Find out what the temperature really feels like outside using the official NWS wind chill formula.
Enter the air temperature and wind speed, then click Calculate
This free wind chill calculator uses the official U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) formula to convert air temperature and wind speed into a "feels like" temperature — the wind chill index — along with an estimated frostbite risk level for exposed skin.
Enter the current air temperature and wind speed, and the calculator applies the NWS wind chill equation, which combines both values using a formula developed from research on how quickly the human face loses heat in cold, windy conditions. The result is a single "feels like" temperature that's typically lower than the actual air temperature whenever wind is present, since moving air strips away the thin layer of warmed air your body naturally creates near your skin.
Anyone checking how cold it will actually feel before heading outside in winter weather, outdoor workers and coaches assessing cold-exposure risk, and hikers or commuters planning for cold, windy conditions. The result is most meaningful within the formula's defined range — temperatures at or below 50°F (10°C) with wind at or above 3 mph (5 km/h).
The official NWS wind chill formula this calculator uses
The formula is based on research into how quickly a human face loses heat at various wind speeds, replacing older, less accurate wind chill formulas from the mid-20th century.
Wind speed is raised to the 0.16 power because heat loss doesn't increase linearly with wind speed — the effect grows quickly at low speeds and levels off at higher speeds.
Outside the formula's valid temperature and wind range, the result isn't meaningful — official weather services simply don't report a wind chill value in those conditions.
From entering conditions to reading your result
Type the current air temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius.
Type the current wind speed in mph or km/h.
See the wind chill "feels like" temperature and its estimated frostbite risk level.
A moderately cold, windy day and a bitterly cold, very windy day
Approximate time to frostbite on exposed skin, based on NWS guidance
| Wind Chill Range | Risk Level | Approx. Time to Frostbite |
|---|---|---|
| Above 0°F | Low | Frostbite unlikely in normal exposure |
| -1°F to -19°F | Moderate | Frostbite possible in 30 minutes |
| -20°F to -34°F | High | Frostbite possible in 10 minutes |
| -35°F and below | Extreme | Frostbite possible in 5 minutes or less |
These figures are general guidance from official wind chill charts — actual frostbite risk varies with individual factors like clothing, exposed skin area, and physical condition. Always dress appropriately and limit exposed skin time in cold, windy conditions.
Where knowing the "feels like" temperature matters
Check the wind chill before heading outside to dress appropriately for how cold it will actually feel.
Assess cold-exposure risk for construction, agriculture, or other outdoor work in winter.
Decide whether conditions are safe for outdoor practice or competition.
Judge how long a dog walk or outdoor pet time is safe in cold, windy weather.
Plan cold-weather hikes or outdoor trips with realistic expectations for how cold it will feel.
What this wind chill calculator does well, and where it has boundaries
Get an accurate wind chill reading
Summary: This wind chill calculator uses the official NWS formula to turn air temperature and wind speed into a "feels like" temperature and frostbite risk level — free, instant, and useful for cold-weather planning. Pair it with the Heat Index Calculator or Dew Point Calculator for other weather comfort calculations.
Common questions about wind chill
Official weather agency references to complement this calculator
Other weather and measurement tools