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Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate the wind chill 'feels like' temperature using the NOAA formula. Includes frostbite risk estimates.

How to Calculate Wind Chill

Wind chill quantifies how cold it actually feels when wind is blowing. The current standard is the NOAA Wind Chill Temperature Index, adopted in 2001:

WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V0.16 + 0.4275TV0.16

Where T is air temperature in °F and V is wind speed in mph.

For example, at 10°F with 15 mph wind, the wind chill is approximately −6°F.

Wind Chill Chart

Common reference points:

  • 30°F, 10 mph: feels like 21°F
  • 20°F, 15 mph: feels like 6°F
  • 10°F, 20 mph: feels like −9°F
  • 0°F, 25 mph: feels like −24°F
  • −10°F, 30 mph: feels like −39°F

Frostbite Risk Levels

  • Above −10°F: Low risk for most people with appropriate clothing
  • −10°F to −20°F: Moderate — frostbite possible in 30 minutes on exposed skin
  • −20°F to −35°F: High — frostbite in 10-30 minutes
  • −35°F to −50°F: Very High — frostbite in 5-10 minutes
  • Below −50°F: Extreme danger — frostbite in under 5 minutes

Staying Safe in Cold Wind

  • Layer up: Wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell
  • Cover extremities: Ears, fingers, toes, and nose are most vulnerable to frostbite
  • Limit exposure: Take regular warming breaks when wind chill is below −20°F
  • Stay dry: Wet skin and clothing dramatically increase heat loss

Wind Chill vs Heat Index

Wind chill measures cold-weather perceived temperature, while the heat index measures hot-weather perceived temperature factoring in humidity. Together they cover the full spectrum of "feels like" conditions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is wind chill?

Wind chill is the perceived temperature your body feels when wind is factored in. Moving air strips heat from your skin faster than still air, making it feel colder than the actual air temperature.

How is wind chill calculated?

The NOAA wind chill formula is: WC = 35.74 + 0.6215T − 35.75V^0.16 + 0.4275TV^0.16, where T is air temperature in °F and V is wind speed in mph. This formula was adopted in 2001 based on advances in science and technology.

When is wind chill not applicable?

The wind chill formula is valid only when air temperature is 50°F (10°C) or below and wind speed is at least 3 mph (4.8 km/h). Above these thresholds, wind chill is not meaningfully different from air temperature.

How quickly can frostbite occur?

At a wind chill of −20°F, frostbite can occur in 10-30 minutes. At −35°F, it can take as little as 5-10 minutes. Below −50°F, frostbite is possible in under 5 minutes on exposed skin.

Does wind chill affect objects like cars or pipes?

No. Wind chill only applies to human (and animal) skin. Objects cool to the ambient air temperature regardless of wind. However, wind makes objects reach that temperature faster.

What is the lowest wind chill ever recorded?

The lowest wind chill values in the US have reached below −70°F in Alaska and northern Minnesota. Antarctica has seen estimated wind chills below −120°F.