What to wear cycling by temperature
Your forecast against 4 brands' own temperature guides. Their ranges, their words, side by side.
Every band, all 4 guides
Rapha The Rapha Guide to Layering
| Cold: sub-zero to 6°C | Thermal base layer with a brushed-back, gridded fabric; Layers with wind-blocking properties; Winter tights; Winter jacket that blocks wind and rain, for changeable conditions |
|---|---|
| Cold to cool: 6°C to 12°C | Merino base layer; Long-sleeve jersey; Gilet or lightweight jacket; Thermal bib tights if it's on the colder side |
| Mild: 12°C to 18°C | Light jersey with an insulated outer layer, or a midweight jersey with a thin base layer and a gilet; Lightweight tights, or bib shorts and leg warmers; Short-sleeve jersey with arm warmers; Lightweight wind or rain shell in a pocket |
| Warm to hot: 18°C to 25°C | Breathable technical base layer with a lightweight jersey, or a short-sleeve jersey; Thin, fine-gauge synthetic mesh base layer |
| High heat: 25°C+ | Ventilated summer jersey over an ultralight mesh base layer; Or a UV-protective jersey on its own |
POC How to Dress for Cycling by Temperature
| Below 0°C (below 32°F) | Warming base layer; Insulated mid layer; Insulated outer layer that protects from wind and rain |
|---|---|
| 0 to 5°C (32 to 41°F) | Thermal merino base layer; Insulating mid-layer jacket or jersey; Full-length thermal bib tights; Windproof outer shell; Thermal socks, winter-specific gloves and shoe covers |
| 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) | Lighter base layer; All-season long-sleeve jersey; Full-length bib tights, or bib shorts and leg warmers |
| 10 to 15°C (50 to 59°F) | Short-sleeve jersey with removable arm warmers; Bib shorts with removable leg warmers; Lightweight, packable gilet |
| 15 to 22°C (59 to 72°F) | Standard long- or short-sleeve jersey; Bib shorts |
| Above 22°C (above 72°F) | Lightweight, highly breathable jersey with mesh panels; A thin base layer can sometimes help |
Canyon What to wear cycling in every temperature
| Below 0°C (32°F) | Thermal base layer, such as heavyweight merino; Insulated mid layer: fleece-lined jersey or synthetic jacket; Windproof outer shell; Waterproof trousers; Winter gloves, thermal socks, shoe covers, head and neck protection |
|---|---|
| 0–10°C (32–50°F) | Long-sleeved thermal jersey; Thermal leg warmers; Removable vest or light jacket; Full-finger gloves, thermal headband or cap, neck warmer, toe warmers |
| 10–17°C (50–63°F) | Minimal layers: light insulation, breathable; Base layer optional; Arm, knee or leg warmers |
| 17–25°C (63–77°F) | Lightweight jersey with mesh panels; Moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics |
| Above 25°C (77°F) | Light-coloured clothing; Lightweight, UV-protective (UPF) long sleeves; Ventilated helmet |
Pactimo What to Wear Cycling in Every Temperature
| Below 30°F (-1°C) | Windproof jacket; Insulated tights; Thermal accessories; Shoe covers; Face protection |
|---|---|
| 30–40°F (-1–4°C) | Thermal jacket; Insulated bib tights; Thermal base layer; Winter gloves; Shoe covers; Neck gaiter |
| 40–55°F (4–13°C) | Thermal jersey; Base layer; Leg or knee warmers; Full-finger gloves; Lightweight vest |
| 55–70°F (13–21°C) | Jersey; Arm warmers or a lightweight vest for cooler starts |
| 70–85°F (21–29°C) | Jersey; Bib shorts; Lightweight base layer; Standard gloves |
| Above 85°F (29°C) | Lightweight jersey; Bib shorts; Lightweight base layer (optional); Summer gloves; Sunglasses |
Ranges and wording are each brand's, from Rapha, POC, Canyon and Pactimo, checked 6 Oct 2026. A temperature on the line between two bands shows both. None of these guides puts a number on wind or rain, so the tool doesn't adjust for them. Pactimo's guide is in °F and matched in °F. Sources: Rapha; POC; Canyon; Pactimo.
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