An 8 yard 16oz wool kilt IS WARM. My German National is an 8 oz 16 yarder. I don't wear it in the summer all that often b/c I'd sweat my @$$ off. If I was in the south, I'd probably go with a 5 yarder. It is enough material to cheat the sett and make it LOOK good, but at the same time, not be too hot. an 8 yarder will be able to (generally) re-create the sett, but will be much warmer in a southern summer.

Keith... up here, I'd still say 8 yarder. You'll be able to wear it COMFORTABLY from mid / late Sept to the beginning of May and you have others for the summer months.