So you’ve decided to make a trip to visit Greenville, South Carolina, or perhaps you are moving here and are wondering, What should I wear for clothing during the summer season in GVL?
Just How Hot Are the Summers in Greenville, South Carolina?
Greenville, SC is located in a subtropical area. The hottest month is July, with an average high temperature of 90 degrees, making it cooler than most of South Carolina during that time of year. On average, the summer month temperatures will range from the mid-80s to the high-90s; however, the humidity can make it feel warmer. The most humid months are June through September, with June, July, and August being the most uncomfortable. You can expect the temperature to fluctuate throughout the day, especially if there are thunderstorms.
How Should You Dress in a Hot Summer Climate?
In a subtropical environment like Greenville, light, comfortable clothing, ideally made of natural fibers like linen or cotton, is ideal. But don’t forget to pack some warm clothing for the evening or exploring the mountains.
It might be depressing to step outside into a muggy, sticky, suffocating wall of hot and humid weather. Unfortunately, there is no magic cure for that sweltering sensation. Finding ways to decrease discomfort by wearing garments that keep you cool is best to improve your comfort.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothing
Wearing lightweight clothing that won’t cling to your skin is the single most significant thing you can do to increase your comfort amid high humidity. Woven fabrics or those with texture, as well as a looser fit, usually work well.
Clothing that clings to your body will absorb sweat and then stick to your skin, heightening the discomfort. Wear clothing that gives physical space from your body rather than hugging it to avoid this.
Certain fabrics are better at providing distance than others. Lightweight woven materials, rather than knits, will often drape better off your body. Look for fabrics with texture, such as seersucker or pique, to slightly lift the garment off your skin.
Pick Fabrics That Wick Moisture Away From Your Skin
Choose clothing with moisture-management properties like absorbency or wicking to keep sweat from sitting on your skin. Moisture-wicking materials wick liquids away from your skin fast. Fortunately, much of the outdoor clothing made today are made specifically for this purpose. Many clothing products are made of synthetic polyester and nylon and will have “moisture management” or “wicking” written on them. However, merino wool and cotton can also be good choices. If you have a choice, pick the lightest weight fabrics.
The trick is to combine fabric performance with apparel that hangs slightly off the body. On a dry summer day, wicking alone may be enough to keep you cool because sweat is drawn away from your body and evaporates quickly, leaving you feeling cooler. On a hot, humid day, though, the air around you is saturated, leaving perspiration with nowhere to go but to linger on your skin or be absorbed by your garments.
Wear Clothing That Dries Quickly
The faster your shirt or pants dry after being soaked with sweat, the less time you spend in wet, swampy garments (which won’t evaporate rapidly on hot, humid days). The lighter the fabric, the faster it will dry in general, but you can also look for apparel that is labeled as quick drying. Quick-dry clothes won’t entirely eliminate humidity, but they will dry a little faster than other types of clothing.
Light Colors Are the Right Colors in the Summer
Light colors reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them (as dark hues do). This helps you stay cool. Look for white, tan, or khaki shirts, shorts, jeans, and hats.
Choose Clothing With a UPF Rating
While all clothing blocks the sun’s rays to some degree, clothing with a UPF rating is guaranteed to give protection. UPF 15, UPF 30, and UPF 50+ are common ratings.
Grab a Hat or Umbrella
You need sun protection in hot humid weather. The same guidelines apply to hats as they do to other clothing: lightweight fabrics, a looser fit, and quick-drying performance are all things to look for. A baseball cap provides adequate protection, but a sun hat with a full brim is preferable. You’ll probably feel better with nothing on your head if the sun isn’t out and it’s humid. On the other hand, an umbrella can be handy for not only keeping the sun at bay but also those summer showers that roll through the Greenville area.
Other Options for Staying Cool in the Greenville Summertime
With some planning, keeping cool in Greenville can be easily achieved. From chilling indoors near an air conditioning unit in one of the many shopping venues or restaurants to heading out for a dip in the lakes or waterparks will most definitely enjoy your time in Greenville.
