Thirty-five degrees is the most indecisive temperature in running. It is too cold to feel like a tee and too warm to feel like a jacket. It is the morning the runner in our house changes shirts three times and still asks for a second opinion. Here is the answer.
Updated October 2026
Quick answer
At 35°F, most runners wear a long sleeve top, shorts or tights and light gloves, with an ear band if it is breezy. On a calm, sunny morning, a tee and shorts with light gloves can be enough for a workout. If the wind makes it feel like the 20s, add a light wind jacket.
- Cold Miles. Hot Takes. beanie ($29.99): for a temperature with opinions of its own.
- It's Headlamp Season long sleeve ($42.99): for the dark 35°F mornings of late fall.
- Hot Cocoa. Cold Miles. mug ($22.99): for the hot drink waiting when you get back.
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See hats, socks and towelsHead to toe at 35°F
- Head: an ear band you can slide off. A beanie only if you run cold or it is windy.
- Top: a long sleeve running top. Push the sleeves up when you warm up.
- Hands: light gloves. At 35, your hands are often the only part of you that is cold after mile 1.
- Legs: shorts if you run warm, tights if you run cold. Both are reasonable at 35.
- Feet: non-cotton running socks.
- Extras: lights and reflective gear in the dark. Sunglasses if it is bright.
Why 35 is a border temperature
Our tool adds 15°F to the feels-like temperature to get your "dress like it is" number. A calm 35 lands right around 50, the line between two outfits. In the 50s band it is a tee (long sleeve optional) and shorts. In the 40s band it is a long sleeve, shorts or tights and light gloves. Any wind at all pushes 35 into the 40s band, which is why the long sleeve wins most mornings. Pick pieces that adjust: sleeves that push up, gloves that come off, an ear band that fits in a pocket.
Easy run vs workout or race
On an easy or long run, go with the long sleeve, tights or shorts and gloves. On a long run, the temperature may change while you are out, and you will be slower at the end, so err on the warm side of the line.
For a workout or race, a tee or thin long sleeve with shorts and light gloves is common. Warm up in an extra layer, then shed it right before you start.
Wind and rain at 35°F
- Wind: at 15 mph or more, add a wind vest or light jacket and an ear band.
- Rain: cold rain at 35 is tough. Wear a light rain shell over a long sleeve, a brimmed cap, and gloves you do not mind getting wet. Keep the run shorter than usual and get into dry clothes right away.
Common mistakes at 35 degrees
- Dressing for "almost freezing." It sounds cold, so people pile on a heavy jacket and tights and a hat, then overheat by mile 2.
- Forgetting the forecast moves. A 35°F start can be 45°F an hour later on a sunny day. Check the hour you will actually be out.
- Too many cotton layers. A cotton hoodie gets heavy and damp fast. Save it for after.
If you run cold or run hot
Run cold: tights, a long sleeve, gloves and an ear band, plus a light jacket if there is any breeze. Run hot: a tee or thin long sleeve and shorts, with light gloves you can stash.
For spectators and family
At 35°F, cheering is jacket weather, not sweater weather. Wear a warm coat, a hat, gloves and comfortable boots. If it is drizzling, a rain jacket with a hood and an umbrella. Pack a warm drink, a blanket for kids in strollers and a dry layer for the runner at the finish. Standing in the shade feels colder than you expect, so pick a sunny spot.
A general note: clothing advice is a guide, not a rule, because people vary a lot. Use this as a starting point and adjust to how you feel after the first mile.
Check your exact forecast: our free What to Wear Running tool.
Find the beanie and other small stuff in hats, socks and towels, and something cozy for after in hoodies and sweatshirts.
For the runner who runs in anything
The run is cold. The mug after is not.
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I Paid to Feel Like This (performance tee)$39.99Get the tee
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See all gifts for runnersFAQ
Should I wear shorts or tights at 35 degrees?
Either works. Shorts if you run hot or are racing, tights if you run cold or it is windy.
Is a jacket needed for running at 35°F?
Usually not on a calm day. A long sleeve and light gloves are enough for most runners. Add a light wind jacket if it is windy or rainy.
Do I need gloves at 35 degrees?
Most runners like light gloves at 35°F. Hands are often the last part of you to warm up.
What if it is 35 and raining?
Wear a light rain shell over a long sleeve, a brimmed cap and gloves, keep it shorter and change into dry clothes as soon as you finish.
