That's an excellent and very practical question! When the summer sun is blazing, the choice of bench material makes a huge difference. Let's compare them honestly.
In direct, hot weather, a traditional wooden bench generally feels more comfortable to sit on initially. Wood is a natural insulator. It does heat up, but it typically doesn't absorb and transfer heat as rapidly as metal. You can often sit down on a wooden bench in the shade, or even one that's been briefly in the sun, without an immediate shock.
Metal benches, on the other hand, are excellent conductors of heat. In direct sunlight, they can become extremely hot to the touch—sometimes uncomfortably or even dangerously so. The surface temperature can far exceed the air temperature. However, this isn't the whole story. Modern metal benches are often designed with this in mind. Many feature slatted designs or perforations that allow air circulation and reduce the surface area in contact with your body. Some use powder-coated finishes in light colors that reflect more sunlight and heat than dark, raw wood.
Furthermore, comfort isn't just about initial touch temperature. A wooden bench in the sun will still get warm over time. And metal has a key advantage: it cools down incredibly fast. Once the sun sets or the bench is in shade, a metal bench becomes comfortable much quicker than wood, which retains heat longer.
So, for pure hot-weather comfort in peak sun, wood often has the edge for immediate sit-down comfort. But for overall resilience, low maintenance, and quick cooling, modern metal benches are designed to mitigate heat issues effectively. The best choice depends on your specific climate, sun exposure, and design priorities.