What to wear on a trip, by temperature

Temperature on a forecast is not the whole story. Wind, damp, sun and how much walking you will do all change what you need. Use the ranges below as a starting point and adjust.

Three layers cover most trips

1. Base. Sits next to skin. Dries fast and does not hold sweat. Cotton is fine in mild weather and a poor choice in cold, wet conditions.
2. Warmth. A fleece, a knit or a light insulated jacket. Takes the heat you make and keeps it.
3. Shell. Blocks wind and rain. It does not need to be thick.

One of each, plus a second base layer, handles a surprisingly wide range.

By temperature range

These ranges are approximate and depend on wind, damp and how active you are. Check the forecast for your destination.

A decision rule for the doorstep

Before you leave for the day, stand outside for one minute in what you are wearing. If you feel slightly cool, you are right for walking, because you will warm up in ten minutes. If you feel comfortable, you will be too warm once you move. If you feel properly cold, add a layer now, not later. This costs nothing and replaces most forecast arguments.

Wet and windy days

Wind makes cold air feel colder and rain makes everything worse. A shell that blocks both is worth more than a thicker jumper. If you will be walking long distances in rain, bring a second pair of socks, which weigh almost nothing and fix a bad afternoon.

Heat and sun

In hot places, loose long sleeves can be cooler than bare skin in strong sun. Check local guidance on sun and heat safety. If you are travelling somewhere with extreme heat, check your health service or the destination's health authority. ## Wear on the plane

The cold-weather layers are bulky, so they go on your body. Wear the heaviest layer on the plane and pack the rest. The 10-day carry-on list has the full wear-on-the-plane list. For a trip where you will move between climates, put a thin warm layer in your personal item because aircraft cabins are often cold.

Events in cold weather

A formal outfit in winter needs a coat that looks right with it. A long dark wool or plain coat works with almost any dress code. If you are dressing for a wedding, the dress code guide explains what each level means.

Shoes and feet

Feet decide whether a day out is pleasant. In cold weather, wear shoes with room for a thicker sock rather than squeezing in. In warm weather, choose shoes you have already walked in for a full day. New shoes on day one of a trip are a classic mistake. Waterproof shoes help in rain, but only if they are already broken in. ## What to do if the forecast is wrong

Pack for the colder end of the range, since a layer is easier to remove than to invent. If the weather turns, buy the single missing item near where you are staying rather than carrying duplicates. That is cheaper than it sounds.