One pair too few is a classic holiday packing mistake. Half a bag of shorts you never wear is the other extreme. The calculation is straightforward once you know what you're dealing with.
Mediterranean summer
In Spain, Italy or Greece from June to September, shorts are the default. Daytime temperatures of 28–38°C, evenings rarely below 22°C. You need little else. One pair per two days is a reasonable baseline, plus one extra for accidents.
The one exception: religious sites and some upscale restaurants require covered legs. One pair of lightweight long trousers or a long skirt covers this without much extra weight.
Northern Europe and mountain holidays
In Norway or the Scottish Highlands, shorts are the exception. On a summer holiday there, you might have two to four days warm enough for shorts. Pack one pair as an option, not as core kit.
The Alps follow similar logic but with altitude. Temperature drops 0.6°C per 100 metres of elevation. At 2000m, it's 12°C cooler than in the valley. Shorts for the terrace lunch in the valley — not for the hike up.
City breaks
City trips depend on season and destination. Paris in July: fine. Amsterdam in April: maybe one afternoon. Istanbul in May: roughly 50/50. Check average temperatures for the specific month rather than general reputation.
| Destination | Period | Expected shorts days |
|---|---|---|
| Costa del Sol | July–August | Nearly every day |
| Tuscany | June | 4–5 days per week |
| Barcelona | May | 2–4 days per week |
| Paris | July | 3–5 days per week |
| Amsterdam | August | 1–3 days per week |
| Norway | July | 0–2 days per week |
Can you wear shorts today?
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How many to pack
Count the expected shorts days and divide by two, then add one. For a week in Tuscany in June (five shorts days), that means three pairs.
Quick-dry fabric simplifies the whole problem. A pair washed in the evening and dry by morning effectively doubles your options without extra bulk.