What to wear sightseeing in hot weather: stay cool and covered

What should you wear sightseeing in hot weather? Loose, light and covered where the sun hits. Bare skin burns, tight clothes trap heat.

The rule

Loose fabric, light colours, a hat, and one cover-up.

• A loose top in cotton, linen or a quick-dry blend
• Shorts, a skirt or loose trousers
• Comfortable shoes with a back or ankle strap
• A wide hat and sunglasses
• A scarf or light shirt for sites with dress rules
• Water and sunscreen

One reason this works

Loose clothes let air move. Light colours reflect heat. A covering layer shades your arms better than sunscreen alone, and also meets dress rules at places of worship.

One exception

In very high heat, local advice may be to stay inside midday. Follow health and weather advice from local authorities. Some sites ask for covered shoulders and knees, so see what to wear to religious sites when travelling. For the full bag, use the packing list for hot destinations.