Cloud cover in the Netherlands is more the norm than the exception. Understanding what overcast conditions do to your comfort helps you better judge whether shorts are a good idea.
What does cloud cover do to the feels-like temperature?
On a clear day, direct solar radiation adds 4 to 6 degrees to the feels-like temperature. On a fully overcast day that bonus temperature disappears entirely. A day of 20°C with full sun feels like 25°C. The same day overcast feels like 19°C.
| Cloud cover | Effect on feels-like temperature |
|---|---|
| Completely clear | +4 to +6°C |
| Lightly cloudy | +2 to +4°C |
| Partly cloudy | +1 to +2°C |
| Heavily overcast | +0°C (no solar effect) |
| Fully overcast | Sometimes cooler than air temp with wind |
The threshold shifts with cloud cover
Because solar warmth disappears, the threshold for comfortable shorts moves up in overcast conditions. As a rule of thumb:
- Sunny: air temperature above 15–16°C is enough
- Partly cloudy: air temperature of 17–18°C needed
- Fully overcast: air temperature of 19–20°C+ for comfort
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Cloud cover plus wind: double effect
Wind and overcast together are the most unfavourable combination for shorts weather. No sun to warm you, plus wind carrying warmth away from your skin. On a day of 17°C, fully overcast and 25 km/h wind, you're looking at a feels-like of 12–13°C. Shorts are uncomfortable for virtually everyone in those conditions.
When is overcast still fine?
When there's little or no wind and the temperature is high enough, overcast isn't a problem. 22°C overcast and calm gives a feels-like of 21°C — fine for shorts. You might miss the sun, but you won't be cold.
Conclusion
Cloud cover makes it harder to judge whether shorts will be comfortable. Air temperature is a less reliable indicator in overcast conditions. Look at the feels-like temperature — that's the only number that actually counts.
Learn more
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Can I wear shorts at 12 degrees? Usually too cold
12°C (54°F) is too cold for shorts for most people. In full sun with no wind it can feel like 17°C, and then it's just about doable.
Can I wear shorts at 15 degrees? Only in the sun
15°C (59°F) is the tipping point. In sun with no wind it feels like 20°C and shorts are fine; overcast and windy it feels like 11°C.
Why you dress differently in changeable weather
13°C and grey in the morning, 21°C in full sun by afternoon, showers in the evening. There's no single right answer. The solution is layers, used deliberately.