Kit guide · Wind

What to wear cycling in the wind

Wind makes a ride feel colder in two ways. The forecast's feels-like temperature already includes wind chill, but on a bike you also ride into it: a headwind adds your own speed to the wind speed. That's why a windy 15°C (59°F) can feel like a cool spring morning.

Updated 17 October 2026

Kit in strong wind by temperature Check your ride

Wind at a glance

25 km/h: 16 mph: from here a wind gilet is suggested
GPX: routes: wind is judged against your riding direction
35 km/h: 22 mph wind feels a few degrees colder on the bike: kit near a switch point goes a step warmer

Kit table

Kit in strong wind by temperature

Wind 35 km/h (22 mph), moderate pace, no rain. Generated from the same logic as the calculator.

Optional items in grey. Click a temperature for the full kit list.
Feels like	Head	Upper body	Hands	Legs	Feet
0°C32°F	Thermal skull cap	Thermal long-sleeve base layerWinter jerseyInsulated jacketWind gilet (optional)	Thermal winter gloves	Thermal bib tights	Thermal overshoesThermal socks
5°C41°F	Cycling cap	Thermal base layerWinter jersey or softshellWind gilet (optional)	Thermal winter gloves	Bib tights	Thermal overshoesThermal socks
10°C50°F	Light cap (optional)	Long-sleeve jerseyBase layer (optional)Wind gilet (optional)	Light cycling gloves	Bib shortsLeg warmers	Light overshoes or toe covers
15°C59°F	Light cap (optional)	JerseyArm warmersWind gilet (optional)	Fingerless gloves or no glovesThin full-finger gloves (optional)	Bib shortsKnee warmers	Regular cycling socksToe covers (optional)
20°C68°F	Helmet only	Summer jersey	No gloves or fingerless gloves	Bib shorts	Regular cycling socks

What to know

Wind: the essentials

What changes in the wind

kitcheck.cc uses the forecast's feels-like temperature and then adds a small extra penalty for strong wind, for the airflow of riding into it. In practice it feels a few degrees colder: kit close to a switch point goes a step warmer, and a wind gilet becomes an option when the wind is strong.

With a GPX route, the calculator goes further: it compares the wind direction with your riding direction along the route. A headwind counts fully, a tailwind barely, and the longest headwind stretch shows up in the notes.

A gilet or windproof jacket

The single most useful thing on a windy day is a windproof layer on your chest: a gilet when it is mild, a windproof jacket or softshell when it is cold. Your arms and legs matter less, because they are moving.

Plan the route around the wind

Ride out into the wind and home with it behind you. You get the hard part done while you are fresh, and you do not get cold on the way back when you are tired and slower.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What riders ask about cycling in the wind.

How much colder does wind make a bike ride feel?

It depends on the temperature and wind speed, and the forecast's feels-like temperature already accounts for most of it. On the bike, riding into a strong headwind adds a few degrees on top. On a windy day, if you are between two kit choices, take the warmer one.

Gilet or rain jacket?

A gilet for wind, a rain jacket for rain. A gilet is not waterproof and does nothing for your arms in the rain. If showers are possible, a packable rain jacket in your pocket does both jobs, just less breathably.

Should I ride into the wind first?

Yes, if you can. Start into the wind and finish with it behind you, so you are not fighting a headwind when you are tired and riding slower.

Kit for these conditions

Arm & knee warmers Overshoes

Other conditions

Rain Winter Summer °Temperature chart

Check the forecast for your ride

The calculator uses the hourly forecast for your location and ride window, including wind, rain and how hard you're going.

Use the calculator