Feels Like Temperature

Apparent temperature, also known as 'feels like' temperature, is the meteorological measurement that accounts for wind chill in cold conditions and heat index in warm conditions to represent the actual thermal sensation experienced by photographers outdoors. While air temperature provides the baseline measurement, apparent temperature tells the practical story of shooting comfort and safety.

In winter conditions, strong winds can dramatically reduce apparent temperature through wind chill: an air temperature of -5°C with 30 km/h winds feels like -15°C, requiring additional layers and shorter shooting intervals to prevent frostbite and maintain dexterity for camera controls. In summer, high humidity combined with warm temperatures creates heat index effects that make a 30°C day feel like 38°C, leading to rapid exhaustion and condensation on equipment when moving between air-conditioned and outdoor environments.

For landscape photographers planning multi-hour sunrise shoots or wildlife photographers on dawn stakeouts, apparent temperature is more predictive of actual comfort than raw temperature readings. PhotoWeather calculates apparent temperature by combining temperature, wind speed, and humidity data to help you plan appropriate clothing layers, estimate safe shooting durations, and anticipate when conditions may affect camera battery performance in extreme cold or cause overheating in extreme heat. Comfortable apparent temperature for extended photography sessions typically ranges from 5°C to 25°C, though prepared photographers regularly work in apparent temperatures from -20°C to 35°C.