What Gloves to Wear at Each Temperature: A 40 to 90 F Riding Glove Guide

There is no standard that says which glove goes with which temperature, so every chart is someone's judgement. One gear-review site puts unlined leather above 60°F (16°C), a sealed gauntlet cuff at 50 to 60°F, a lining or liner at 40 to 50°F, and heat below that. Speed, ride length and rain move those lines more than the thermometer does. Use the table below as a starting point, then log your own rides.

Temperature bands at a glance

This is one site's judgement, not a measurement or standard. Other sources split the year differently: a UK test team splits gloves into summer, three-season and winter, and describes three-season gloves as covering everything except peak summer and the depth of winter.

What changes the number

• Speed. The bands assume highway speed with no hand guards; slow city riding shifts each band down. At 65 mph the windstream strips heat off your hands faster than the thermometer suggests.
• Rain. Rain shifts every band up, meaning you need warmer gloves sooner.
• Ride length. At 35 to 40°F, the same rater says most riders start losing feeling inside 45 minutes.
• Wind chill. The US National Weather Service formula covers air at or below 50°F with wind above 3 mph, so it does not apply to the warm bands. At 0°F (-18°C) with a 15 mph wind, wind chill is -19°F (-28°C) and exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes. A glove seller says 40°F air at 60 mph feels like the mid 20s on exposed skin; that is its claim, not our calculation.
• Wrist gaps. A sleeve that rides up at the bars lets air in.

Layering by band

In the 40s, a liner is the usual first step; a shop says the thinnest liner fits best inside a regular glove. Size so the glove still has room, because gloves worn over liners need to be a little roomier. Our guide on wearing liners under your gloves covers it. A small air gap insulates, and a glove that is too tight may feel colder.

Spring and fall: the transition bands

The 50s and low 40s are where one glove often has to do two jobs. Heated grips can pair with a less insulated all-season glove. Hands also swell in heat, so a glove that fits on a cool morning may be tight by afternoon.

Build your own chart: ride log

The sources above disagree on cut-offs and do not say how your hands behave, so keep a log.

Where the store fits

[PRODUCT BLOCK: 2-3 summer or short-cuff leather motorcycle gloves for the warm bands; no warmth claims]

The motorcycle gloves at Leather Collection include retro, race-inspired, summer and short-cuff designs in 0.8-0.9 mm cowhide. The store says summer and short-cuff pairs are for warm days, and it names no winter, insulated or lined riding glove. For the cold bands, look at insulated or heated gloves from riding-gear makers.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature is cold enough to wear lined gloves?

Sources differ. One rater says add a lining or liner at 40 to 50°F; a glove maker suggests gauntlets below 45°F.

Is there such a thing as a three-season glove?

One UK test team says few makers use the category, but describes it as a glove for everything except peak summer and the depth of winter.

Should I wear waterproof gloves in spring and fall?

Rain shifts the temperature bands up, so you may want a warmer or sealed glove sooner. A glove sold as waterproof should have a waterproof liner and sealed seams.

For cuff choices across the year, see choosing the right glove length and our cold-weather riding hub.