Best Summer Motorcycle Helmet Guide For HOT Weather 2024

Looking for the best summer motorcycle helmet?

When my fellow drifters and I decided to ride our motorcycles from North Dakota down to the tip of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, we didn’t really consider the fact that it was summer.

It was one of those spontaneous trips that turned into a long, fun, disorderly road trip.

So, before I knew it, I found myself sweating my ass off and thinking my suffocatingly hot helmet might just do me in.

By the time we reached Las Vegas, it was time for us to find some real hot-weather motorcycle helmets.

With the help of a few fellow hardcore riders and some expert motorcycle shop owners, we found some of the best summer helmet options on the market.

And thank the motorcycle gods. 🙏 Because Baja California heat in the summer on a motorcycle is no joke!

Not all motorcycle helmets are the same; some are better to wear in the summer than others. These will help keep you as cool as possible while on your bike, offering maximum protection.

But with so many products available, which ones are the best?

We saved you some time and put together this list so you can find the best motorcycle helmet for your warm-weather rides.

Let’s roll. 🏍️💨

Best 12 Helmets for Hot Weather

Here are the top 12 best helmets for hot weather riding. 

Best Overall: Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet 

The best hot weather motorcycle helmet overall, expertly created by Shoei, is their Neotec 2 Helmet.

You get the best of both worlds with this helmet. It has the versatility of a 2-in-1 helmet, an aerodynamic shell, and a sun shield. 

Along with a great ventilation and aerodynamic design, this helmet has a Pinlock-prepared face shield to protect your eyes and face while riding around.

Also, the interior is easy to remove and wash, which will be necessary when riding in the summer heat. 

We love that it has a noise isolator in the cheek pads to help reduce unwanted noise and wind when wearing it. It is also rated one of the top quietest helmets for motorcycle riders.

Other helmets can’t compete with the high-quality, sleek design, drop-down sun shield, and superior ventilation of the Shoei Neotec 2 Helmet, which is the best modular motorcycle helmet for summer riding.

You can get it in eight different colors and sizes ranging from XS to 2XL.

Pros: 

• Removable interior 
• Noise isolating 
• Advanced ventilation system
• Maximum protection

Cons: 

• It’s a little heavy, but extremely sturdy

Best Runner-Up: Shoei GT-Air II Helmet

Our choice for the best runner-up overall summer motorcycle helmet is the Shoei GT-Air II Helmet.

This helmet is a new version of the beloved GT-Air Helmet.

It has a more updated design with all the necessary aerodynamics and its predecessor’s stability. 

This Shoei GT-Air II has a longer drop-down visor and a micro-ratchet chinstrap. You can also easily integrate it with the SRL-2 Bluetooth communication that Sena offers.

It’s been wind tunnel tested and comes with an EPS liner for better absorption and ventilation while riding.

This helmet also made our list of best full-face motorcycle helmets due to its stellar ventilation.

We love the molded air spoiler because it reduces the pressure on your neck while riding. It comes in seven colors, with two vibrant color options.

The sizes range from XS to 2XL. 

Pros: 

• Molded air spoiler 
• EPS liner for excellent ventilation 
• Drop-down inner sun visor for instant sun glare relief

Cons: 

• Many sizes are often out of stock (due to popularity)

Best Aerodynamics: Schuberth C5 Helmet 

Schuberth is known for creating high-quality motorcycle helmets, and the C5 Helmet is our top pick for a C-helmet.

It has superior aerodynamics and safety features that are to be expected from this company. 

The compact shell has set a new standard for modular touring helmets. It comes with a new liner that helps keep you cooler during summer.

This helmet is offered in a range of shell sizes, XS-LG and XL-3XL. 

The helmet comes in six color options. Most are neutrals like blacks, whites, and grays, but you can also get it in a bright, highlighter yellow hue.

Our favorite feature is that it comes with pre-installed speakers. 

Pros: 

• Pre-installed speakers
• Reputable brand 
• good ventilation system

Cons: 

• The sizing is a little odd

Best Lightweight Helmet: Shoei RF-1400

Motorcycle helmets can be heavy on your head, especially when you’re wearing them for a long period of time.

Our pick for the best lightweight summer helmet is the Shoei RF-1400 Helmet. 

The RF-1400 comes with some of the lightest materials, allowing it to feel comfortable when you’re wearing it. Arguably, the best part of this helmet is that it is DOT-certified.

Since evolving from the RF-1200, the RF-1400 has a 4% drag reduction and 6% lift reduction. 

Like other Shoei helmets, this one comes in six different colors. As for the sizes, you can get them from XS to 3XL.

The availability of a wide range of sizes makes it one of the best motorcycle helmets for those with larger heads.

The only thing we didn’t like is that the 3XL size doesn’t come in black. 

Pros: 

• 3.62 pounds
• DOT certified
• lighter helmet for long rides and hot summer days

Cons: 

• The 3XL isn’t available in black 

Best For Round Heads: Arai Quantum-X  

Arai has a way of improving on all their previous helmets, and this Quantum-X Helmet doesn’t disappoint.

The main thing everyone loves about this summer helmet is the fit. It has a balanced shape with an extra side room, perfect for more round heads. 

Just because it’s better for round heads, if you have a more oval head, you can still use this helmet by installing a Corsair X headliner.

It comes with QVF and QVR upper ventilation to improve airflow in the helmet when you’re riding. 

It comes with temple padding that you can adjust to create a customized fit. As for the neck roll, it is removable and helps remove excess heat. 

Pros: 

• Perfect for round heads
• QVF and QVR ventilation 

Cons: 

• Most sizes are often out of stock

Best Bluetooth Communication: Sena Impulse Modular Mesh Intercom 

Most helmets come with Bluetooth communication abilities, so you can communicate when needed while riding.

Still, the best summer helmet with Bluetooth communications is the Sena Impulse Modular Mesh Intercom Helmet. 

The audio you’ll hear when wearing this helmet is the clearest we’ve heard, thanks to the Harman Karon speakers.

It also comes with a drop-down visor for sun protection and a tail light.

While it might not be a downside, the helmet only comes in matte black and white. 

This helmet also comes with a four-vent system that will keep you as cool as possible regardless of how hot it is outside when you’re riding.

It’s a great all-in-one helmet with amazing audio quality. 

Pros: 

• Four vent system 
• Harman Kardon speakers

Cons:

• It only comes in two colors 

Best For Long Haul Comfort: Schuberth C3 Pro

The longer you wear your helmet, the more likely you’ll get a little uncomfortable, even in the most comfortable helmet.

The Schuberth C3 Pro Helmet is a great option if you like to ride long-distance.

Comfort isn’t just about how it fits on your head. Your comfort level will be affected when the noise is too loud and the helmet is too heavy.

The C3 Pro is a lightweight helmet and offers riders one of the quietest rides, even at higher speeds. 

Many people found that how the helmet sits on their head reduces any neck strain turbulence can cause. It’s made with a combination of multi-density EPS foam to reduce impact speed.

Pros: 

• Super quiet
• Comfortable on longer rides
• Lighter helmet

Cons: 

• You might need to go up a size for a good fit 

Best Size Options: Sedici Strada II

Most helmets come with impressive size options, but the Sedici Strada II Helmet is our top pick for having the best size options.

This helmet has plenty of motorcycle-centric features to provide riding comfort and safety.

The helmet’s fit will sit closer to your head while wearing it. It comes with removable cheek pads that you can easily toss in the washing machine when they need cleaning. 

We also love the chin skirt that reduces the wind noise drastically. There’s an internal sun visor that you can use whenever you need it. 

Pros: 

• Removable cheek pads
• Exceeds DOT specifications

Cons: 

• It doesn’t offer full UV protection

Best For Sports Riders: AGV K1 S Helmet 

If you’re more of a sports rider than a leisure rider, the best summer helmet is the AGV K1 S Helmet.

The manufacturers of this helmet designed it to be able to wind test with the Pista GP R and Corsa R. 

There’s a spoiler that helps with aerodynamic stability and comes with a rear vent to remove even more warm air from inside your helmet.

This helmet is incredibly durable and made with high-resistance thermoplastic resin (HIR-TH). Five intake vents bring in cool air while the exhaust vents push out hot air.

The shell comes in two sizes and then four EPS sizes. We love that it offers 100% UV protection and is scratch-resistant. 

Pros: 

• UV Protection
• Durable HIT-TH material 
• Best ventilated motorcycle helmet for everyday sport riders

Cons: 

• Many people feel like the sizing chart isn’t accurate 

Best Half Helmet: Scorpion EXO Covert

A high-quality summer motorcycle helmet doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. You also don’t need to compromise on quality for a more affordable helmet.

The Scorpion EXO Covert Helmet is a high-quality half helmet that is perfect if you are looking for a good helmet for hot summer rides on a budget.

The inside of this helmet has an antimicrobial Kwikwick fabric liner that will help reduce moisture inside the helmet from sweat. 

This helmet has a half lid that offers a clean and sleek appearance. You can easily detach the face mask due to the magnets.

The shell is made with polycarbonate, offering a durable helmet that you can trust to protect you when you’re riding. Like other helmets, it’s DOT-approved. 

It also topped our list as #1 of the best motorcycle half-helmets available.

Pros: 

• Kwikwick interior liner 
• Removable face mask 
• 3-in-1 design allows you to switch from full-face to three-quarter to half-face helmet easily

Cons: 

• Weighs more than traditional half-helmets

Best Ventilation: HJC i10  

Summer helmets are all about ventilation, and the HJC i10 Helmet is one of the best in terms of ventilation.

This helmet is an intermediate oval shape that weighs just under four pounds. It’s a great option for getting a quality helmet without spending all your savings.

With this helmet, you get an advanced channeling ventilation system (ACS) that helps move air through the helmet to remove the humidity and heat from inside it.

In addition to the ACS, it has moisture-wicking interior liners to keep you dry from your sweat. 

Something we love about the face shield is that you can apply an anti-fog lens to keep your vision as clear as possible when riding your motorcycle. 

Pros: 

• ACS ventilation 
• Available in five colors 

Cons: 

• You have to purchase the anti-fog lens separately 

Best Moisture Wicking: Bell MX-9 Mips

Lastly, the Bell MX-9 Mips Helmet is the best moisture-wicking summer helmet.

It has a removable Mips protection system, a moisture-wicking liner, and velocity flow ventilation. 

You can also choose from three shell sizes to find the best fit possible for your head.

It is pretty lightweight, coming in at 3.4 pounds. Like other summer helmets, it’s DOT-approved and ECE-certified. 

Other things we love about this helmet include the five-year warranty if there’s anything wrong with the helmet, the EPS-lined chin bar, and the padded chin strap. 

Pros: 

• The moisture-wicking liner works fast
• ECE-certified

Cons: 

• The visor is bulky

Choosing the Best Summer Motorcycle Helmet 

Shopping for a great summer motorcycle helmet is not a decision you should take lightly.

Since it’ll be there to protect your head while you’re driving, you need to ensure that you’re getting a high-quality helmet with all the features you’re looking for. 

Here are some of the main things you’ll want to consider when shopping for the best summer motorcycle helmet for you. 

Helmet Types 

There’s no one specific helmet that is a “summer” motorcycle helmet.

There are ten types of helmets that are all great in their own ways and come with features perfect for summer wear.

Which one you’ll want depends on your preferences and needs. The different types of motorcycle helmets are: 

• Full-Face 
• Half (Skull Cap)
• Open Face (¾ Helmet)
• Modular (Flip-Up)
• Dual-Sport
• Off Road (Motocross)
• Half Shell
• Adventure 
• Race
• Vintage

Material and Design 

The material you choose for your helmet is one of the most important parts since they’re there to help protect your head and face.

There are three primary materials manufacturers use, and while they’re all deemed safe for helmets, they have different price points: 

• Composite
• Polycarbonate
• Fiberglass

Then there’s the design of the helmet. This isn’t the most crucial part, but you want to get something that you will actually wear.

You can find solid colors, patterns, graphics, and various finishes like glossy and matte. 

Comfort and Fit 

Whether you’re wearing your helmet for a few minutes or a few hours, you want to be comfortable. Be sure to look at comfort features and ensure that you get the right fit for your head.

Even with all the best comfort features, it won’t be comfortable or safe if the helmet doesn’t fit you correctly. 

Ventilation 

Ventilation is by far one of the most important features when looking for a summer motorcycle helmet.

Helmets are already hot, especially full-face ones.

Still, they can be even hotter in the summertime and cause more discomfort. 

You’ll want to check for how ventilated the helmet is before purchasing. The better the ventilation, the more likely you’ll be comfortable wearing it in the summer.

Off-Road Helmets

While riding on a motorcycle, there are potential dangers, regardless of whether on the road or off-road.

There are helmets that are designed specifically for riding paths off-road.

If you know that you’re going to be off-roading with your motorcycle, you’ll want to get a helmet that is specifically for that because it’ll be more durable and potentially safer.  

Other Buying and Safety Considerations 

Besides all the fun and comfortable features we mentioned above, there are some safety considerations that you need to think about before deciding on a summer helmet. 

Safety Dot, Snell, ECE, and Other Features

Since the whole point of wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle is for protection, you’ll want to look up the safety features and certifications for the helmets you’re looking at.

Some have higher safety ratings than others, so knowing what you’re purchasing beforehand is best.  

Helmet Size 

We mentioned the comfort and fit of the helmet before, but we can’t stress enough the importance of getting the right helmet size.

A helmet that’s too small won’t fit on your head correctly or at all, and a helmet that’s too big might fit on your head, but many of the safety features go out the window.

A properly fitting helmet is vital to safe and comfortable riding. 

Full-Face Helmets 

Full-face helmets are an excellent option for protection. They are suitable for riders who will be riding at higher speeds.

Not everyone needs a full-face helmet, but it’s a great way to protect yourself without needing to get other protective gear like goggles or glasses and a chin guard. 

Modular Helmets 

Modular helmets, sometimes known as flip-up helmets, are a combination of open-face and full-face helmets. Some people think they’re the best of both worlds.

This is a great helmet if you want flexibility while riding.

You can easily flip up the helmet so you can communicate with other riders and get better ventilation when you’re stopped. 

The main thing to know about modular helmets is that they provide slightly less protection than full-face helmets because they have a hinge mechanism.

If you’re interested in a modular helmet, you need to make sure it fits well and meets safety standards. 

Dirt and ADV Helmets 

Dirt and ADV helmets are designed for off-roading, while regular helmets are better for riding on paved roads.

Both offer a level of safety that wearing no helmet doesn’t. But since they’re made for different reasons, make sure you’re choosing a summer helmet that suits your needs. 

Dirt and ADV helmets usually have extended visors, extra ventilation, and can accommodate visors for sun protection. Regular helmets are a balanced option between visibility and protection.

These typically focus more on noise reduction, road safety, and aerodynamics, while dirt and ADV helmets have other focuses.

Depending on your riding style, you’ll need one over the other, so it’s important to think about that before buying one. 

Open-Face Helmets 

Open-face helmets are a great option for summertime because since they’re more open on the face, you can feel cooler throughout your ride.

They still offer protection since they cover the sides of your head and the top of it while wearing it. 

The main thing about these helmets is that they are a little less protective than full-face ones, but many come with the ability to accommodate visors so you can help protect your eyes from the wind and sun.

Top Three Must-Have Features

There are a lot of great features that motorcycles can have, but there are three that are non-negotiable when it comes to one you’ll wear in the summer or hot weather: 

• UV Protection: Everyone knows that long-term sun exposure can harm your skin and your eyes. Having a helmet that can protect both during the summer can reduce the amount of damage the UV rays cause you when you’re riding during the day. 

• Effective Ventilation: Summers can be hot and even hotter with a helmet on. Ensuring that your helmet has good ventilation will keep you cool and prevent discomfort when riding. 

• Moisture-Wicking or Removable Liner: Even with good ventilation, you’re probably going to sweat with your helmet on. Moisture-wicking liners will keep you drier and, therefore, more comfortable. 

---

FAQs 

If you still have questions about buying a helmet for summer, here’s what other riders are asking. 

---

Parting Thoughts on Hot Weather Motorcycle Helmets 

Just because the weather’s heating up doesn’t mean you have to melt under your motorcycle helmet.

By browsing through the 12 best motorcycle helmets for summer, you can still get the protection you need while on the road without being excruciatingly hot.

Keep the rubber side down, my friends. ✌️🏍️💨