As temperatures are about to drop in the next weeks and we shift into winter routines, hydration often slips down our list of health priorities. During the summer months, drinking water feels natural — the heat a constant reminder that we’re thirsty. In winter however, when the chill in the air replaces the moisture on our skin, we’re less likely to reach for that much needed glass of water. Despite this, staying hydrated in cold weather is just as important, if not more so.
Cold air holds less moisture, and when combined with moisture-reducing indoor heating, it creates a dry environment that saps water from our bodies and the skin’s surface. You may not feel thirsty, but your body continues to lose fluids through breathing, urination, and skin evaporation. In fact, the visible puff of your breath on a cold morning is actually water vapor, a sign of the water you're losing every time you exhale. It’s a subtle process, and without the usual cues of heat or sweat, it’s easy to become mildly dehydrated without noticing.
Hydration is about more than quenching thirst. In the darker, colder months, many people feel sluggish, low in mood and less motivated, often attributing it to seasonal changes. Drinking regularly is a simple habit that belongs in a balanced winter routine.
Winter is notorious for causing dry, tight, itchy and irritated skin. Good skincare looks after your skin from the outside, while drinking enough water is simply part of a balanced daily routine in the colder months.
Helpful to remember is that hydration doesn’t only come from drinking cold water. Room temperature water works just as well, and herbal teas, broths, soups, and water-rich fruits and vegetables all contribute to your daily fluid intake.
Simply keeping a jug of room-temperature water filled and nearby or setting gentle reminders can help you maintain good drinking habits through the frosty season. As we settle into winter, don’t forget how easy it is to build water into your day, even when it’s cold outside.
A good starting point is to try and drink 35 ml of water for every kilogram of body weight.
For example: If you weigh 72 kg, you should aim to drink around 2.5 l of water per day. If you weigh 85 kg (188 lbs), you should aim to drink around 3 l of water per day. *Note: These are general recommendations and can vary depending on activity level, diet, climate, and overall health.
