Can you get hypothermia in 70 degree weather? Yes, here's how.

September 26, 2025 •

4 min read

While often associated with extreme cold, hypothermia can occur in temperatures as high as 70 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly in wet and windy conditions. This surprising fact highlights that you can get hypothermia in 70 degree weather if the circumstances are right, making vigilance crucial even in mild climates.

Quick Summary

Yes, hypothermia can occur in 70-degree weather under specific conditions, primarily prolonged exposure to wetness like rain, sweat, or immersion in water. The body loses heat much faster when wet, so vigilance is key even when the air feels mild.

Key Points

Surprising Risk: Hypothermia can occur in air temperatures up to 70°F, especially with wet conditions and wind.
Wet is Dangerous: The body loses heat much faster when in cold water or wearing wet clothes due to conduction and evaporation, overwhelming its ability to regulate temperature.
Key Scenarios: Activities like boating, hiking, or running in mild but wet weather carry a significant risk of hypothermia if you are not adequately prepared.
Subtle Symptoms: Early signs like shivering, confusion, and clumsiness can be easily missed or mistaken for fatigue, and impaired judgment is a common symptom.
Action is Key: Prevention involves wearing appropriate, non-cotton layers and staying dry. First aid focuses on gentle rewarming of the core and immediate removal of wet clothing.
Vulnerable Groups: The very young, elderly, and those with certain health conditions or exhaustion are at increased risk.

Understanding Hypothermia in Moderate Climates

Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a dangerously low core body temperature. Though severe cases are linked to frigid conditions, a persistent misconception is that moderate weather poses no risk. In reality, factors like wetness, wind, and prolonged exposure can cause a person to develop hypothermia even when the thermometer reads 70°F. This happens because the body's natural heat-regulating mechanisms, including shivering and blood vessel constriction, can be overwhelmed by constant heat loss.

The Science of Heat Loss at 70°F

When the air temperature is a comfortable 70°F (or 21°C), several physiological processes can lead to a rapid drop in core body temperature. The key is understanding how heat escapes the body, a process that is significantly accelerated by water and wind.

Conduction: Direct contact with a cooler object or substance draws heat away from the body. Water is a highly efficient conductor of heat, transferring it away from the body about 25 times faster than air. Submerging in water that is 60°F to 70°F for an extended period, such as in a boating accident, poses a serious risk.
Evaporation: When sweat or rain on your skin evaporates, it draws heat away from your body. This is a primary reason why wearing wet clothes in mild, windy weather is so dangerous. A hiker who sweats through their cotton t-shirt and then rests in the shade can quickly become hypothermic, even in a warm environment.
Convection: The wind-chill effect dramatically increases the rate of heat loss. A light breeze can feel refreshing when dry, but when combined with wet skin or clothing, it can strip away the insulating layer of warm air near your body.
Radiation: The body constantly radiates heat from its unprotected surfaces. While less of a factor in moderate weather compared to conduction or evaporation, it still contributes to overall heat loss, especially from the head.

Activities and Scenarios that Increase Your Risk

Certain situations common in mild weather can significantly heighten the risk of developing hypothermia. Being aware of these can help with prevention.

Water Sports: Kayaking, swimming, or boating accidents in water temperatures between 60°F and 70°F are prime examples. A person who falls in and cannot get out quickly, especially if exhausted, is in immediate danger.
Hiking or Camping: A sudden rainstorm can drench unprepared hikers. Without proper rain gear and layers, the combination of wet clothes and wind can be lethal, regardless of the ambient air temperature.
Marathons or Long-Distance Events: Runners often sweat profusely. If they slow down, stop, or are not able to change out of their wet, sweaty clothes, they are at risk of a temperature drop.
Homelessness or Outdoor Work: Prolonged exposure without adequate shelter or dry clothing, even in seemingly mild weather, can be a major factor for vulnerable populations.

Recognizing the Signs: Mild vs. Moderate/Severe Hypothermia

It is crucial to recognize the early signs of hypothermia, as impaired judgment is a key symptom and can prevent a person from realizing the danger they are in. The symptoms often progress in stages.


Symptom	Mild Hypothermia (90-95°F)	Moderate Hypothermia (82-90°F)
Shivering	Vigorous and uncontrollable	Shivering stops or becomes intermittent
Mental State	Awake, alert, possibly irritable or confused	Lethargic, confused, slurred speech
Coordination	Stumbles, fumbles, and grumbles (the 'umbles')	Lack of coordination worsens, cannot walk well
Physical Appearance	Pale or cold skin, rapid heart rate	Bluish or paler skin, cold to touch, slow heart rate

Preventing Hypothermia in Any Weather

Prevention is the most effective strategy. By taking simple precautions, you can protect yourself and others from this silent danger.

Wear Layers: Choose synthetic or wool fabrics for inner layers that wick moisture away from the skin. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture and loses its insulating properties when wet.
Stay Dry: Always bring a waterproof outer layer to protect against rain and wind. If your clothes get wet from sweat, change into dry ones as soon as possible.
Know Your Conditions: Be aware of the air temperature, water temperature, and wind-chill factor. Dress appropriately for the conditions, not just the forecast.
Fuel and Hydrate: Your body needs calories to generate heat. Make sure you have enough food and non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids during prolonged outdoor activities.
Use the Buddy System: Watch for signs of hypothermia in your companions. Since judgment is often impaired, a person may not recognize their own symptoms.

First Aid for Mild Hypothermia

If you suspect someone has mild hypothermia, prompt action can prevent it from worsening. The goal is to stop further heat loss and gently rewarm the person. Remember, rapid rewarming can be dangerous.

Move to Shelter: Get the person out of the wind and rain and into a warm, dry place.
Remove Wet Clothes: Gently remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry blankets or clothing.
Warm the Core: Focus on rewarming the chest, neck, head, and groin. Use blankets, dry clothes, or skin-to-skin contact.
Warm Beverages: If the person is alert and can swallow, offer warm, sweet liquids like broth or diluted hot cocoa. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Seek Medical Attention: Even for mild cases, it is wise to seek professional medical advice. For moderate or severe hypothermia, call for emergency medical assistance immediately. For more detailed medical information on hypothermia, see the extensive resource available from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Conclusion

Hypothermia is a genuine and present danger in surprisingly mild conditions. As we've seen, it's not just the temperature, but also the factors of wetness and wind that create a perfect storm for the body's core temperature to drop dangerously low. By understanding the risks, knowing the symptoms, and practicing smart prevention, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable time outdoors, no matter the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main cause is prolonged exposure to wetness, such as from rain, sweat, or submersion in water, combined with wind. The body loses heat much faster when wet, even if the air temperature is mild.

When sweat saturates your clothing, it significantly accelerates evaporative cooling. As the water evaporates, it draws heat away from your body, causing your core temperature to drop, especially if there's also a breeze.

Yes, both young children and older adults are more susceptible. Children lose heat faster than adults, while older adults may have less efficient temperature regulation and a reduced ability to sense and respond to the cold.

Early symptoms include uncontrollable shivering, a glassy-eyed stare, weakness, and impaired judgment. A person may also appear confused, drowsy, or have slurred speech.

Gently move the person to a warm, dry area. Remove any wet clothing and replace it with dry blankets or clothing. Give them warm (not hot), non-alcoholic fluids to drink if they are conscious.

No, you should never give alcohol to someone with hypothermia. Alcohol can make a person feel temporarily warmer, but it causes blood vessels to dilate, leading to even faster heat loss from the skin's surface.

Yes, it is possible for hypothermia to occur indoors, particularly for infants or older adults in homes with poor heating and with a temperature in the 60-65°F range.

Cotton loses its insulating properties when it gets wet and stays wet, significantly increasing the rate of heat loss through evaporation. Wool or synthetic materials are better choices as they retain some insulation even when damp.