Jan. 11, 2024—Your body needs plenty of water to function properly—and not just during the hot days of summer. The truth is, you can get dehydrated in winter as easily as in the warmer months.
Cold days may make dehydration seem less likely. But winter weather comes with special risks.
Humidity is lower. Even though the temperature drops during winter, the air becomes drier. Indoor heating systems dry out indoor air too. When air is dry, your body loses moisture as you breathe, reports the American Heart Association (AHA).
Cold drinks lose their appeal. According to the National Association for Continence, people drink less water (and other cold drinks) during the winter. When it's chilly outside, you may not crave cold beverages. And you may not get as hot or thirsty when you exercise in winter as you would in the summer heat.
Urination is increased. The kidneys are organs that clean your blood and remove extra fluid from your body in the form of urine. Normally, the kidneys work with other organs to keep fluid levels balanced in the body. However, in colder temperatures, the kidneys tend to make more urine, changing the fluid balance in the body and possibly leading to dehydration.
Warm clothes lead to sweat. People tend to bundle up and wear thick layers during winter, which can cause sweating—and contribute to dehydration.
Winter is cold and flu season. If you're not eating or drinking much due to feeling ill—or having symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting—your body can quickly lose too much fluid.
Hydration matters
Our bodies need water to function. Dehydration can lead to health problems, such as bowel issues, heart problems, kidney failure, infections or slow healing.
So how much water do you need? It varies, but the AHA recommends eight glasses of water per day for most women and 12 glasses per day for most men.
If that sounds like a lot, don't worry: You can get some of your fluids through food. The National Council on Aging suggests eating fruits and vegetables high in water content, such as watermelon, tomatoes and celery, to stay hydrated. Low-sodium broths and soups also provide a great source of water, especially for people battling a cold.
Learn more
Explore our health library to find out how your body uses all that water—and get more advice on how to stay hydrated all year long.
Sources
- American Heart Association. "Are You Drinking Enough Water During Winter Months?" https://www.heart.org/en/news/2019/12/19/are-you-drinking-enough-water-during-winter-months.
- National Association for Continence. "How to Stay Hydrated During the Winter Months." https://nafc.org/bhealth-blog/how-to-stay-hydrated-during-the-winter-months/.
- National Council on Aging. "10 Reasons Why Hydration Is Important." https://www.ncoa.org/article/10-reasons-why-hydration-is-important.
- National Council on Aging. "How to Stay Hydrated for Better Health." https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-stay-hydrated-for-better-health.