Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate the "feels-like" temperature based on wind speed and actual air temperature

Enter temperature between -58°F and 50°F
Enter wind speed of 3 mph or greater

Understanding Wind Chill

Wind chill is how cold people and animals feel when outside, not the actual temperature. Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature.

About Wind Chill

Our calculator uses the new wind chill formula developed by weather experts in 2001 that provides more accurate results than previous models:

Wind Chill = 35.74 + 0.6215T - 35.75(V0.16) + 0.4275T(V0.16)
Where T = Temperature (°F), V = Wind Speed (mph)

Cold windy weather

Wind Chill Safety

  • Below 32°F (0°C): Risk of hypothermia if not dressed properly
  • Below 0°F (-18°C): Frostbite possible in 30 minutes
  • Below -20°F (-29°C): Frostbite possible in 10 minutes
  • Below -40°F (-40°C): Danger! Frostbite in 5 minutes

Wind Chill FAQ

Wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by wind and cold. As the wind increases, it draws heat from the body, driving down skin temperature and eventually the internal body temperature. Therefore, the wind makes it feel much colder than it actually is.

The wind chill temperature is always lower than the air temperature for values where the formula is valid (temperatures below 50°F and wind speeds above 3 mph).

Wind chill is particularly dangerous because:

  • Frostbite can occur when skin and underlying tissues freeze
  • Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F (35°C)
  • Cold wind makes it harder to maintain body heat
  • You may not notice the danger until it's too late

At wind chill values below -18°F (-28°C), frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less. At wind chill values below -40°F (-40°C), serious frostbite can occur in as little as 5-10 minutes.

To protect yourself from dangerous wind chill:

  • Dress in layers - inner moisture-wicking layer, middle insulating layer, outer wind/waterproof layer
  • Cover all exposed skin - wear a hat, scarf, mittens (better than gloves), and face protection
  • Stay dry - wet clothing loses insulating value
  • Limit time outdoors in extreme conditions
  • Watch for signs of frostbite (numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin) and hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech)