When you’re new to saunas, one of the first questions that comes up is simple: what is the best sauna temperature? With so many different recommendations online—traditional heat, infrared warmth, dry sauna temperature ranges, and advice based on goals—it can feel overwhelming to know what’s truly right for you.
The good news is that once you understand the ideal sauna temperature range and how different sauna types heat the body, everything becomes clearer. Whether you’re interested in gentle infrared warmth or the hotter temperatures of a traditional sauna, you can find a temperature that feels comfortable, safe, and supportive of your wellness routine.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The normal sauna temperature range for traditional and infrared saunas
- What temperature a sauna should be based on your comfort and experience level
- How hot saunas usually get and why the temperatures vary
- The difference between dry sauna temperatures vs. infrared sauna temperatures
- The best time to sauna and how session timing affects your routine
- Where to explore high-quality saunas once you’re ready
What Is the Best Sauna Temperature?
Saunas can be enjoyed across a range of comfortable temperatures. While there is no single “perfect sauna temperature” for everyone, most traditional saunas fall between 150°F and 195°F (65°C–90°C), while infrared saunas are typically much lower at 110°F to 140°F (43°C–60°C).
This wide range is why you see so many terms online—normal sauna temp, proper sauna temp, typical sauna temperature, optimal sauna temperature, ideal sauna temp, recommended sauna temperature—because the right temperature depends on your body, the sauna type, and your goals.
To help you understand this better, let’s look at how hot different saunas get and why the ranges vary.
How Hot Are Saunas Supposed to Be?
Traditional saunas are known for their higher heat levels. Many people naturally wonder: how hot is a sauna? or how hot should a sauna be? If you’d like a deeper breakdown of typical heat ranges and how stone-heated saunas compare with infrared, you can explore our dedicated guide How Hot Are Saunas?.
The Ideal Sauna Temperature Range
The ideal temperature for a sauna depends on whether you’re using a dry sauna, steam-enhanced sauna, or infrared model. Many people search for terms like what temperature should a sauna be or what is a good sauna temperature because they want to understand the difference between comfort and intensity. For a clear breakdown of recommended ranges for both traditional and infrared saunas, visit our guide Ideal Sauna Temperature.
Average Sauna Temperature
The average temperature of a sauna varies widely between traditional and infrared models:
- Traditional sauna temperature: 160°F–190°F (71°C–88°C)
- Infrared sauna temperature: 110°F–135°F (43°C–57°C)
You may also hear terms like average sauna temp, typical sauna temp, sauna temperature celsius, sauna temp range, temperature of a sauna. These all point to the ranges above. Traditional saunas heat the air and stones, while infrared saunas warm the body more directly—allowing for lower air temperatures with a deeply relaxing effect.
How Hot Do Infrared Saunas Get?
Infrared saunas run much cooler than traditional saunas. Common terms people search include how hot does an infrared sauna get or best temperature for infrared sauna. Most infrared users enjoy temperatures between 115°F and 130°F, though some prefer going up to 140°F for shorter sessions.
This gentler approach makes infrared heat accessible for beginners, longer sessions, and wellness-focused routines.
The Best Time to Sauna
Finding the best time to sauna depends on your schedule and intention. Some people enjoy a warm morning session, while others prefer an evening sauna to unwind. Search terms like best time to use sauna, best time for sauna, when to use sauna, how often should you use a sauna all explore this idea. For a closer look at how morning, afternoon, and evening sauna routines compare, you can read Best Time to Sauna.
How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?
A common question is: how long should you stay in a sauna? or how long should you sit in a sauna? Most beginners enjoy 10–15 minutes, while experienced users may extend to 20 minutes or more depending on comfort.
You may also see related searches like how long in sauna, how long to sit in sauna, optimal time in sauna, how long should you be in a sauna. Duration depends on temperature, hydration, and personal comfort.
Dry Sauna Temperatures vs. Infrared Temperatures
Because traditional dry saunas can reach 170°F–195°F, many wonder: how hot are dry saunas? or how hot is a dry sauna?
Infrared saunas, on the other hand, focus on gentle warmth—leading to searches like ideal infrared sauna temperature, best infrared sauna temperature, infrared sauna temperature.
Best Sauna Temperature
Once you understand the broader range, it’s natural to want a clear answer on the best sauna temperature for your routine. Your ideal number depends on experience, sauna type, and when you like to use it. For a focused breakdown of best ranges for both traditional and infrared saunas, visit our guide Best Sauna Temperature.
Next Steps: Explore Saunas That Fit Your Lifestyle
Understanding the sauna temperature range—for both traditional and infrared setups—helps you choose a routine that feels right for your body. Once you know the temperature you enjoy, it’s much easier to choose the sauna style that fits your home and your wellness goals.
Ready to explore?
- Discover traditional sauna craftsmanship in our Traditional Sauna Collection.
- Explore gentle warmth and modern design with our Infrared Sauna Collection.
- Create an outdoor retreat with our Barrel Sauna Collection.
- Find spacious family-friendly layouts in our Cabin Sauna Collection.
