22°C (72°F) is comfortably in shorts territory for most people. There's no real debate at this temperature; the question is more about what else to wear on top.
Is 22 degrees hot?
Warm, but not hot. 22°C converts to 71.6°F, which rounds to 72°F. Most people call it pleasant: warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt, not warm enough to feel sticky. Heat starts to become the topic from around 25 to 27°C (77 to 81°F).
How 22°C feels still depends on the conditions. In direct sun with no wind it feels like 25 to 27°C. Overcast with a firm breeze it feels closer to 16 to 19°C, which is fresh rather than hot.
22°C is rarely too cold for shorts
At 22°C even moderate wind doesn't make bare legs uncomfortable. A 20 km/h breeze at 22°C brings the feels-like to around 19°C — still fine. Only strong wind above 40 km/h combined with cloud cover would make you reconsider.
Rain is the main exception. Wet legs at 22°C feel cold quickly, especially if there's any wind.
Can it be too hot for shorts?
In direct sun at 22°C you're unlikely to overheat. But if the humidity is high — above 70–80% — the heat feels heavier and you sweat more. Shorts help here; long trousers would make it worse.
| Scenario | Comfort in shorts |
|---|---|
| Sunny, light wind | Very comfortable |
| Overcast, moderate wind | Comfortable |
| Heavy rain | Cold legs |
| High humidity, sunny | Fine, shorts actually help |
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What to wear with shorts at 22°C
A t-shirt is usually enough. In the morning or evening at 22°C a light layer on top is sometimes welcome, but your legs won't need it.
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Read next
Can I wear shorts at 21 degrees? Almost always
Yes: at 21°C (70°F) shorts are fine for almost everyone. The one exception is overcast and windy at once, when it feels like 14°C.
Can I wear shorts at 23 degrees? Yes
Yes, 23°C is shorts weather. Even overcast with a strong wind it still feels like 16°C. Only near-certain rain gives you a reason to hesitate.
Can I wear shorts at 20 degrees? Usually, yes
Yes, 20°C (68°F) is usually shorts weather. Only overcast skies with wind or rain drop the feels-like to 13–16°C. When to think twice.
Can I wear shorts at 24 degrees? Yes, mind the sun
At 24°C shorts are a given. Watch the sun instead: on a clear day in June or July the UV index is high enough to put sunscreen on your legs.
Why 20 degrees is not always shorts weather
20°C sounds like it should be comfortable. And often it is. But add enough wind or cloud cover and it stops feeling that way fairly quickly.