24°C is one degree short of what the Dutch weather service KNMI officially calls a summer day, and that's exactly how it feels. Shorts are no longer a question at this temperature. What you do need to watch isn't the cold, it's the sun.
Too cold? Not at 24 degrees
| Scenario | Air temperature | Feels-like temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Sunny, no wind | 24°C | ~29°C |
| Sunny, 20 km/h wind | 24°C | ~25°C |
| Overcast, no wind | 24°C | ~23°C |
| Overcast, 35 km/h wind | 24°C | ~17°C |
Even the coolest scenario is comfortably above a 15°C feels-like. At 24°C wind is more welcome than annoying: on the coast or on a bike, a breeze keeps your legs cool.
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The sun is what really matters
Bare legs are usually the skin that has seen the least sun since last summer. The UV index doesn't depend on the temperature but on how high the sun is, and that varies a lot by month:
| Month | UV index on a clear day (NL) |
|---|---|
| April | 4–5 |
| May, August | 5–6 |
| June, July | 6–7 |
| September | 3–4 |
From UV index 3 upwards, sunscreen is a good idea. A 24°C afternoon in June under a clear blue sky is a day for sunscreen on your shins and knees, even if a breeze stops it from feeling hot. The same 24°C in September is a lot gentler on your skin.
Humid or dry
At 24°C humidity starts to count. Dry air feels pleasant; at 75% or more, often just before a thunderstorm, 24 degrees feels more like 27 and everything sticks. Shorts in a light, breathable fabric work better than thick denim ones then.
Conclusion
Shorts at 24 degrees: always. On sunny days between May and August, remember sunscreen on your legs, and in muggy weather pick something that breathes.
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Read next
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 25 degrees? Always
25°C (77°F) is always shorts weather; long trousers just get sweaty. At this temperature the question is heat and humidity, not staying warm.
Is 22 degrees hot? Warm, and shorts weather
22°C is 72°F: warm, not hot. It's comfortable shorts weather for nearly everyone. Only strong wind with cloud or rain makes it feel cool.
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.
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.