How Cold Does It Have to Be to Get Frostbite?

Frostbite is damage to skin and tissue caused by exposure to freezing temperatures – typically any temperature below -0.55C (31F). Frostbite can affect any part of your body, but the extremities, such as the hands, feet, ears, nose and lips, are most likely to be affected.

Can you get frostbite at 40 degrees?

Below 32 degrees, wind can cause you to get frostbite faster. Above 32 degrees, you cannot get frostbite, but you can get hypothermia, which occurs when your body temperature falls below 95 degrees.

How long does it take to get frostbite?

Every person and every situation is different, but here are a few guidelines to know: Once sub-zero temps hit, it takes about 30 minutes for exposed skin to get frostbite. At 15 below with a little bit of wind, frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.