It’s that time of year when the temperature fluctuates between warm and cold many times throughout the day. This type of weather may be confusing to dress for—especially if the temperature is hovering around 40-degrees. It’s too warm to dress for winter temperatures, but also too cold to continue wearing your summer clothes.
Dressing for this crazy weather can be tricky. That’s why we’ve created a list of exactly what to wear in 40-degree weather.
What 40-Degree Weather Feels Like
If you’re going to dress for 40-degree weather, you should know exactly what it feels like. Depending on where you live, 40-degrees will feel very different.
In colder regions, 40-degree weather can be incredibly cold. The wind chill and the humidity can make it feel even colder than it actually is. Even if the sun is out. This type of cold can easily chill you to the bone and keep residents indoors until temperatures warm up.
Forty-degree weather in warmer regions may not feel as cold. Residents can still be out and about without freezing. Lighter, thinner clothes are enough to keep them warm even on colder, cloudier days.
In the end, you can expect the weather to be between cool and moderately cold. You should plan on dressing for moderately cold weather.
Light Layers
For 40-degree weather, you’ll want to layer up. Depending on where you live, you’ll want to wear either one layer or a few. Wearing layers acts as insulation as does the air between layers.
If you’re somewhere warmer, a single layer will be enough to keep the cold out, a light jacket and some closed-toe shoes. In colder regions, you’ll want to dress in a few layers to stay warm.
Throughout the day, if you get too warm, you can easily shed a layer to lower your body temperature.
Comfortable Jeans and Slacks
Forty-degree weather doesn’t call for long-johns or thermal underwear. Wearing jeans or dress slacks is enough to keep your legs warm. You’ll definitely want to avoid shorts unless you put leggings or tights underneath. If your job requires you to wear skirts or dresses, you’ll definitely want leggings or tights underneath or you’ll get cold quickly.
If you’re someone that really can’t handle the cold, you’ll want an extra layer underneath. Long underwear or leggings should be enough to keep you warm.
Long-Sleeved Tees
For moderately cold weather, you’ll want to wear long-sleeved t-shirts, sweaters, or turtlenecks. If you choose to wear a short-sleeved shirt, pair it with a cardigan or light jacket to keep your arms and torso warmer.
If you’re in an area with wind chill or humidity, consider wearing a turtleneck. Sweaters with a higher neckline will help hold in warmth around your neck.
Look for shirts made from either wool or silk. These are best for holding in warmth and keeping water away from your skin.
If you’re planning on going hiking or exercising, you may not need a long-sleeved t-shirt or additional layers as the warmth from your body should keep you warm enough. As you start your hike or exercise, make sure you warm up beforehand. You should also consider wearing a shirt made of acrylic material or a sports shirt to draw moisture away from your body.
Light Jacket or Coat
While 40-degree weather doesn’t call for a super thick jacket, you’ll want to keep a light jacket or coat nearby. However, you don’t want just any jacket. You’ll want to look for ones that provide some sort of insulation. Insulating jackets are typically lined with either fleece, wool, or faux fur. This will help keep the cold out, but can easily be removed if you get too hot.
You won’t want a jacket that goes below your waist as this can easily cause you to overheat. Look for jackets that touch just below your waist.
For colder regions, consider purchasing a jacket that’s waterproof. You’ll want to keep any water from rain or snow away from your body so you don’t freeze.
Keep Hats, Gloves, and Scarves Nearby
While 40-degree weather might not call for hats, gloves, or scarves, it’s not a bad idea to have those items in your car, purse, or pockets. If the temperature drops below 40-degrees later in the day, you’ll be glad to have that extra layer covering your hands, head, and neck.
If you live somewhere with a lot of moisture in humidity, consider purchasing waterproof gloves and carrying an umbrella with you. Keeping water away from your skin is crucial to keeping warm and comfortable.
Closed-Toed Shoes
You’ll definitely want to wear closed-toed shoes for 40-degree weather. Open-toed shoes or flip flops let the heat out of your body, making your entire body cold. Opt for sneakers, dress shoes, or boots. This will keep the heat in and keep you warm throughout the day.
Consider wearing a pair of thicker socks with your shoes if it feels cold enough outside. Wool socks or cotton socks are perfect.
Gear for Any Temperature
Dressing for 40-degree weather can be tricky. The temperature can fluctuate many times throughout the day, leaving you feeling either too warm or too cold. One of the best ways to prepare yourself for 40-degree weather is with a heated jacket or heated gloves from Ravean.
Both our heated down-jackets and heated gloves feature three different heating modes: low, medium, and high. That way you get the exact amount of heat you want and can easily adjust it if you get too warm. On days where 40-degrees calls for a light jacket, our jacket provides enough warmth even without turning it on.
All of our products are made with water-resistant, breathable material that diverts water away from your skin. So if it’s raining or there’s a lot of moisture in the air, you’ll stay totally warm and dry without feeling overheated or damp.
If you’re wondering what to wear in 40-degree weather, Ravean has exactly what you need. Shop our products today and be ready for any type of weather or temperature.
FAQs
Temperature
| Temperature °C | What might be at this temperature | How it feels |
|---|
| 30 | Hot day | Feeling hot |
| 37 | Body temperature | Very hot |
| 40 | Washing machine setting for clothes for normal wash | Very hot |
| 50 | | Extremely hot |
16 more rowsWhat to Wear in 40-Degree Weather. Even though 40 degrees is a little warmer than 30, sweaters are still your best option. You can choose sweaters that are slightly less heavy, though. You'll want to wear long pants too; jeans, leggings or anything that covers your entire legs.
Do you need a jacket in 40 degree weather? ›
While 40-degree weather doesn't call for a super thick jacket, you'll want to keep a light jacket or coat nearby. However, you don't want just any jacket. You'll want to look for ones that provide some sort of insulation. Insulating jackets are typically lined with either fleece, wool, or faux fur.
Is 40 degrees too cold to wear shorts? ›
“The safety of wearing shorts in the winter really depends on what the temperature and wind-chill is outside,” said Dr. Levine. “When it starts to fall below 40 degrees, and worse, below freezing temperatures, anyone will be at risk for developing things like frostbite or hypothermia.
Is 40 degrees too cold to be outside? ›
How cold is too cold? The point at which cold gets dangerous is a higher temperature than you might think, especially if you live somewhere that frequently sees temperatures in the teens or lower. “It's safe to be outside if the temperature is 32°F or above,” says David A.
Is 40 too cold to be outside? ›
Increased caution should be displayed when temperatures fall below 40°F. Now again, the temperature is not the only indicator of how cold you will feel. The wind chill factor is the best indicator of the cold climate while going outside.
What temp do I need a jacket? ›
If you're like most people, you probably start to feel cold when the temperature dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. That's when you'll want to start thinking about putting on a light jacket or sweater. Once the temperature drops below 50 degrees, it's time to break out the heavy coats.
Is 40 degrees good for clothes? ›
40°C is a popular temperature setting that can be used for most everyday items, when you need to remove tougher stains, and when you're washing heavily-soiled garments.
Is 45 degrees cold enough for a coat? ›
Winter jacket: Less than 25 degrees. Light to medium coat: 25 to 44 degrees. Fleece: 45 to 64 degrees. Short sleeves: 65 to 79 degrees.
How cold is too cold for no coat? ›
Any temperature under 13 degrees Fahrenheit, with or without the wind-chill factored in, could be considered dangerous due to the potential of hypothermia.
If the temperature is below 65F/18.33C I'll probably wear pants unless I know it will be getting warmer. If the weather is between 65F/18.33C and 75F/23.89C I could go either way. If it looks like the temperature will rise throughout the day I'll wear shorts. If it looks like it will drop I'll wear pants.
What is the lowest temperature you can wear shorts? ›
A recent survey asked people to give the lowest temperature they thought was warm enough to wear shorts. The most common answer was between 61° – 70° with 25% of the vote.
What degrees Is it OK to wear shorts? ›
The most common answer was between 61 and 70, which got 25% of the vote. Between 71 and 80 came in second, with 23% of the vote. But there are definitely people who go more extreme in both directions. 8% of people say 41 to 50 is shorts weather . . .
Can you get frostbite in 40 degree weather? ›
You can get frostbite in less than 10 min in -40 wind chill.
Can you get hypothermia in 40 degree weather? ›
While hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.
Is it OK to walk in 40 degree weather? ›
For folks in this category, Cornwell recommends being careful exercising outside in temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures dip below 30 degrees Fahrenheit, he advises exercising inside.
Do you burn more calories walking in cold weather? ›
As mentioned above, exercising in the cold burns more calories. A one-mile walk in cold weather will burn more calories than a one-mile walk in the summer. The cold causes your body to have to work harder to keep its core temperature elevated in addition to the calories being burned from muscle work.
Can you get sick from being cold for too long? ›
Plus, cold weather keeps people indoors, and viruses can spread more easily in close quarters. And although laboratory research suggests cold temperatures can make immune cells less effective, Banks said in the end, viruses – not the cold weather – are what make you sick.
At what temperature should you not walk outside? ›
“If the temperature with wind chill factor is 18 degrees below Fahrenheit or lower, it is too cold to be outside,” says Joseph Neel, an athletic trainer with Kettering Health. “In those conditions, frostbite can affect exposed skin in 30 minutes or less.
Is it too cold to not wear a jacket at 50 degrees? ›
50 degree days are cold, but they're also not that cold. You could still get away with wearing a mini skirt or a shorter dress with a few smart layers up top, such as a turtleneck and a blazer, but the addition of tights will work to keep those goosebumps away.
Almost every state on average agrees that hoodie weather is right around 55 to 60 degrees.
Are puffer jackets warmer? ›
Puffer coats are insulated with synthetic fibers that are lightweight, water-resistant, and, most importantly, very warm! Despite their bulky appearance, you can easily fit a few extra layers underneath a puffer jacket to add additional weather protection and style.
How hot does 40 degrees feel? ›
Forty degrees Celsius is around 104 degrees Fahrenheit. I have experienced 125 Fahrenheit in the shade, equivalent to almost 52 degrees Celsius. This is uncomfortable, but ultimately survivable. Stay out of the direct sun.
What temp is considered cold? ›
Cold: Any temperature not exceeding 8°C (46 °F).
What does a 40 degree temperature mean? ›
Your body's normal temperature is between 36 and 36.8 degrees Celsius. A high temperature or fever, for most people, is when your body temperature is 38 degrees Celsius or higher. This can be a sign that you are unwell. It usually means you have an infection such as a cold.
What temperature is considered hot? ›
Humidity levels also become a factor in comfort, as higher humidity levels with temperatures in the 80s can make it feel like its in the 90s. From a pure temperature standpoint, once temperatures reach the 90 degree mark, you are crossing into "hot" territory.
How do I prepare for a 40 degree heat? ›
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes. Keep your living space cool. Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees.
What happens to your body at 40 degrees? ›
If it heats up to 39-40C, the brain tells the muscles to slow down and fatigue sets in. At 40-41C, heat exhaustion is likely - and above 41C, the body starts to shut down. Chemical processes start to be affected, the cells inside the body deteriorate and there is a risk of multiple organ failure.
How cold is too cold for a human? ›
The fingers, nose, ears, toes, cheeks and chin are most vulnerable to frostbite, and should be covered as much as possible. When Is Cold Too Cold? Experts agree that it's best to stay indoors if the temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit or the windchill dips below -18.
What temperature is unhealthy for humans cold? ›
Below 13° - If your home is this cold, it may increase your blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease. 14-15° - If your home is this cold, you may be diminishing your resistance to respiratory diseases. 18° is the recommended night time bedroom temperature.
If the outside temperature is between 90 and 105 F, it can cause heat cramps. If between 105 and 130 F, heat exhaustion can occur. If above 130 F, it can cause heat stroke. When things reach this point, there can be loss of consciousness, skin can turn red, there can be nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and other symptoms.
