Clothes for a late evening walk

Short answer: In the evening the temperature has dropped, and you walk more slowly than during the day. Expect it to feel two to three degrees colder than the thermometer shows, and wear one layer more than on a midday walk.

The air is coldest after sunset

The ground gives off heat to the sky at night, and the temperature falls quickly in the first hours after sunset, especially on clear evenings. It may feel mild right after dinner, but an hour later it is different. A layer like bamboo joggers for men covers that and is easy to walk in.

Slow walking warms you less

A calm evening walk produces far less heat than a brisk walk in daylight. The body works less hard, so walking does not warm you up. The arms feel it most, since they hang still. A long sleeve like the long sleeve styles makes the difference and fits under a jacket.

Moisture from the ground cools you

In the evening moisture rises, and grass and paths get wet with dew. A damp layer against the skin cools quickly, because moisture draws heat from the body. A base layer like bamboo undershirts for men moves moisture away from the skin, so you stay dry in cool, heavy air.

Layers rather than one thick jacket

Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jacket. If you start in cool air and walk uphill, you can take off the outer layer and carry it. If it gets colder later, you put it back on. With one thick jacket your only choice is too warm or too cold.

Neck and wrists lose heat

Heat often escapes at the open places where clothing ends. A long cuff that covers the wrist and a collar that sits close to the neck keep in more warmth than you might think. They are small details, but on a cool evening you notice the difference within ten minutes, once the wind finds them.

Choose clothes you can walk in for long

An evening walk often lasts longer than planned because it is quiet and pleasant. The clothes should sit well for an hour or more. Flat seams and a soft fabric do not rub, and a waistband that stays put without pulling makes a calm pace easy. Then you think about the walk, not your clothes.

Think about being seen

When it gets dark, drivers and cyclists struggle to see you. Dark clothing almost disappears in evening light. A reflector or a light detail on the outer layer makes you visible much sooner. Keeping a reflector in your pocket costs nothing, and you can clip it to your jacket on the way out.

When you get home again

After a cool walk it is nice to change into something dry. Even if you have not sweated, the clothes can be damp from dew and air. Hang them up to dry and put on a soft layer for the rest of the evening. The body warms up again without turning up the heating.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the temperature drop after sunset

Two to five degrees during the first hour, most on clear evenings when there are no clouds to hold in the heat.

Should you wear more than during the day

Yes, one layer more at the same temperature, because you walk more slowly and produce less heat yourself.

What matters most on an evening walk

A layer you can take off if you get warm, so you can adjust on the way and do not end up sweating in a jacket that is too thick.