When you're beginning your sauna journey, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “What is the best sauna temperature?” With so many different recommendations online—traditional, dry, infrared, beginner-friendly, high-heat enthusiasts—it can feel difficult to know exactly where to start. This is why many people first explore broader guides like our complete temperature guide to understand how heat levels, comfort, and sauna type all come together.
The truth is that there isn’t one universal “best” sauna temperature. The ideal number depends on your experience, your goals, and the type of sauna you’re using. Once you understand how traditional and infrared saunas heat the body differently, finding your perfect temperature becomes much easier.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The best sauna temperature range for traditional saunas
- The best sauna temperature range for infrared saunas
- How to choose your ideal heat based on comfort and experience
- How “best temperature” changes depending on your goal and timing
- Where to explore more detailed guides on temperature and timing
What Is the Best Sauna Temperature?
The “best” sauna temperature varies based on your comfort and experience level. This is why so many searches appear online—best sauna temperature, best temp for sauna, best temperature for sauna, what temperature should a sauna be. People want a clear, practical answer.
Here’s the simple breakdown:
- Traditional sauna best temperature: 165°F–185°F (73°C–85°C)
- Infrared sauna best temperature: 120°F–130°F (49°C–54°C)
These ranges provide warmth that feels consistent, comfortable, and effective for most people.
Best Temperature for a Traditional Sauna
Traditional saunas rely on hot stones and warm air to create heat, which naturally supports higher temperatures. When people ask how hot should a sauna be or what is a good sauna temperature, they’re usually asking about this classic style.
Most people enjoy traditional sauna temperatures of:
- Beginners: 150°F–165°F (65°C–73°C)
- Experienced users: 170°F–185°F (77°C–85°C)
If you want a deeper breakdown of how hot traditional saunas get, you can read How Hot Are Saunas?
Best Temperature for an Infrared Sauna
Infrared saunas heat the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air. This is why you’ll see searches like best temperature for infrared sauna, infrared sauna temperature, ideal infrared sauna temperature—people want to understand why these saunas feel so different.
Most people enjoy infrared sauna temperatures of:
- Beginners: 110°F–120°F (43°C–49°C)
- Experienced users: 120°F–130°F (49°C–54°C)
If you're unsure whether traditional or infrared temperature ranges feel right for you, our guide Ideal Sauna Temperature breaks down the differences beautifully.
How to Choose the Best Temperature for You
Your personal “best” temperature depends on three simple factors:
- Your experience level — newcomers almost always prefer lower ranges
- The sauna type — infrared and traditional heat the body differently
- Your timing preference — morning vs. afternoon vs. evening heat
For example:
- Morning sauna: Lower traditional heat or gentle infrared warmth
- Afternoon sauna: Moderate traditional temperatures
- Evening sauna: Lower infrared temperatures
If you want to explore the timing side, we’ve created a full guide on this topic: Best Time to Sauna.
Understanding the Full Temperature Range
When you put everything together—traditional heat levels, infrared warmth, your personal comfort, and your daily rhythm—you get a complete picture of what the best sauna temperature truly means.
To explore the full range, including how hot saunas can get, typical temperatures, and how to choose the ideal level for your routine, visit our full guide:
Best Sauna Temperature – A Complete Guide
Next Steps: Choose the Sauna Style That Matches Your Ideal Temperature
Once you know your best sauna temperature—whether it’s the high heat of a traditional sauna or the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna—you can choose a model that fits your lifestyle, comfort level, and home environment.
Ready to explore?
- Classic, stone-heated warmth: Traditional Sauna Collection
- Soft, soothing infrared heat: Infrared Sauna Collection
- Outdoor Scandinavian-inspired retreats: Barrel Sauna Collection
- Spacious, family-friendly designs: Cabin Sauna Collection
