Do hot or cold temperatures affect COVID-19 coronavirus?

A man wears a protective mask as a precaution against the COVID-19 coronavirus in Ukraine on March 22, 2020. (Image via Shutterstock)

By STHS Communication Department

There are those out there who insist the COVID-19 coronavirus doesn’t like hot and humid weather. Others say cold weather and snow will kill it. So who’s right?

Neither, the World Health Organization says.

According to WHO guidance, there is no evidence to suggest humid climates or freezing weather plays a significant role in curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather,” the WHO writes on its website. “Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.”

Similarly, WHO experts say taking a hot bath will not “burn off” coronavirus, as some have postulated.

Where cold weather is concerned, it writes: “There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C (97.7°F to 98.6°F), regardless of the external temperature or weather.”

The best methods to prevent the spread of COVID-19, experts say, remains practicing good hand hygiene, good cough etiquette, social distancing and self-isolation.  

Visit STPH.org/COVID-19 for the latest information on coronavirus in St. Tammany Parish.