Why you get cold in dry cold

Short answer: In dry cold you get cold in a different way than in damp cold. The cold works its way in more slowly, but it dries out the skin and makes it more sensitive, and once the wind picks up, the wind decides how cold it really gets.

Dry cold works in more slowly

Dry air conducts heat less well than damp air, so it feels milder at the same temperature. Many people find sub-zero temperatures in a dry climate easier than a few degrees above zero on a raw, damp day. It is not about the thermometer, but about how quickly the air draws warmth away from the body.

The skin dries and becomes sensitive

Dry air pulls moisture out of the skin. Dry skin feels both cold and friction more clearly than skin with normal moisture. It can feel as though the cold bites harder, even when the air itself is not that cold. If your skin becomes very irritated or cracked, talk to your doctor or a pharmacist.

The wind is the real enemy

In dry cold, the wind decides how cold it gets. A still, dry frosty day can feel pleasant, while the same temperature with wind feels far colder. Wind strips away the layer of warm air the body forms next to the skin. Many of the most popular styles for women are light layers that are easy to combine.

A soft layer against the skin

When the skin is dry and sensitive, what sits closest to it matters more. A soft inner layer that does not rub is more comfortable than a rough material. Look for flat seams and a fit that does not squeeze. See all women's clothing for soft basics that work under several layers.

Layers rather than one thick piece

Several thin layers give more control than one thick jacket. They trap air between them and can be adjusted when you move from cold outside to warmth indoors. Dry cold often means dry indoor air too, where you quickly get too warm. Then it is good to be able to remove a layer.

Soft trousers for cold days

Your legs feel the dry cold as well, especially when the wind is up. Soft trousers under a windproof outer pair are a simple solution for the coldest days. Indoors they can be worn on their own. A bamboo jogging suit works both as a warm layer on the way out and as relaxed clothing at home.

Mind the indoor air

Dry cold outside is often followed by dry heat inside. Radiators and heating draw moisture out of the air, so the skin gets no break. Many people find it helps to air the room briefly and keep the indoor temperature at a calm level. A soft layer that does not rub is comfortable indoors and out.

Dress for the wind

When you check the weather on a dry winter day, look at the wind and not just the temperature. If it is still, fewer layers are often enough. If it is blowing, the outer layer makes the difference. Bring an extra layer when the wind is unpredictable, so you can adjust as the day goes on.

Frequently asked questions

Why does dry cold feel milder than damp cold

Because dry air conducts heat away from the body less well. At the same temperature, dry cold feels several degrees milder, especially on still days without wind.

Why do you still get cold

Because the wind takes over. In dry cold, the wind decides how cold it really gets, so an outer layer against the wind makes the biggest difference.

What does dry air do to the skin

It draws moisture out. Dry skin feels cold and friction more clearly than skin with normal moisture, which is why a soft layer against the skin is pleasant.