Why Cold Weather Makes You Urinate More
Health & physiology explainer
This fact sheet explains a normal physiological response known as cold diuresis. Many people notice that they need to urinate more often in cold weather. In most cases, this is not a medical problem but a predictable response of the body.
What is cold diuresis?
Cold diuresis is the process by which the body increases urine production in response to cold temperatures. It helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance when the body is conserving heat.
How the body responds to cold
Diagram showing how cold exposure redirects blood toward the body’s core and increases urine production.
When exposed to cold, blood vessels in the skin, hands, and feet constrict. This reduces heat loss and pushes more blood toward the body’s core to protect vital organs. As a result, central blood pressure rises slightly.
The kidneys respond to this change by filtering more fluid out of the blood. This reduces blood volume and helps bring blood pressure back toward normal. The excess fluid is excreted as urine.
What the research shows
- Cold exposure causes blood vessels near the skin to constrict, redirecting blood toward the body’s core
- This redistribution slightly increases central blood pressure
- The kidneys respond by increasing fluid excretion to regulate pressure
- Cold exposure is associated with reduced release of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which normally helps the body retain water
- Together, these mechanisms increase urine production — known as cold diuresis
- In healthy individuals, this response is common and temporary
Additional factors that increase urination
- Reduced sweating in cold conditions means less fluid is lost through the skin
- Cold can suppress the thirst response, so people may drink less while fluid shifts still occur
- Hormonal changes reduce ADH, allowing more urine to be produced
What this feels like
People may notice more frequent trips to the toilet, larger urine volumes, or an increased urge to urinate after being outdoors in cold conditions. These effects usually ease once the body warms up.
Is this normal ?
Yes. Cold diuresis is common, temporary, and harmless in healthy individuals. On its own, it does not indicate kidney or bladder disease.
When to seek medical advice
Medical advice may be appropriate if increased urination is accompanied by pain, burning, fever, blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine, excessive thirst, or if it continues regardless of temperature.
Key takeaway
Cold weather can make you urinate more because the body is regulating heat, blood pressure, and fluid balance. This is a normal and protective response.
This explainer is for general information only and does not replace medical advice.