OceanCalc

Wind Chill Calculator

Calculate apparent temperature (wind chill) from air temperature and wind speed. Useful for cold-weather sailing.

Last updated: March 28, 2026

Author: OceanCalc Editorial Team · Publisher: Albor Digital LLC

Wind Chill Calculator

Result

Feels like (°F)

25

Formula

Wind chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215×T − 35.75×V^0.16 + 0.4275×T×V^0.16

Overview

Use the Wind Chill Calculator for fast, reliable maritime math—built on standard nautical relationships with straightforward inputs.

How to use

With the Wind Chill Calculator, type your figures into the inputs above—the output refreshes live, making it easy to sanity-check several cases.

Formula

The relationship behind this tool is: Wind chill (°F) = 35.74 + 0.6215×T − 35.75×V^0.16 + 0.4275×T×V^0.16

NWS wind chill formula: combines temperature and wind speed to estimate how cold it feels. Only applies when temp ≤ 50°F and wind ≥ 3 mph.

Wind chill reflects heat loss from exposed skin. At sea, spray and moisture can make it feel colder than the formula suggests.

Practical use cases

Typical uses for the Wind Chill Calculator include passage planning, briefing crew, converting instrument readouts to chart units, and double-checking mental math when fatigue or weather make errors more likely.

Tips for accuracy

  • Confirm that the units you enter match your chart, GPS, or instrument readout before relying on the Wind Chill Calculator.
  • In rough weather or poor visibility, cross-check important results with a second method or a crew member.
  • Treat simplified models (wave height, radar horizon, etc.) as estimates—real conditions vary with fetch, refraction, and equipment.

Practical examples

  • 35°F, 15 mph → ~24°F feels like
  • 20°F, 25 mph → ~2°F feels like

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is wind chill?

    Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin due to wind. It reflects how quickly the body loses heat in wind.

  • Does wind chill affect boats?

    Wind chill affects people on deck and can increase risk of hypothermia. It does not change the actual water or air temperature for equipment.

  • How accurate is this calculator?

    This calculator uses standard maritime formulas and practical approximations where noted. It is suitable for planning and cross-checks; always verify safety-critical decisions with official references and local conditions.

  • Can I use this on mobile?

    Yes. OceanCalc tools are responsive and work on phones and tablets for quick checks on deck or in the cockpit.

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Results are estimates for educational purposes only and should not be used for real navigation decisions.

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