Seventy degrees sounds perfect if you are having brunch. If you are running, it is warm. The runner in your family will come home sweatier than expected and announce that they are "basically training in the heat now." Here is how to dress for it.
Updated October 2026
Quick answer
At 70°F, wear a singlet or the lightest tee you own, shorts, a cap or visor and sunglasses. Run early if you can, carry or plan for water on anything long, and slow down a little. Feels-like matters a lot here, because humidity can make 70 feel much warmer.
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See hats, socks and towelsHead to toe at 70°F
- Head: a cap or visor, plus sunscreen.
- Eyes: sunglasses.
- Top: a singlet or very light tee. Light colors in full sun.
- Legs: shorts.
- Feet: thin, non-cotton running socks.
- Extras: anti-chafe balm, and water for runs over 30 to 45 minutes. A handheld bottle or a route past fountains.
Easy run vs workout or race
On an easy run, the outfit above and a slower pace than you would run on a cool day. That is normal, not a sign you are out of shape. On a long run, start early, plan water stops and consider a loop that passes home or the car.
For a workout or race, wear a singlet and shorts. Expect to run slower than you would at 50°F and adjust your goal if it is humid. Drink at aid stations, and pour water on your head if that helps you feel cooler.
Feels-like vs actual temperature
At 70°F, humidity and sun can push the feels-like number well above the thermometer. Our tool uses the feels-like temperature plus 15°F, so a 70 that feels like 75 dresses like it is 90: still singlet and shorts, but a strong hint to slow down and carry water. A 70 with shade and a breeze is a lot friendlier.
Wind and rain at 70°F
- Wind: a breeze is a gift at 70. Enjoy it.
- Rain: warm rain usually feels good. Skip the shell, which traps heat. Wear a brimmed cap, and use extra anti-chafe since wet clothes rub more.
Common mistakes at 70 degrees
- Chasing cool weather paces. Running your usual pace in the heat makes the run much harder. Go by effort.
- Not drinking. You sweat a lot more at 70 than at 50, even if it does not feel like it.
- Cotton everything. A soaked cotton tee is heavy and rubs. Save it for after.
- Running at noon. Early morning or evening is usually cooler.
If you run cold or run hot
Run cold: a light tee and shorts will feel great. Run hot: singlet, shorts, cap, shade, water, early start. You know the drill.
A general caution: if you feel dizzy, sick to your stomach, confused or get a pounding headache while running in the heat, stop, get into shade, cool down and drink. Get medical help if you do not feel better quickly.
For spectators and family
At 70°F, standing in the sun can wear you out faster than you think. Wear light clothes, a hat and sunscreen, and bring plenty of water for yourself and the kids. Find shade, bring a folding chair, and keep a cold drink and a towel for the runner at the finish. Spray bottles are a hit with kids and with tired runners alike.
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.
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Gifts they will actually use
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See all gifts for runnersFAQ
Is 70 degrees too hot to run?
Not for most healthy runners, but it is warm. Run earlier, slow down a bit, carry water on longer runs, and watch the humidity.
What is the best thing to wear running at 70°F?
A singlet or very light tee, shorts, a cap or visor, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Should I slow down running at 70 degrees?
Most runners feel slower in the heat, especially when it is humid. Running by effort instead of pace is a good idea.
What should spectators bring at 70 degrees?
Water, a hat, sunscreen, a chair and shade if you can find it. A cold drink and a towel for the runner at the finish are always welcome.
