This paper presents the results for the solar reflectance and temperature of 20 types of pavements used in Brazil for roads, parking lots, squares and sidewalks. New and aged pavement samples were tested. Some asphalt mixtures and Portland concrete mixtures were developed in the laboratory, with the addition of colored pigments in different percentages. The standard method ASTM E1918 and the procedure E1918A were used to measure solar reflectance of the pavements in the field. The difference between the surface reflectance values for surfaces with a lighter (white Portuguese mosaic) and darker (Reference CPA asphalt mixture) appearance was approximately 48%, and the corresponding difference in the measure surface temperature was 18.4 degrees C. A correlation between the solar reflectance and the temperature measured in the field is reported. The results obtained can be used as a reference to design public spaces, contributing to reducing the urban heat island (UHI) and improving the thermal comfort of the users. (c) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.