Wind and cold combine to steal body heat. Use this tool to estimate perceived temperature. Choose units, adjust wind height, download your report fast.
Tip: The standard index is typically intended for T ≤ 10°C and V > 4.8 km/h.
Outside that range, interpret results cautiously.
North American 2001 wind chill index (air temperature in °C, wind speed in km/h):
WCT = 13.12 + 0.6215T − 11.37V0.16 + 0.3965T V0.16
Height adjustment (optional, power law):
V(z2) = V(z1) · (z2/z1)α
α = 0.16 is a common neutral-condition approximation for near-surface winds.
| Air temp (°C) | Wind (km/h) | Wind chill (°C) | Wind chill (°F) |
|---|---|---|---|
| -5 | 10 | -9.29 | 15.28 |
| -5 | 30 | -13.00 | 8.61 |
| -10 | 20 | -17.86 | -0.15 |
| -15 | 40 | -27.45 | -17.41 |
| 0 | 15 | -4.42 | 24.05 |
Examples use the recommended standard formula without height adjustment.
Wind chill is an index that estimates how cold exposed skin feels when wind accelerates heat loss. It does not change the air temperature; it describes the combined cooling effect of air temperature and wind speed on the human body.
Meteorological agencies publish wind chill to support outdoor safety decisions in winter. It is most meaningful for uncovered skin during sustained wind and steady temperature, such as walking, cycling, or working outside. Use sustained wind, not brief gusts.
This calculator uses the North American 2001 wind chill index. With temperature T in °C and wind speed V in km/h, the model applies constants 13.12, 0.6215, −11.37, and 0.3965 with the wind term V^0.16 to match field and lab data.
You may enter temperature in °C or °F and wind in km/h, m/s, mph, or knots. Internally, values are converted to °C and km/h, the wind chill is computed, and results are returned in both °C and °F for quick comparison. Results are shown in both systems.
Wind chill standards assume wind measured at 10 m over open terrain. If your wind is measured at a different height, the optional power‑law adjustment V(z2)=V(z1)(z2/z1)^α estimates the wind at the target height. Typical α values range from about 0.10 over smooth snow to 0.30 in rough urban areas.
For best consistency with published guidance, apply the index when T is at or below 10 °C and wind is above about 4.8 km/h. At very low winds, the index approaches the air temperature, and for warm conditions it should not be used for comfort assessment.
Example: T = −10 °C and V = 20 km/h produces a wind chill near −18 °C, meaning exposed skin loses heat as if the air were 8 degrees colder. If wind increases to 40 km/h at the same temperature, wind chill drops further, increasing frostbite risk and reducing safe exposure time. Many tables flag below −28 °C as high risk, and below −40 °C as extreme.
Use the output to plan clothing layers, face protection, and time outdoors. Combine wind chill with humidity, precipitation, and activity level. If you must stop moving, assume cooling accelerates; warm up indoors, and monitor numbness, shivering, and skin color changes. Treat it as guidance, not diagnosis.
It is an index that estimates the cooling effect of wind on exposed skin. It combines air temperature and wind speed to express how cold it feels, while the actual air temperature remains unchanged.
You can enter wind in any supported unit, and optionally adjust it to a target height. The calculator reports the original wind and the wind used in the formula after conversions or height adjustment.
It is intended for temperatures at or below 10 °C and wind speeds above about 4.8 km/h, with wind referenced to 10 m height over open terrain. Outside this range, interpret results cautiously.
Not reliably. Indoors, wind is low and radiant heating can dominate. In direct sunlight, solar gain warms skin and clothing, so the index may overestimate cold stress. Use it mainly for shaded, outdoor conditions.
Use a smaller α (about 0.10–0.16) for open, smooth terrain and a larger α (about 0.20–0.30) for rough, built-up areas. If unsure, start with 0.16 and compare sensitivity.
Wind increases convective heat transfer from skin and clothing, removing the insulating warm air layer. The index converts that faster heat loss into an equivalent still-air temperature that would cause similar cooling.
It does not compute frostbite time directly, but lower wind chill values generally mean higher risk and shorter safe exposure. Use official wind chill risk charts for time estimates and consider clothing, wetness, and activity.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.