Meteorology Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate wind chill temperature from air temperature and wind speed. Assess frostbite risk and dress for outdoor running, hiking, and climbing.
Built for Meteorology1 documented formula27 real workflowsPrivate in your browser
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Inputs that matter
Air Temperature, Wind Speed
Output to expect
Wind Chill Calculator
How it works
1 documented formula across 1 calculation mode
- Keep 1 bounded input within the limits shown beside the fields.
- Confirm that every value uses the unit and time basis shown before comparing scenarios.
- Change one input at a time to see which assumption materially changes the result.
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Reference & details
How it works
Updated July 2026
How it works
Updated July 2026North American Wind Chill Index
Used in US and Canada for temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C) and wind speeds above 3 mph. Based on heat transfer from exposed face in wind.
WC (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T×V^0.16 (T=°F, V=mph)Metric Wind Chill
For metric inputs, convert or use the equivalent formula with °C and km/h. Wind chill is defined for bare skin — clothing and activity reduce effective exposure.
WC (°C) ≈ 13.12 + 0.6215T − 11.37V^0.16 + 0.3965T×V^0.16 (T=°C, V=km/h)Frostbite Time Estimates
Frostbite risk increases as wind chill drops below −18°C (0°F). Exposed skin can freeze in 30 minutes at −28°C wind chill; under 10 minutes below −40°C wind chill.
Frostbite time ∝ 1 / (|Wind chill − Skin temp|)Updated: July 2026
Example Scenarios
Wind chill ≈ 6°F (−14°C). Dress for mid-teens effective temperature: base layer, insulating mid-layer, windproof shell. Cover ears and fingers — frostbite risk in 30+ min exposure.
Wind chill ≈ −12°F (−24°C). Frostbite on exposed skin within 30 minutes. Full face protection, mittens, and limit exposed stops above treeline.
Effective wind speed combines headwind and riding speed. At 25 mph bike speed in 35°F air: wind chill ≈ 22°F. Windproof gloves and shoe covers essential.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Dressing for air temperature and ignoring wind on exposed ridges
At 10 mph, 30°F feels like 21°F. On summits and ridges, use forecast wind speed at elevation, not valley temperature. Add windproof layers when wind chill drops below 20°F.
Stopping for long breaks in high wind chill without adding layers
Activity heat masks wind chill while moving. During stops, wet base layers and lost metabolic heat cause rapid core cooling. Add insulation immediately when stopping above treeline.
FAQ
No. Wind chill describes perceived temperature on exposed skin, not the actual air temperature. A car engine or water pipe will not cool below ambient air temperature regardless of wind.
Most guidelines recommend limiting exposed activity when wind chill is below −18°C (0°F). Below −28°C (−18°F) frostbite can occur in 30 minutes. Use judgment based on experience and clothing.
Exercise generates heat that partially offsets wind chill on covered skin. However, exposed face, fingers, and ears still experience full wind chill effect. Sweat-wet clothing increases heat loss when you stop.
In cold weather, 'feels like' usually means wind chill. In warm weather, heat index combines temperature and humidity. They measure different comfort and safety risks.
Standard wind chill formulas do not include humidity. In cold dry conditions, humidity has minimal effect. Wet skin or clothing from sweat or precipitation dramatically increases heat loss beyond the calculated wind chill.
About Meteorology Wind Chill Calculator
Wind chill describes how cold exposed skin feels when wind strips away the insulating layer of warm air. It does not change actual air temperature but increases heat loss and frostbite risk. This calculator uses the North American and UK wind chill formulas for outdoor activity planning.