Calories Burned Hiking in Durham, NC
Calculate how many calories you burn doing hiking in Durham, North Carolina. Adjusted for Durham's subtropical climate (avg 57°F). MET: 6. Climate adjustment: 0%.
Hiking Calorie Calculator for Durham
Hiking in Durham for 30 minutes
218 kcal
MET 6 · 73 kg · 435 kcal/hour
Climate Impact on Calorie Burn in Durham
Moderate temperatures are ideal for exercise. Your body does not need extra energy for thermoregulation, so calorie burn matches the standard MET calculation.
Durham, North Carolina has a subtropical climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F and 9 months suitable for outdoor exercise. When doing hiking here, your body burns calories at approximately the standard rate, as the temperature closely matches the conditions used in MET research (68-72°F).
Calorie Burn by Duration (Durham)
How many calories you burn during hiking at different durations in Durham's subtropical climate.
| Duration | Base Calories | Durham Adjusted | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 109 kcal | 109 kcal | 0 |
| 30 minutes | 218 kcal | 218 kcal | 0 |
| 45 minutes | 327 kcal | 327 kcal | 0 |
| 60 minutes | 435 kcal | 435 kcal | 0 |
| 90 minutes | 653 kcal | 653 kcal | 0 |
| 120 minutes | 871 kcal | 871 kcal | 0 |
Monthly & Yearly Calorie Burn Estimates
How many calories you could burn doing hiking for 30 minutes per session in Durham, based on your current weight.
3 sessions / week
2,832
calories per month
34,008 cal/year
= ~9.7 lbs of fat
5 sessions / week
4,720
calories per month
56,680 cal/year
= ~16.2 lbs of fat
*Based on the widely used estimate that 1 lb of body fat = ~3,500 calories. Actual weight loss depends on diet, metabolism, and other factors. Climate adjustment of 0% applied for Durham.
Hiking Tips for Durham's Climate
- With 9 months suitable for outdoor exercise, take advantage of year-round outdoor hiking opportunities.
- Wear trail shoes or hiking boots with ankle support
- Bring more water than you think you need: at least 0.5 liters per hour
Durham Fitness Overview
Durham, North Carolina (pop. 283,506) has a fitness score of 56/100 with 6.5 gyms per 100K residents and a walk score of 33. Residents average 5,850 daily steps and burn approximately 2,050 calories per day. Popular activities include golf, running, hiking.
Fitness Score
56/100
Walk Score
33
Obesity Rate
33.5%
Outdoor Months
9
Other Activities in Durham, NC
Beach Volleyball
MET 8 · High
~290 cal / 30 min
Grocery Shopping
MET 2.3 · Low
~83 cal / 30 min
Ice Skating
MET 7 · Moderate-High
~254 cal / 30 min
Canoeing
MET 3.5 · Moderate
~127 cal / 30 min
Rowing Machine (Moderate)
MET 7 · Moderate
~254 cal / 30 min
Fishing
MET 3.5 · Low
~127 cal / 30 min
Walking
MET 3.5 · Low
~127 cal / 30 min
Burpees
MET 8 · Very High
~290 cal / 30 min
Hiking in Other North Carolina Cities
Charlotte, NC
60°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Raleigh, NC
62°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Greensboro, NC
60°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Winston-Salem, NC
61°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Fayetteville, NC
58°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Cary, NC
58°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
Wilmington, NC
59°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
High Point, NC
59°F · Subtropical
~218 cal / 30 min
How We Calculate Calories Burned for Hiking in Durham
Our calculator uses the standard MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) formula with a local climate adjustment for Durham:
Calories = MET × Weight (kg) × Duration (hrs) × Climate Factor
= 6 × Weight (kg) × Duration (hrs) × 1.00
The MET value of 6 for hiking is sourced from the Compendium of Physical Activities. The climate factor of 1.00 accounts for Durham's average temperature of 57°F. Research shows that exercising in non-neutral temperatures increases energy expenditure as the body works to maintain its core temperature.
Hiking on moderate terrain combines cardiovascular exercise with the mental health benefits of spending time in nature. Unlike treadmill walking, hiking involves varied terrain, elevation changes, and natural obstacles that engage stabilizer muscles and improve balance. Research shows that hiking in natural settings reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves mood more effectively than indoor exercise. The uneven terrain also forces your body to work harder, burning more calories than walking on flat ground.
Explore More Calorie Calculators
Calculate calories for any activity or check your total daily energy expenditure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories does hiking burn in Durham, NC?
A 160 lb person burns approximately 218 calories during 30 minutes of hiking in Durham. This accounts for Durham's subtropical climate with an average temperature of 57°F, which adjusts calorie burn by 0% compared to standard conditions. The base MET value for hiking is 6.
Does Durham's climate affect calories burned during hiking?
Yes. Durham has a subtropical climate averaging 57°F. Moderate temperatures are ideal for exercise. Your body does not need extra energy for thermoregulation, so calorie burn matches the standard MET calculation. This means hiking in Durham burns approximately 0% calories compared to the standard MET calculation at 68-72°F.
What is the best time to do hiking in Durham?
Durham's moderate climate (avg 57°F) with 9 outdoor-friendly months makes hiking comfortable most of the year. Morning exercise may boost metabolism for the rest of the day, while evening sessions can help with stress relief and sleep quality.
How many calories per month can I burn doing hiking in Durham?
At your current weight, doing hiking for 30 minutes in Durham: 3 sessions/week burns ~2,832 cal/month (34,008 cal/year), while 5 sessions/week burns ~4,720 cal/month (56,680 cal/year). These estimates include the 0% climate adjustment for Durham's 57°F average temperature.
Is hiking popular in Durham, NC?
Yes, hiking is among the most popular fitness activities in Durham. The city's subtropical climate with 9 months of outdoor exercise weather and a walk score of 33 make it well-suited for this activity. Durham has 6.5 gyms per 100K residents and a fitness score of 56/100.