A vehicle climate control is compensated for direct and indirect infrared heat loading due to solar radiation based on a mean radiant temperature sensor and a cabin air temperature sensor. The mean radiant temperature sensor include a temperature responsive element such as a thermistor enclosed in a hollow spherical housing that blocks visible light but absorbs infrared radiation. The difference between the mean radiant temperature and the cabin air temperature provides a measure of the total infrared heat loading on the cabin and is used to increase the cooling capacity of the climate control system.