Forty degrees is the most overdressed temperature in running. It sounds cold. It looks cold through the window. And then, ten minutes into the run, the person in the puffy jacket is tying it around their waist and wondering what they were thinking.
Updated October 2026
Quick answer
At a calm 40°F, most runners are comfortable in a tee or light long sleeve and shorts, with light gloves for the first mile. If it is windy or damp and feels like the low 30s, switch to a long sleeve, add tights if you run cold, and keep the gloves on.
- It's Headlamp Season long sleeve ($42.99): for the 40°F runs that start before sunrise.
- Still Behind Me? Keep Up. running socks ($19.99): something for the runner behind you to read.
- Mile 20 Was a Personality Test sweatshirt ($54.99): for after, when you finally get to sit down.
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See hats, socks and towelsHead to toe at 40°F
- Head: nothing, or an ear band if it is windy. A cap if it is sunny or drizzly.
- Top: a tech tee on a calm day, a light long sleeve if it is windy, gray or you run cold.
- Hands: light gloves. Many runners take them off by mile 2 and tuck them away.
- Legs: shorts for most people. Tights if you run cold.
- Feet: non-cotton running socks.
- Extras: lights and reflective gear in the dark. Sunglasses if it is bright.
Easy run vs workout or race
On an easy run, a long sleeve and shorts with light gloves is a safe bet. On a long run, a long sleeve you can push the sleeves up on works well, since you may warm up mid-run and cool off near the end.
For a workout or race, 40°F is close to ideal running weather for many people. A singlet or tee, shorts and light gloves is common. Wear a throwaway layer to the start, or hand it to your family.
Feels-like vs actual temperature
Our tool dresses you from the feels-like temperature plus 15°F. A calm 40 dresses like the 50s: a tee (long sleeve optional) and shorts. A windy 40 that feels like 33 dresses like the 40s: a long sleeve, shorts or tights and light gloves. That is the whole difference between a "tee" morning and a "long sleeve" morning, and it is why checking the wind matters.
Wind and rain at 40°F
- Wind: at 15 mph or more, add a wind vest. It keeps your core warm without overheating your arms.
- Rain: 40°F rain is cold rain. Wear a light shell or at least a brimmed cap, a long sleeve rather than a tee, and gloves. Get into dry clothes quickly after.
Common mistakes at 40 degrees
- The winter jacket. It is not winter jacket weather if you are running. Leave it for the spectators.
- Tights, jacket, hat and gloves all at once. Pick the two or three pieces you need, not all of them.
- A cotton hoodie. It soaks up sweat and gets heavy. Save the hoodie for after.
If you run cold or run hot
Run cold: long sleeve, tights and light gloves, with an ear band in your pocket. Run hot: a tee and shorts, maybe gloves for the first mile. You know who you are.
For spectators and family
Forty degrees feels a lot colder standing still for an hour. If you are cheering, wear a warm jacket, a hat and gloves, and bring a thermos. Kids get bored and cold at about the same rate, so bring snacks and a sign for them to hold. A dry long sleeve and a warm layer for the runner at the finish will make you the most popular person there.
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.
For the long sleeve and after-run layers, see hoodies and sweatshirts and hats, socks and towels.
For the runner who runs in anything
The run is cold. The mug after is not.
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See all gifts for runnersFAQ
Is 40 degrees too cold to run in shorts?
No, most runners are comfortable in shorts at 40°F. If you run cold or it is windy, wear tights.
Should I wear a jacket running in 40 degrees?
Usually not. A long sleeve or tee is enough for most people. Add a wind vest or light shell if it is windy or raining.
Do I need gloves at 40°F?
Light gloves are nice for the first mile. You can take them off once you warm up.
What should I wear to a race at 40 degrees?
A tee or singlet, shorts and light gloves, plus a throwaway layer for the start. Many runners find 40°F great race weather.
