The short answer
For most adults, a comfortable room temperature is about 20°C to 24°C (68°F to 75°F). That is a range, not one perfect number. Some people are happy at 19°C. Others want it closer to 25°C.
Why the number changes
Two people in the same room can feel very different. These things make the difference:
- Clothes. A sweater and socks make a cool room feel fine. A t-shirt in the same room can feel cold.
- What you are doing. If you are sitting at a desk, you feel the cold sooner than if you are cleaning or cooking.
- Humidity. Damp air feels warmer and stickier than dry air at the same temperature.
- Moving air. A fan makes you feel cooler, even though it does not change the air temperature.
- What you are used to. People who live in hot places often like warmer rooms than people from cold places.
- Age and health. Older people, young children and people who are ill often feel the cold more.
A sensible lower limit
The World Health Organization has suggested that 18°C is a sensible minimum for homes in colder climates. People who are older, very young or unwell may need their home warmer than that. You can read more in the WHO Housing and Health Guidelines.
When a room is too hot
If you feel sweaty, tired or find it hard to focus, the room is probably too warm for you. Open a window if it is cooler outside, use a fan, or turn on the AC. If the room is hotter than the weather outside, see why a room can be hotter than outside. In very hot weather, heat can be a real health risk, especially for babies and older people. If someone feels dizzy, confused or very unwell, get medical help.
How to find out your room temperature
A thermometer is the surest way. If you do not have one, read our guide on how to estimate room temperature without a thermometer.
Want the numbers in other units? See room temperature in Celsius and Fahrenheit. For bedrooms, see the best room temperature for sleeping.