embroidered fleece stand at Pier 39 like everyone before you.
Written by By Jessica Saia. Illustration by Vi Lam.
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