Guide
What to wear for the weather: a UK temperature guide
What to wear at every temperature from freezing to a heatwave, for the commute, running and cycling. These are the same rules Dress Forecast uses with the Met Office forecast each day.
"Temperature" here means what it feels like outside, taking wind into account. On a windy day, dress for a few degrees colder than the thermometer says.
What to wear by temperature
| Feels like | Commute | Running | Cycling |
|---|---|---|---|
| -4°C | Bundle up properlyInsulated winter coat | Layer light, cover hands and earsLight windproof running jacket | Windproof, with warm hands and earsWindproof jacket or gilet |
| 0°C | Bundle up properlyInsulated winter coat | Layer light, cover hands and earsLight windproof running jacket | Windproof, with warm hands and earsWindproof jacket or gilet |
| 4°C | Proper coat weatherPadded or wool coat | Tights and a long-sleeve topLong-sleeve technical top | Light layers, warm handsWindproof jacket or gilet |
| 8°C | Jacket and a jumperMid-weight jacket | Tights and a long-sleeve topLong-sleeve technical top | Light layers, warm handsWindproof jacket or gilet |
| 12°C | Light layersLight jacket or overshirt | Long sleeves or a teeLong-sleeve or short-sleeve technical top | Long sleeves, no jacket neededLong-sleeve base layer or jersey |
| 16°C | Light layersLight jacket or overshirt | Shorts and a vestVest or running tee | Long sleeves, no jacket neededLong-sleeve base layer or jersey |
| 20°C | T-shirt weather, with a layer to handT-shirt or shirt | Shorts and a vestVest or running tee | Short sleeves and shortsCycling jersey or tee |
| 25°C | Dress for the heatBreathable cotton or linen top | Shorts and a vestVest or running tee | Short sleeves and shortsCycling jersey or tee |
Rain, wind and sun
Rain
A 60% chance of rain or more means waterproofs on: a waterproof coat and shoes, and leave suede and canvas at home. Between 30% and 60%, pack a compact umbrella or a packable waterproof.
Wind
From around 19 mph it feels breezy and you'll want a windproof outer layer. From around 30 mph, take a hood rather than an umbrella.
Sun
Wear sunglasses and SPF when the UV index is 3 or more, and add a sun hat from 6. UV can be high on cool, bright spring days.
Common questions
What should I wear at 10°C?
A mid-weight jacket over a jumper or light knit, with trousers and trainers. If it's raining, swap to a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes. Runners only need a long-sleeve technical top and shorts or tights.
What should I wear at 5°C?
A padded or wool coat over a thick jumper or fleece, with boots and thick socks. Add gloves and a scarf. Cyclists need full-finger winter gloves even though their body warms up.
What should I wear at 0°C?
An insulated winter coat, a thermal base layer, warm trousers, boots, a hat, gloves and a scarf. Check for ice on paths and allow time to de-ice the car.
What should I wear at 15°C?
Light layers: a light jacket or overshirt over a long-sleeve top or T-shirt. It's usually warm enough to take the jacket off in the afternoon.
What should I wear at 20°C?
A T-shirt with trousers, shorts or a skirt, and a light layer to hand for the evening. Add sunglasses and SPF when the UV index is 3 or more.
How much warmer should I dress for running?
Dress as if it is about 8°C warmer than the forecast. You should feel slightly cold for the first ten minutes; you'll warm up quickly. Avoid cotton, which holds sweat.
How much warmer should I dress for cycling?
Dress as if it is about 5°C warmer than the forecast, but keep hands and ears covered: they take the full wind chill and don't warm up the way your body does.
When should I take a hood instead of an umbrella?
When wind gusts reach around 30 mph or more. Umbrellas turn inside out in strong gusts, so a hooded waterproof is more reliable.