Back to Glossary
camping

Wind Chill Factor

What is a wind chill factor?

A measurement that describes how cold air temperature feels on exposed human skin due to the combination of air temperature and wind speed. In outdoor recreation, wind chill factor is crucial for assessing actual conditions and hypothermia risk, as moving air strips away the thin layer of warm air around your body, making you feel significantly colder than the actual air temperature. Campers and hikers use wind chill calculations to determine appropriate clothing layers, shelter needs, and safety decisions when planning outdoor activities in windy or cold conditions.