What is the normal axillary (underarm) body temperature?
May 16, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Mingxuan
Introduction
Axillary temperature measurement is the most commonly used method for assessing body temperature in clinical practice. A normal axillary temperature ranges from 36.0°C to 37.0°C.
- Low-grade fever: 37.0–38.0°C
- Moderate fever: 38.1–39.0°C
- High fever: 39.1–41.0°C
- Hyperpyrexia: >41.0°C
Avoid vigorous physical activity or consuming hot beverages prior to taking a temperature measurement.
Axillary temperature is not constant; it exhibits normal physiological fluctuations influenced by multiple factors, including age, time of day (circadian rhythm), and sex. So, what constitutes a normal axillary temperature?
What Is the Normal Axillary Temperature?
Axillary temperature measurement is the most commonly used clinical method for assessing body temperature. A normal axillary temperature ranges from 36.0°C to 37.0°C. - Low-grade fever: 37.0–38.0°C - Moderate fever: 38.1–39.0°C - High fever: 39.1–41.0°C - Hyperpyrexia: >41.0°C Avoid vigorous physical activity or consuming hot beverages prior to taking your temperature.
In children, normal axillary temperature typically ranges between 36.0°C and 37.3°C; values below 37.5°C are generally considered normal. Although core body temperature remains largely unaffected by ambient air temperature, axillary temperature is more susceptible to environmental influences. For accurate measurement, the skin must be dry; if the axilla is damp, it should first be wiped thoroughly before placing the thermometer snugly in place. Otherwise, readings may be inaccurate. In winter, individuals coming indoors from outdoors should wait at least 30 minutes before measuring temperature.
Body temperature may transiently rise—up to 38.0°C—due to factors such as physical exertion, bathing, or emotional stress. Conversely, resting, sleeping, fasting, or administration of sedative medications may temporarily lower temperature to approximately 35.0°C. Newborns have immature thermoregulatory mechanisms and thus their temperatures are highly sensitive to ambient temperature. Children exhibit higher metabolic rates than adults, resulting in relatively higher baseline temperatures; conversely, older adults tend to have lower metabolic rates and therefore often display temperatures slightly below the standard adult range. In healthy individuals, body temperature reaches its lowest point between 2:00 AM and 6:00 AM, and peaks between 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM—sometimes reaching up to 37.5°C. We hope this information is helpful to you!
