Weather in the United States can change a lot. Some days are freezing cold with snow and ice. Other days are so hot you can feel the sun on your skin. Americans often use similes to talk about these kinds of weather. A simile compares one thing to another using the words “like” or “as.” These comparisons help us explain how the weather feels in a fun and simple way.
In this article, we will explore similes that describe cold weather and hot weather. You might hear people say things like “cold as ice” or “hot like an oven.” These similes are part of everyday talk in the USA. They make language more colorful and easier to understand. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common weather similes and what they mean.
Similes About Weather
1. Cold as ice
Meaning: Very cold
Example Sentence:
• My hands were cold as ice after the snowball fight.
• The lemonade felt cold as ice on my teeth.
Other ways to say: Freezing cold, icy
Fun Fact/Origin: This simile is common in winter in northern USA states.
Usage: Used to describe people, drinks, or weather that feels extremely cold.
2. Cold like the North Pole
Meaning: Extremely cold
Example Sentence:
• It was cold like the North Pole this morning.
• The wind felt cold like the North Pole.
Other ways to say: Arctic cold, polar chill
Fun Fact/Origin: The North Pole is one of the coldest places on Earth.
Usage: Used in winter to exaggerate cold weather.
3. Cold as a freezer
Meaning: Very chilly
Example Sentence:
• Her feet were as cold as a freezer.
• That classroom felt cold as a freezer.
Other ways to say: Like a deep freeze, chilly
Fun Fact/Origin: Freezers are set to very low temperatures to keep food frozen.
Usage: Often used in homes and schools when AC is too strong.
4. Cold as a snowman
Meaning: Cold from the outside
Example Sentence:
• After sledding, I was as cold as a snowman.
• He came inside cold as a snowman.
Other ways to say: Frosty, snow-cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowmen are made from real snow, so they stay cold.
Usage: Used by kids during snow days.
5. Cold as a winter night
Meaning: Very cold, especially at night
Example Sentence:
• The tent was cold as a winter night.
• My nose was cold as a winter night.
Other ways to say: Night frost, bitter cold
Fun Fact/Origin: In many US states, winter nights drop below freezing.
Usage: Used in outdoor camping or winter stories.
6. Cold like a popsicle
Meaning: Very cold and sweet or bright
Example Sentence:
• Her fingers were cold like a popsicle.
• That pool water was cold like a popsicle.
Other ways to say: Ice-cold, sweet chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Popsicles were invented by accident in California.
Usage: Often used by children in the summer.
7. Cold as metal in winter
Meaning: Extremely cold to touch
Example Sentence:
• The car door was cold as metal in winter.
• That pole felt cold as metal in winter.
Other ways to say: Icy touch, freezing metal
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal gets colder than other surfaces in the cold.
Usage: Warns kids not to touch metal objects in freezing temps.
8. Cold like a frozen lake
Meaning: Freezing and still
Example Sentence:
• The air felt cold like a frozen lake.
• His skin was cold like a frozen lake.
Other ways to say: Still cold, icy calm
Fun Fact/Origin: Lakes freeze in many states like Minnesota during winter.
Usage: Used in winter nature talks.
9. Cold as the inside of a snow cave
Meaning: Very cold and dark
Example Sentence:
• My room was as cold as the inside of a snow cave.
• It was as cold as a snow cave under the bleachers.
Other ways to say: Ice cave cold, frosty
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow caves can be built for shelter during storms.
Usage: Camping and snow play.
10. Cold like a forgotten soda in the fridge
Meaning: Cold and left alone
Example Sentence:
• His hand was cold like a forgotten soda in the fridge.
• That leftover pizza was cold like a forgotten soda.
Other ways to say: Fridge cold, lonely chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Things left in the fridge overnight get very cold.
Usage: Used when describing cold leftover food or feelings.
11. Cold as a penguin’s toes
Meaning: Very chilly
Example Sentence:
• My feet were cold as a penguin’s toes in those wet socks.
• The basement felt cold as a penguin’s toes.
Other ways to say: Ice-cold, freezing cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Penguins live in freezing places like Antarctica.
Usage: Used to describe body parts that feel cold.
12. Cold like ice cream straight from the freezer
Meaning: Extra cold and firm
Example Sentence:
• The water was cold like ice cream straight from the freezer.
• Her hands were cold like ice cream.
Other ways to say: Freezer-cold, solid cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Ice cream needs to be kept very cold to stay hard.
Usage: Used in food or weather talk.
13. Cold as a cave in the mountains
Meaning: Naturally cool or cold
Example Sentence:
• The old garage was as cold as a cave in the mountains.
• The basement was as cold as a mountain cave.
Other ways to say: Naturally cold, cave-chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Mountain caves stay cool even in summer.
Usage: Common in outdoor stories or hikes.
14. Cold like morning frost on a windshield
Meaning: Sharp and cold
Example Sentence:
• The window felt cold like morning frost.
• My fingers were cold like windshield frost.
Other ways to say: Sharp chill, icy morning
Fun Fact/Origin: Frost forms on car windows when temps drop at night.
Usage: Used during fall and winter.
15. Cold as the floor in December
Meaning: Freezing, especially bare feet on cold floors
Example Sentence:
• The kitchen tiles were as cold as the floor in December.
• I jumped back in bed because the floor was as cold as December.
Other ways to say: Floor chill, tile-cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Hard surfaces like tile feel colder than carpet in winter.
Usage: Often said in homes during cold months.
16. Hot as an oven
Meaning: Very hot
Example Sentence:
• It was hot as an oven outside today.
• Her face was hot as an oven after running.
Other ways to say: Blazing hot, baking
Fun Fact/Origin: Ovens can reach over 400°F.
Usage: Used to describe intense heat in the USA summer.
17. Hot like a summer sidewalk
Meaning: Hot enough to burn
Example Sentence:
• The pavement was hot like a summer sidewalk.
• Don’t walk barefoot—it’s hot like a summer sidewalk.
Other ways to say: Scorching, sunburn hot
Fun Fact/Origin: Sidewalks can burn feet in states like Arizona.
Usage: Common in summer warnings.
18. Hot as fire
Meaning: Extremely hot
Example Sentence:
• The campfire felt hot as fire.
• That tea was hot as fire!
Other ways to say: Burning hot, fiery
Fun Fact/Origin: Fire is used to cook and stay warm, but it’s dangerous to touch.
Usage: Describes very hot objects or weather.
19. Hot like a toasted marshmallow
Meaning: Warm and a little gooey
Example Sentence:
• My cheeks were hot like toasted marshmallows after sitting by the fire.
• Her hands felt hot like toasted marshmallows.
Other ways to say: Toasty, warm and soft
Fun Fact/Origin: Marshmallows get gooey and warm over a campfire.
Usage: Often said during camping.
20. Hot as a desert road
Meaning: Dry and hot
Example Sentence:
• That playground was as hot as a desert road.
• My shoes felt hot as a desert road.
Other ways to say: Sun-scorched, dry heat
Fun Fact/Origin: Desert roads can reach 140°F or more in midday sun.
Usage: Used in Southwest USA.
21. Hot like a bowl of soup right off the stove
Meaning: Freshly made and hot
Example Sentence:
• The room felt hot like a bowl of soup.
• My forehead was hot like soup off the stove.
Other ways to say: Steamy hot, fresh heat
Fun Fact/Origin: Soup can stay hot for a long time in bowls.
Usage: Often used in kitchens or food talks.
22. Hot as July in Texas
Meaning: Super hot and sunny
Example Sentence:
• Today felt hot as July in Texas.
• That football field was as hot as July in Texas.
Other ways to say: Blistering heat, sun-scorched
Fun Fact/Origin: Texas is one of the hottest states in summer.
Usage: Popular in southern USA.
23. Hot like a hair dryer blowing on your face
Meaning: Hot and direct
Example Sentence:
• The wind was hot like a hair dryer.
• My skin felt hot like a hair dryer.
Other ways to say: Blowtorch hot, direct heat
Fun Fact/Origin: Hair dryers use hot air, like heat waves in summer.
Usage: Used in weather and beauty settings.
24. Hot as a skillet on the stove
Meaning: Hot enough to cook
Example Sentence:
• The seatbelt was hot as a skillet.
• That car was hot as a skillet inside.
Other ways to say: Cooking hot, sizzling
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal heats fast—car parts can burn you.
Usage: Common for describing hot metal.
25. Hot like blacktop in the sun
Meaning: So hot it feels sticky or steamy
Example Sentence:
• My shoes stuck to the blacktop—it was hot like blacktop in the sun.
• The road was hot like blacktop.
Other ways to say: Sticky hot, rubber-melting
Fun Fact/Origin: Asphalt absorbs a lot of heat.
Usage: Used in traffic or playground talk.
26. Hot as a campfire’s flame
Meaning: Strong and burning hot
Example Sentence:
• His cheeks were hot as a campfire.
• The tent got hot as a campfire.
Other ways to say: Blazing, bright hot
Fun Fact/Origin: Campfires are often used in US outdoor culture.
Usage: Camping and backyard events.
27. Hot like a cup of cocoa on a snowy day
Meaning: Comfortably warm
Example Sentence:
• My hands were hot like a cup of cocoa.
• That sweater made me feel hot like cocoa on a snowy day.
Other ways to say: Warm and cozy, toasty
Fun Fact/Origin: Hot cocoa is a favorite winter drink in the USA.
Usage: Often used during winter or cozy moments.
28. Cold as a soda just out of the fridge
Meaning: Freshly chilled
Example Sentence:
• My juice was cold as a soda from the fridge.
• The water bottle was cold as a soda on a hot day.
Other ways to say: Ice-cold, fridge-cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Sodas are served cold in most American homes.
Usage: Used in food or drink talk.
29. Cold like a ski lift seat in January
Meaning: Very cold and metal
Example Sentence:
• The bench was cold like a ski lift seat.
• My pants stuck to the metal—it was cold like a ski lift.
Other ways to say: Chairlift-cold, biting cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Skiing is a common winter sport in states like Colorado.
Usage: Used during winter activities.
30. Hot as a Fourth of July barbecue
Meaning: Very hot and festive
Example Sentence:
• It was hot as a Fourth of July barbecue today.
• The grill was hot as a holiday cookout.
Other ways to say: BBQ hot, celebration heat
Fun Fact/Origin: Barbecues are a big part of American summer holidays.
Usage: Common in July or party scenes.
31. Cold like the deep end of a lake in fall
Meaning: Cold and quiet
Example Sentence:
• The water was cold like a lake in October.
• It felt cold like a lake deep down.
Other ways to say: Still cold, fall chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Lakes stay cold longer than air.
Usage: Nature or camping talk.
32. Hot like a dog’s breath on a summer day
Meaning: Hot and sticky
Example Sentence:
• The air was hot like a dog breath.
• That car was hot like a dog panting in summer.
Other ways to say: Sticky hot, muggy
Fun Fact/Origin: Dogs cool down by panting, often in the summer.
Usage: Humor or weather talk.
33. Cold as a metal slide in January
Meaning: Cold and unwelcoming
Example Sentence:
• That playground slide was cold as metal in winter.
• His hands felt cold as a slide in January.
Other ways to say: Playground-cold, icy touch
Fun Fact/Origin: Metal playgrounds get extra cold during snow season.
Usage: Playground talk.
34. Hot like a pizza oven
Meaning: Very hot and enclosed
Example Sentence:
• The kitchen was hot like a pizza oven.
• That car seat was hot like a pizza oven.
Other ways to say: Blistering hot, oven-hot
Fun Fact/Origin: Pizza ovens in the USA can reach 700°F.
Usage: Cooking or car interiors.
35. Cold like snow on your neck
Meaning: Sudden and sharp cold
Example Sentence:
• That breeze was cold like snow on your neck.
• The AC felt cold like snow down my back.
Other ways to say: Sudden chill, snow-touch
Fun Fact/Origin: Snow slipping under jackets is a common kid experience.
Usage: Winter moments.
36. Hot as fresh popcorn at the movies
Meaning: Steamy and warm
Example Sentence:
• That bread was hot as movie popcorn.
• Her hands felt hot as popcorn from the bag.
Other ways to say: Warm snack, toasty
Fun Fact/Origin: Movie popcorn is served hot across American theaters.
Usage: Food and snack talk.
37. Cold like the breeze before a snowstorm
Meaning: Chilling and sudden
Example Sentence:
• That wind was cold like a snowstorm breeze.
• It was cold like snow was about to fall.
Other ways to say: Pre-snow cold, storm-chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Cold fronts bring snow to northern states.
Usage: Weather forecasts or outdoor talk.
38. Hot as a school bus seat in August
Meaning: Uncomfortably hot
Example Sentence:
• The seatbelt was as hot as a school bus seat.
• That leather chair felt hot as August buses.
Other ways to say: Seat-burn hot, summer seat
Fun Fact/Origin: School buses heat up fast in summer sun.
Usage: Back-to-school or summer talk.
39. Cold like the last scoop of ice cream
Meaning: Frozen and satisfying
Example Sentence:
• That ice pack was cold like the last scoop of ice cream.
• My spoon was cold like a frozen dessert.
Other ways to say: Icy cold, treat-cold
Fun Fact/Origin: The last bite of ice cream is often the coldest.
Usage: Snack and freezer talk.
40. Hot like pavement you can cook an egg on
Meaning: Super hot
Example Sentence:
• It was hot like pavement you could cook on.
• That sidewalk felt hot enough to fry something.
Other ways to say: Sizzling, scorching
Fun Fact/Origin: In Arizona, some people really try this.
Usage: Extreme heat jokes or warnings.
41. Cold as a snowball to the face
Meaning: Shocking and cold
Example Sentence:
• That splash was cold as a snowball to the face.
• The wind hit me like a snowball in the face.
Other ways to say: Sudden chill, snow-hit
Fun Fact/Origin: Snowball fights are common in U.S. winters.
Usage: Winter play or surprise cold.
42. Hot like a heater blowing in your face
Meaning: Direct and warm
Example Sentence:
• The heater was hot like a blast to the face.
• Her cheeks felt hot like heater air.
Other ways to say: Face-warm, cozy blow
Fun Fact/Origin: Most U.S. homes have heating vents.
Usage: Winter indoor scenes.
43. Cold like stepping in slush with sneakers
Meaning: Wet and freezing
Example Sentence:
• My socks were cold like slush in shoes.
• That puddle was cold like winter slush.
Other ways to say: Soggy cold, soaking chill
Fun Fact/Origin: Slush forms when snow starts to melt.
Usage: School trips or snow walks.
44. Hot like a sweatshirt in the sun
Meaning: Overheated
Example Sentence:
• I was hot like wearing a sweatshirt in summer.
• That jacket made me feel hot like a sweater in July.
Other ways to say: Overdressed hot, stuffy
Fun Fact/Origin: Wearing layers in hot weather feels much hotter.
Usage: Schoolyard or clothing talk.
45. Cold as stepping on bathroom tiles in the morning
Meaning: Sudden floor chill
Example Sentence:
• My toes froze—they were cold as bathroom tiles.
• That floor felt cold like morning tile.
Other ways to say: Floor freeze, wake-up cold
Fun Fact/Origin: Tile doesn’t hold heat, so it feels colder.
Usage: Home or morning routine.
46. Hot like a mug of tea in your hands
Meaning: Warm and comforting
Example Sentence:
• Her hands were hot like a tea mug.
• That cup was hot like fresh tea.
Other ways to say: Cozy hot, hand-warming
Fun Fact/Origin: Tea is a common warm drink in fall/winter.
Usage: Cozy moments or relaxing scenes.
47. Cold like standing in front of an open freezer
Meaning: Blasting cold
Example Sentence:
• That breeze was cold like standing in the freezer.
• The air conditioner felt cold like freezer air.
Other ways to say: Freezer-blast, ice breeze
Fun Fact/Origin: Most freezers blow cold air directly.
Usage: Grocery stores or kitchen settings.
48. Hot like waiting in a car with the windows up
Meaning: Trapped heat
Example Sentence:
• That room was hot like a car with no windows open.
• I was sweating—hot like sitting in a parked car.
Other ways to say: Car-oven, no-air hot
Fun Fact/Origin: Cars heat up fast and can be dangerous in summer.
Usage: Safety or weather warnings.
Quiz: Similes About Weather
Instructions: Choose the best answer that explains what each simile means. Each question has only one correct answer.
Question Key
1. What does “cold as ice” mean?
A) Warm and soft
B) Very cold
C) Melting quickly
2. If something is “hot like a pizza oven,” what is it?
A) Light and cool
B) Warm and gentle
C) Very hot
3. What does “cold like a forgotten soda in the fridge” mean?
A) Not very cold
B) Extra cold
C) Room temperature
4. “Hot as July in Texas” tells us the weather is:
A) Mild and breezy
B) Rainy
C) Super hot
5. If a room feels “cold like a cave in the mountains,” it is:
A) Full of sunshine
B) Naturally cold and quiet
C) Hot and noisy
6. What does “hot like a sidewalk in summer” suggest?
A) Wet and slippery
B) Very hot and hard to walk on
C) Covered in snow
7. When someone says “cold as a metal slide in January,” they mean:
A) The slide is very warm
B) The slide is extremely cold
C) The slide is soft
8. “Hot like a school bus seat in August” means:
A) Uncomfortably hot
B) Warm and cozy
C) Cold from air conditioning
9. What does “cold like morning frost on a windshield” describe?
A) A warm blanket
B) A smooth ride
C) A sharp and sudden chill
10. “Hot as a Fourth of July barbecue” is used to describe:
A) A cold winter party
B) A hot and festive day
C) A cloudy afternoon
11. If your skin is “cold like a snowman,” what does that mean?
A) It’s soft and dry
B) It’s freezing
C) It’s warm
12. What does “hot like a cup of cocoa on a snowy day” mean?
A) Cold and windy
B) Comfortably warm
C) Like ice cream
13. “Cold as a penguin’s toes” is a fun way to say:
A) Something is warm
B) Something is cold
C) Something is loud
14. What does “hot like a hair dryer” suggest?
A) A cool breeze
B) A dry room
C) Direct and hot air
15. “Cold like the deep end of a lake in fall” describes:
A) Warm water
B) Freezing, quiet water
C) Boiling waves
16. What does “hot like popcorn at the movies” mean?
A) Slightly warm
B) Very hot and fresh
C) Frozen
17. “Cold like stepping in slush with sneakers” means:
A) Wet and freezing
B) Dry and soft
C) Hot and sticky
18. “Hot like a sweatshirt in the sun” tells us someone is:
A) Feeling cozy
B) Overheated
C) Cold
19. “Cold as the floor in December” means:
A) Slightly chilly
B) Warm like carpet
C) Very cold, especially on bare feet
20. “Hot like a dog’s breath on a summer day” is used to say:
A) It’s chilly
B) It’s very hot and sticky
C) It’s calm and windy
21. “Cold like standing in front of an open freezer” means:
A) Warm and foggy
B) Loud and bright
C) Blasting cold air
22. “Hot like a car with the windows up” means:
A) Trapped heat
B) Cold breeze
C) Fresh air
Answer Key
- B – Very cold
- C – Very hot
- B – Extra cold
- C – Super hot
- B – Naturally cold and quiet
- B – Very hot and hard to walk on
- B – The slide is extremely cold
- A – Uncomfortably hot
- C – A sharp and sudden chill
- B – A hot and festive day
- B – It’s freezing
- B – Comfortably warm
- B – Something is cold
- C – Direct and hot air
- B – Freezing, quiet water
- B – Very hot and fresh
- A – Wet and freezing
- B – Overheated
- C – Very cold, especially on bare feet
- B – It’s very hot and sticky
- C – Blasting cold air
- A – Trapped heat
Wrapping Up
Similes about weather help us talk about how things feel in a way that’s easy to understand. In the USA, people use fun comparisons like “cold as ice” or “hot like a sidewalk” to describe what they feel outside or inside. These similes are simple and make language more interesting, especially when the weather is extreme.
Now you’ve learned how to spot and use similes about both cold and hot weather. Try using them when you’re talking to your friends or writing stories. It’s a cool way to describe heat and cold without sounding boring.
