# At what temperature will clothes dry outside?

Source: https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/what-temperature-will-clothes-dry-outside
Published: 2026-10-12
Publisher: Damp and Dry

**In short:** Clothes can dry outside at almost any temperature above freezing, and even slowly below it, if the air is dry and there is a breeze. Humidity and wind matter more than temperature. A cool, breezy, dry day often dries washing better than a warm, still, muggy one. If humidity is very high, or rain or fog is forecast, dry indoors instead.

Many people check the thermometer before pegging out a load, but temperature is only one of several factors. In the UK, plenty of mild days are too humid for washing to dry, while some chilly, bright, breezy days work surprisingly well. This guide explains what really drives outdoor drying, how to read a forecast for it, and what to do on the days when the line is not an option.

## What makes washing dry

Water evaporates from fabric when the surrounding air can take more moisture. Three things control that: how humid the air already is, how fast air moves across the fabric, and how much energy the fabric gets from sun and warmth. Temperature helps because warmer air can hold more water, but it is not the whole story.

Wind is the most underrated factor. A steady breeze constantly replaces the moist air around each item with drier air.

Sunshine adds energy directly to the fabric. Even on a cool day, washing in full sun warms up above the air temperature, which speeds evaporation. A sheltered, sunny spot out of the wind can work well on a calm day, while an exposed spot is better on a cloudy, breezy one.

## Humidity matters most

Relative humidity (RH) is how close the air is to holding all the water vapour it can at that temperature. At high RH, evaporation is slow. On a calm, misty day near 100 % RH, washing may barely dry at all, even if it is not cold. On a breezy day with RH around 60 to 70 %, it can dry well even in cool weather.

Many weather apps show humidity and dew point. When the temperature and dew point are very close, the air is near saturation and drying will be poor. Our [dew point calculator](https://dampanddry.co.uk/tools/dew-point-calculator) explains the link.

| Conditions | Outdoor drying |
| --- | --- |
| Dry, breezy, sunny, any mild temperature | Good |
| Cool, dry and breezy | Usually good |
| Warm but still and muggy | Slow |
| Fog, mist or drizzle | Poor |
| Below freezing, dry and breezy | Slow, may stiffen then dry |
| Rain forecast within a few hours | Bring it in |

A rough go or no-go guide

## Cold and frosty days

Clothes can dry below freezing. Water in the fabric freezes, then slowly turns straight to vapour in dry, breezy air. Items may go stiff but soften once they finish drying. It is slow, so bring them in to finish on an airer if they are not dry by mid-afternoon.

Short winter days limit drying time. Hang washing out early, and expect thick items to need finishing indoors.

## Getting the most from the line

Use the highest spin speed the care labels allow. Hang items in the wind rather than folded over the line, peg by the hems so air flows through, and turn heavy items. Leave space between garments. Dark colours fade in strong sun, so turn them inside out.

Morning is better than afternoon in autumn and winter, when the evening brings rising humidity and dew. Bring washing in before dusk, as dew can re-wet it.

- Check humidity and wind, not just temperature
- Peg out early on short days
- Space items for airflow
- Turn dark colours inside out
- Bring in before dusk

## When to dry indoors instead

On wet, still or misty days, dry indoors in a way that does not fill your home with moisture. An airer in a small closed room with a dehumidifier is usually the most effective low-cost option. See [how to dry clothes indoors quickly](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-dry-clothes-indoors-quickly) and the [cheapest way to dry clothes indoors](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/cheapest-way-to-dry-clothes-indoors) for methods and kWh figures.

Indoor drying in a closed room without a dehumidifier puts the same water that would have blown away outside into your home. On wet days in a small flat that is often the cause of streaming windows the next morning. A dehumidifier collects it instead, and a fan alongside speeds the drying up. If you use a tumble dryer for some loads, our explainer on [tumble dryer running costs](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/tumble-dryer-running-costs) shows how to work out the kWh.

[See dehumidifiers for drying clothes](https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-for-drying-clothes)

## Finishing off indoors

Washing brought in slightly damp should finish drying before you fold it away, or it may smell musty. A short spell on an airer with a dehumidifier or on a [heated airer](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-a-heated-airer) usually does it. Our guide on [why clothes smell damp after drying](https://dampanddry.co.uk/blog/clothes-smell-damp-after-drying) explains why slow drying causes odours.

## Frequently asked questions

**Will clothes dry outside at 10 degrees?** Yes, if the air is reasonably dry and there is a breeze. Humidity and wind matter more than temperature.

**Will clothes dry outside in winter?** On dry, breezy days, yes, though more slowly. Hang them early and bring them in before dusk.

**Do clothes dry if it is humid?** Slowly. On very humid, still days they may not dry at all, so dry indoors with a dehumidifier instead.

## Buying guides on this topic

- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-for-drying-clothes
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-low-energy-dehumidifier
- https://dampanddry.co.uk/best/best-dehumidifier-uk

## Sources

- [Met Office](https://www.metoffice.gov.uk)