What to Wear Cycling in Summer: Tips for Hot Weather Rides

Written by: Nick Cowie | June 13, 2026 | Time to read: 5 min

Having the proper jersey, baselayer, and bib shorts can make all the difference when you ride your bike on a hot day. When shopping for summer cycling attire, make sure you prioritize ventilation, lightweight materials, and moisture-wicking fabrics. Some of the top brands for these items include Assos, Rapha, and Velocio. Most of them will identify themselves as summer products, so they should be easy to find.

• Jersey: A good summer jersey is a must-have for anyone planning to ride on the hottest days of the year. Look for a full-length zipper, so you can control your core temperature as much as possible. Summer jerseys with mesh, especially on the side panels, are great for extra ventilation.

• Base layer: Go with a lightweight sleeveless or short-sleeve base layer for the summer. You probably don’t love the idea of adding an extra layer in the summer, but it is vital for drawing sweat away from your body as you ride. As long as you buy a summer-specific one, it won’t cause overheating.

• Bib shorts: Most companies make a thinner and more breathable bib short for the summer. Sometimes, you can do with the shorts only if you prefer. A perforated chamois will deal with moisture management and enhance the overall comfort of your ride. It’s worth noting that mountain bike riders might prefer ventilated baggy shorts for cooling airflow on hot days.

Your head is one of the primary areas that controls your body temperature. It releases heat and produces moisture to cool you off, so you need to make sure this heat and sweat can actually escape, making your helmet and hat choices vital. Other accessories like gloves and socks also play a crucial role in your comfort as a rider.

• Helmet: The more ventilated your helmet, the better. Many road helmets are very lightweight and feature large vents to allow heat to escape. Mountain bike helmets are trickier, but their technology has advanced to create vents that produce more airflow than ever. You can also wear a cycling cap under your helmet to manage moisture and protect your face from the sun.

• Gloves: Wearing gloves in the summer probably seems counterintuitive, but if you choose the right ones, they can be an asset. Look for well-ventilated fingerless gloves to avoid adding to your body heat. Gloves like this will make it much easier to keep a proper grip on the handlebars and avoid getting sweat on them.

• Socks: Wearing socks while exercising outdoors is one of the most unpleasant parts of summer. When riding, you can actually feel your feet overheating and sweating. Cycling attire companies make lightweight and ventilated socks with moisture-managing technology for this exact reason.

You can get all the cool new gear you want; summer rides are still going to be hot. You can prepare for the heat wave and make it as easy on yourself as possible. Make a plan and know when it’s going to be hot out. If you have to ride in extreme heat, these are some tricks that can help.

• Hydration: Of course, you should bring as many water bottles as your frame and bags can hold. It is also important to make sure you effectively hydrate prior to your ride. Ideally, you should drink an electrolyte beverage about an hour before your ride to help your body maintain vital fluids. Continue to drink water as your ride progresses. 
  
  
• Sun protection: Most of the products discussed above will be UV-protected. Apply sunscreen before your ride to any exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Sunglasses with UV-filtering lenses are also a good idea to keep your eyes feeling fresh during the ride. 
  
  
• Trust your body: You will know if something doesn’t feel right, and in the heat, it’s best not to push it. If you feel dizziness, cramping, or nausea, it’s time to pack it in for the day. On the hottest days, aim to ride in the morning or night when the temperature is less extreme, or try to find a route with shade to avoid heat exhaustion.