What wind chill means
Wind chill estimates how cold air may feel on exposed skin when wind is present.
Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate the wind chill feels-like temperature from air temperature and wind speed.
Weather inputs
Enter air temperature and wind speed. The calculator handles unit conversion and formula range notes.
Wind chill temperature
6.2 °F
6.2 °F, -14.3 °C
Cold risk category
Noticeable cold exposure
Feels-like difference
-13.8 °F
Air temperature used
20.0 °F
Wind speed used
15.0 mph, 24.1 km/h
Formula range note
The standard wind chill formula is being applied.
Outdoor planning note
Use this estimate for basic winter planning and compare similar conditions.
Copy result
Copy wind chill, air temperature, wind speed, risk category, and formula note.
Formula applicability
The standard formula is most useful in cold air with sufficient wind speed.
Wind speed note
Higher wind can increase heat loss from exposed skin by removing warm air near the body.
Exposure and clothing
Clothing, moisture, activity, and exposure time can change how cold conditions feel.
Weather safety
Use official local forecasts and alerts for severe cold decisions.
Local calculation
Inputs are processed in your browser. No external weather API is required.
Dynamic wind chill insights
Risk reading
Exposed skin can feel cold quickly during prolonged outdoor activity.
Wind impact
Wind can remove the warmer air layer near exposed skin, increasing heat loss.
Applicability
The standard wind chill formula is being applied.
Cold risk breakdown
Wind chill value
6.2 °F
Air temperature
20.0 °F
Wind speed
15.0 mph
Feels-like difference
-13.8 °F
Risk category
Noticeable cold exposure
Planning note
Use this estimate for basic winter planning and compare similar conditions.
Formula applicability
The standard wind chill formula is being applied.
Wind chill risk guide
Above 32 °F or 0 °C
Cold, lower concern
Frostbite concern is generally lower for many people
32 °F to 0 °F or 0 °C to -18 °C
Noticeable cold exposure
Exposed skin can feel cold quickly
0 °F to -20 °F or -18 °C to -29 °C
Increased cold stress
Plan layers, breaks, and limited exposure
Below -20 °F or -29 °C
Higher frostbite concern
Check official guidance and limit exposure
Extreme values
Severe cold planning
Use official local alerts and emergency guidance
Wind speed impact guide
Light wind
3 to 10 mph
Wind chill effect begins once wind is sufficient
Moderate wind
10 to 20 mph
Feels-like temperature can drop noticeably
Strong wind
20 to 35 mph
Heat loss from exposed skin can increase
Very strong wind
35 mph plus
Outdoor exposure may become harder to manage
Outdoor planning guide
Layers
Use warm layers suited to the temperature and activity
Use warm layers suited to the temperature and activity
Windproof outerwear
A wind-resistant shell can reduce heat loss
A wind-resistant shell can reduce heat loss
Dry clothing
Moisture can make cold exposure feel worse
Moisture can make cold exposure feel worse
Limited exposure
Take breaks indoors during severe cold
Take breaks indoors during severe cold
Official alerts
Check local forecasts and warnings before planning
Check local forecasts and warnings before planning
Extra caution
Children, older adults, and pets may need added care
Children, older adults, and pets may need added care
Formula applicability guide
Cold air temperature
50 °F or lower
Formula is intended for cold conditions
Sufficient wind speed
Above 3 mph
Calm conditions stay close to air temperature
Shade assumption
Shaded exposure
Sun can change how cold conditions feel
Not warm-weather heat stress
Use heat index instead
Wind chill is not designed for hot weather
Wind chill guide
These notes explain wind chill concepts without repeating the calculator result.
Wind chill vs air temperature
Air temperature is measured by a thermometer. Wind chill estimates the added cooling effect of wind.
Why wind makes cold feel worse
Wind strips away the warmer air layer near exposed skin, which can increase heat loss.
When wind chill is most useful
Wind chill is most useful for cold and windy conditions, not warm weather or calm air.
Why clothing and moisture matter
Dry layers, wind protection, activity level, and exposure time can change real cold stress.
Using wind chill for planning
Use wind chill as one planning signal alongside official forecasts, alerts, and local guidance.
Limitations of wind chill
The calculation does not account for sun, clothing, moisture, body condition, age, or activity level.
Winter safety reminder
Severe cold decisions should use official alerts, workplace rules, public health guidance, and emergency advice.
Formula
Wind Chill = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275T × V^0.16
Variables
- T = air temperature in °F.
- V = wind speed in mph.
- The result is converted to °C when Celsius display is selected.
- Metric wind inputs are converted to mph before applying the formula.
Worked example
At 20 °F with 15 mph wind, the formula gives a wind chill of about 6 °F, or about -14 °C.
Assumptions
The formula estimates cold feel on exposed skin in shaded, cold, and windy conditions.
Limitations
It does not account for sun, clothing, moisture, activity, health, age, exposure time, or emergency conditions.
Frequently asked questions
What does wind chill mean?
Wind chill estimates how cold air may feel on exposed skin when air temperature and wind speed are combined.
How is wind chill calculated?
This calculator uses the common North American wind chill formula with temperature in Fahrenheit and wind speed in miles per hour.
Why does wind make it feel colder?
Wind removes the warmer air layer near exposed skin, which can increase heat loss during cold weather.
Is wind chill the same as actual temperature?
No. Air temperature is the measured temperature. Wind chill is a feels-like estimate for cold and windy conditions.
When does the wind chill formula apply?
The standard formula is most useful when air temperature is 50 °F or lower and wind speed is above 3 mph.
Can wind chill be warmer than the air temperature?
The standard wind chill formula is not meant for warm or calm conditions. In those cases, the calculator shows the air temperature with an applicability note.
How accurate is a wind chill calculator?
It is an estimate. Sun, clothing, moisture, activity, age, health, exposure time, and local conditions can change real cold stress.
Does sun exposure affect wind chill?
Yes. Sun exposure can make conditions feel different from the shaded formula estimate.
Should I use wind chill for outdoor exercise or work?
Use it as a planning signal, but follow official local forecasts, alerts, workplace rules, and qualified guidance during severe cold.
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