We've written an entire article in an attempt to settle the debate between percale vs sateen bed sheets. If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here's what you need to know.
Percale is light and airy where sateen is thick and heavy. Hot sleepers will appreciate the breathability of percale, while cooler sleepers living in colder climates might prefer the warmth of sateen.
Percale is crisp where sateen is smooth. Percale might lie more neatly on your bed, but sateen will feel softer against your skin. Sateen is also far easier to wash and dry than percale, since it's naturally wrinkle-resistant.