A sunny terrace at 17°C is a different experience from a shaded bench at 17°C. Solar radiation heats exposed skin directly, independent of air temperature. For shorts decisions, this matters a lot.
How much the sun adds
On a clear day around solar noon, direct sunlight adds 4–8°C to the feels-like temperature on exposed skin. At 17°C air temperature in full sun with little wind, bare legs feel comfortable — the effective temperature on skin approaches 22–24°C.
This is why terraces fill up in the Netherlands on days that seem too cool on paper. People aren't wrong to feel warm — the physics supports it.
The cloud problem
The moment a cloud passes in front of the sun, that solar gain disappears. The air temperature hasn't changed, but the radiant warmth has. A terrace that felt comfortable at 17°C in sun can feel chilly at 17°C under clouds. This is the main uncertainty with shorts on borderline days.
| Condition | Air temp | Terrace comfort in shorts |
|---|---|---|
| Full sun, no wind | 16°C | Comfortable |
| Full sun, light breeze | 16°C | Manageable |
| Patchy cloud | 16°C | Variable |
| Overcast | 16°C | Usually too cool |
Can you wear shorts today?
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Wind at the terrace
Many urban terraces are sheltered from wind, which makes them warmer than the general forecast suggests. Check the local wind speed, not just the temperature. A sheltered sunny terrace at 15°C can feel like 20°C. An exposed one at 18°C with wind can feel like 13°C.
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