Metal Detecting In The Winter (The Ultimate Guide)

  • By: Admin
  • Date: January 29, 2024
  • Time to read: 11 min.
metal detecting in the winter

Let’s talk about metal detecting in the winter. Well, let’s be honest, it’s not just the weather that makes winter metal detecting a different experience compared to summer! Many factors make metal detecting in the winter a great deal of fun if you’re prepared, and difficult at times if you’re not.

I have been metal detecting for over 20 years, so I know what works and what doesn’t work in the winter months.

While metal detecting in the winter can be challenging, there are things you can do to make your experience more pleasant and productive. 

If you’re a metal detectorist, winter is probably the least favorite time of year for you. It can be a really boring time. It’s cloudy, rainy, and cold for months on end with an occasional snow flurry. It sounds like a fun challenge to me!


Metal detecting in the winter can be a challenge, but it is not impossible.

We will start with some tips on how to prepare for metal detecting in the winter months. The first thing you want to do is make sure that your equipment is ready for use outside in colder weather conditions. You should check all of your connections and cables as well that everything else is working such as headphones, pinpointer and you have all your accessories such as gloves, etc…

Next, you want to make sure that you have plenty of warm clothing available when using a metal detector in the wintertime because it gets very cold out there.

metal detecting in the winter

Especially you could be standing still for long periods without moving around much at all, so having multiple layers on hand will help keep yourself warm while searching through snow banks or fields looking for buried treasure.

In the winter months, the ground can be frozen and snow-covered which makes it difficult to detect in some areas. However, there are ways around this problem that will allow you to continue your hobby all year-round.

One of the first things we need to do is make sure our detector works properly before heading out into the cold weather. This means testing all of its functions such as sensitivity and discrimination levels so we know they work correctly before we head out in freezing temperatures. We also want to make sure our batteries are charged or replaced if needed so that we don’t get stuck with a dead battery when we need it most!


If you’re metal detecting in the winter, it’s important to dress appropriately.

What sort of clothing should you wear? It depends on what part of the country you are hunting in and whether or not there is snow on the ground. In general, a good rule of thumb is to layer your clothes so that if one piece gets wet or soaked through with sweat, another layer will still keep you warm. You can also bring along extra layers as a backup if needed.

metal detecting in the snow

Wearing gloves is an easy way to protect your hands from cuts and scrapes while digging for treasure. Gloves also help prevent blisters from forming when working with heavy equipment like shovels and trowels too. They will also keep your hands a little warmer. Thick socks are another great way to keep your feet dry and comfortable during a hunt because they absorb moisture better than thin socks do. Also, try not to get your boots wet or it will be worse? Keep an eye on the weather forecast! The last thing any detectorist wants is a surprise rainstorm ruining their hunt before it even begins!


Things like hand warmers and ski masks can be a lifesaver when the temperature drops. Also, a good pair of sunglasses with UV protection can also help with ‘snow blindness’ as it will be difficult to see without them.


Does it harm my detector if I take it out in the snow?

Metal detecting is a fun hobby that can be enjoyed year-round. However, there are some things you should consider before heading out into the field on a cold winter day. If you don’t have experience with metal detecting, or just need a refresher course on how best to use your detector in different conditions, this article will help get you started.

Another thing we need to talk about is safety. When using any kind of metal detector in extreme weather conditions like rain and snow, all safety precautions must be taken seriously. You may think that because these detectors aren’t electrical devices they won’t pose any danger when wet; however, this isn’t always true!

detecting in the winter

Metal detectors work by sending an electromagnetic pulse through the ground and then listening for changes in frequency as metals respond back with their own unique signal. This means that even though water doesn’t conduct electricity very well (which is why people often say not to worry about getting your phone wet), it’s still possible for water-soaked soil or wet sand to affect your machine’s performance if used during inclement weather conditions such as heavy rain or snowfall!

To avoid damaging your equipment while also staying safe yourself you should always be cautious when searching around places like rivers and lakes, make sure you take extra care, especially in the winter.


How will the snow affect my metal detector?

metal detecting in the winter

Metal detecting in the snow is a challenge but not impossible. You should focus on areas where the ground is uncovered and less deep, as your detector will only be able to detect objects that are close to the surface of the ground. So if you want to find deeper buried targets, always look for exposed areas of ground.

Exposure to cold temperatures is not good for battery life either. Therefore, it’s important that you equip yourself with a quality lithium-ion battery that will withstand the elements. You should also invest in a coil cover for added protection from the cold weather and snow.


The best places to search for hidden treasure during these colder months.

If you want to know where the best spots are for winter metal detecting, here are a few great locations that have been tested and proven as productive areas for finding buried treasure with a metal detector in the wintertime.

There are many good spots for winter metal detecting that don’t require you to be out in the freezing cold searching aimlessly. When searching for these spots, one of your main goals should be finding a spot with enough people using it so that there are likely to be some treasures left behind by others.

Some of the most profitable and best places to search during the winter months are touristy areas, especially those where snow and ice play a role such as ski slopes or lakeside beaches.

These areas tend to get plenty of visitors during the off-season and also have lots of things that may have been dropped by unsuspecting people. You can also get some excellent finds at popular winter events like Christmas markets and New Years’ celebrations which attract tons of people every year!


Some other tips for metal detecting in the winter.

Bring snacks and a drink to keep you going.

winter metal detecting

It’s important to keep your energy levels up whatever the weather, but this is even more crucial in the cold winter months. A thermos flask with a hot drink inside it is also a great thing to have and will help to warm you up.

Wear good footwear with a thick tread that won’t slip.

Overlook this and you could end up embarrassing yourself or even worse. Footwear is often overlooked when metal detecting in the winter, but for your safety and comfort, it should be high on your list.

Try and avoid hunting season.

detecting in the snow

Hunting season is a dangerous time to go metal detecting because you are at risk of being mistaken as an animal. However, brightly colored clothing will help ensure that hunters know you’re not game and don’t mistakenly shoot you!

You will need some strong digging tools.

Winter metal detecting can be difficult at times, but there are ways to make it easier. One of the most important pieces of equipment for winter metal detecting is a strong shovel; you’ll need one to break through that first layer of soil on the frozen ground. Be sure to bring a strong metal shovel when you go out so that digging becomes much easier! It’s also not a bad idea to carry around a handheld pick if the ground is too frozen – use it to break apart the ice before you dig into it with your shovel.

Your metal detector batteries don’t like the cold.

The colder it is outside, the faster your metal detector battery is going to die. It’s a good idea to fully charge your detector before you head out to your search sites, and it is also a good idea to have a car charger handy if you need to warm up for a bit during your hunt.

DO NOT detect on or around frozen lakes.

This is one for the hardy detectorists. Thrill-seeking treasure hunters should make sure to have a fully waterproof metal detector before dipping their feet in. Don’t forget your wetsuit or waders, and if you’re lucky, there will be some shallow strips of ice for you to explore.

Just remember: it’s all fun and games until somebody drops the metal detector into the deep end only to find out it’s only the coil that is resistant to water.

Remember to do your research.

The success of any metal detecting session is research, this applies whatever the season, whether it’s summer or winter. You should be on the lookout for areas of great historical significance, or even those areas which attracted a lot of people.

Also if you head out following a gale or storm, this can often uncover finds alongside watercourses. The main thing is to keep yourself safe and remember, that persistence always pays off.


Which detector should you use for metal detecting in the winter?

Due to the type of weather, you will be encountering, I suggest you don’t venue out in the winter unless your detector is waterproof. Another thing you should really have on the machine is a backlit LED screen. The light will not be as good as in the summer months and you tend to lose the light a lot quicker too.



The Best Machines for Metal Detecting In The Winter.


Fisher F22 Metal Detector.

fisher f22Check it out on Amazon

The first one we recommend is the Fisher F22. This has been a firm favorite for many detectorists. The Fisher F-22 metal detector is a great option for detecting gold, heritage relics, and coins.

fisher f22

This highly sensitive instrument comes with advanced features that help to identify targets more accurately. The lightweight and ease of use make it an excellent go-to detector in the winter months or when detecting during wet seasons. It has a highly accurate submersible search coil and for a mid-range detector it certainly fits the bill for those cold winter detecting sessions

Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with 9 Inch Weatherproof Coil, All-Purpose, High-Sensitivity, Deep Seeking Metal Detector, Pinpoint, Easy to Use
  • ALL PURPOSE METAL DETECTOR: Weatherproof metal detector that can detect Jewelry, Coins, and Artifacts on land and shallow water. Finds metal targets on the surface and buried up to nine inches deep.
  • TREASURE HUNT IN ANY CONDITION: This metal detector is weatherproof for use in the harshest weather and environments. Rain or shine, this metal detector can find treasure.
  • JUST TURN-ON-AND-GO: A metal detector made for adults but easy enough for a child to operate. Easy-to-use features like discrimination, sensitivity, notch, and pinpoint make finding treasures buried deep underground a breeze.
  • ACCURATE ALL METAL DETECTORS: This underground detector distinguishes between valuable targets and unwanted metals. Quickly identify all types of buried targets by Target Categories and a 0-99 numeric Target-ID, enhanced with a 4-Tone Audio-ID System.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT ERGONOMIC & COMFORTABLE: This well-balanced weatherproof metal detector weighs approximately 2 pounds and has a padded hand grip and arm cup for comfortable treasure hunting.

Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector

garrett ace 300Check it out on Amazon

The ACE 300 is a metal detector that’s both easy to use and dependable. It has an interface that’s simple enough for beginners, but engaging enough for more advanced hobbyists as well.

garrett ace 300

The Ace 300 metal detector is the latest in Garrett’s long line of successful detectors. It offers a fresh, intuitive LED screen that makes treasure hunting as easy as pie. The Ace 300 has pinpointing and automatic tuning to make scanning even faster and easier than ever before!

This model has an LCD screen and digital display in which you can view information such as depth readings, battery life, mode selection, and target frequency. It has the solid build reputation that Garrett is known for and it’s made in the USA, so you can be assured that the quality is fantastic.

Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector
  • Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector with submersible Searchcoil
  • Includes 3 FREE Accessories:
  • Volume control Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones
  • ACE Environmental Coverup
  • 7" x 10" Searchcoil Cover

The Nokta Makro Simplex + Metal Detector

nokta makro simplex +Check it out on Amazon

There is not a lot to dislike about this machine. My personal favorite, the Nokta Makro Simplex + is everything you could wish for in a waterproof detector, that also offers extreme depth and high-end features.

makro nokta simplex


If you want a high-end detector that does it all and you also want it to be waterproof, then this is the one for you. Not only that but it is also a turn-on and go kind of metal detector too. It is modern and also lightweight but robust enough to stand up to many hours of winter detecting. All in all a fantastic piece of equipment (that’s why I own one !)

Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector
  • IP68 - Fully submersible up to 3 meters and protected against full dust penetration.
  • Iron volume: turns off or adjusts the volume of the low tone of the iron.
  • Notch discrimination: discriminates against target identifiers from unwanted metals.
  • Search modes: all metals, field, park, beach
  • Fabulous lighting for night and underwater use - SIMPLEX+ has everything you need: LCD backlight, keyboard backlight and LED flashlight.

Other things you will need.

  • A Good Quality Trowel or Digger – The ground will be very hard, so you need to invest in quality here. The garden center trowel will soon break, so it’s worth the expense.
  • Metal Detecting Shovel – Once again it has to be strong. The frozen ground can take some getting through so make sure your shovel is up to the task.
  • A Spare Battery- As we have said, the cold weather will eat through the batteries quicker than in the summer months. Don’t get caught out.
  • Knee Pads – Not only will the ground be hard, but it also has many hazards which may be covered by the snow, such as rocks and twigs. These can cause all sorts of problems when you drop to your knees to dig that target and ‘ouch’ your detecting session could come to an abrupt end. Check out what we think are the best knee pads available HERE
  • A Good Hat – A good quality hat is a must when metal detecting in the winter months. A large amount of heat is lost from the head so you want to try and prevent this from happening.



Conclusion

When most people think of metal detecting, they assume it’s something that should only be done during the summer months. After all, what else is there to do when it’s hot outside? Digging for treasure in the snow and ice just doesn’t seem like a viable option. However, if you plan on exploiting every possible opportunity to find valuables (which you should), then hunting in winter conditions is certainly worth consideration. Of course, digging through the frozen ground can present many challenges such as limited visibility and extreme cold. But make sure you wear suitable clothing, your equipment is ok, and happy (cool) hunting.