National Temperature Check Week encourages everyone to prioritize their health by understanding the importance of regular temperature monitoring. Observed each year during the week of the 3rd Monday in October, this initiative reminds us to know our baseline, recognize fever symptoms, and seek medical advice when needed. Take a moment this week to check your temperature, learn about variations, and empower yourself with vital health knowledge.
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History of National Temperature Check Week
National Temperature Check Week is observed annually throughout the country in the last week of October. The week was instituted to raise awareness about the importance of regular temperature checks and to give people information about how they can read their temperature.
Human body temperature refers to the temperature range found in human beings. Typically, the average temperature of human bodies is between 97.7 to 98.6 °F (36.5 to 37 °C). However, this is only an average range. Human bodies are incredibly different, and the temperature ranges vary from person to person.
Even the same person might find that their temperature ranges are different across the days and weeks. Temperature variations have been observed depending on people’s hormones, the time of day, the amount of physical or mental activity they’re involved in, emotions, body parts, and whether they’re sleeping or awake.
The variation in temperature increases if a person is fit and physically active. In contrast, there are very few variations in body temperature daily as a person gets older. In geriatric patients, even a small increase in their baseline temperature can be a sign of a serious infection.
In healthy adults, an average temperature of 99.0 °F in the morning or 99.9 °F in the late afternoon is an indication of a fever. A fever occurs when the human body shifts its average temperature to a higher level to kill the organism causing an infection.
National Temperature Check Week timeline
Hero of Alexandria develops the concepts of temperature measurement and thermometry.
Books quote the average blood heat of human beings at 98 °F.
Following the release of German physician Carl Wunderlich’s book, temperature charts become part of regular clinical use.
Braun Thermometers institutes Temperature Check Week to raise awareness about temperature ranges in humans.
National Temperature Check Week FAQs
When is National Temperature Check Week?
In 2026, National Temperature Check Week runs from Monday, October 19, through Sunday, October 25. It’s a crucial time to focus on understanding your body’s vital signs.
What is a normal human body temperature?
While 98.6°F (37°C) is often cited as the average normal human body temperature, it can vary slightly from person to person and throughout the day. A range between 97°F (36.1°C) and 99°F (37.2°C) is generally considered normal for adults.
How many people check their temperature regularly?
Regular temperature checking varies significantly among individuals, often increasing during flu seasons or public health crises. While specific statistics on routine checks are scarce, a 2020 survey indicated that over 70% of U.S. adults owned a thermometer, suggesting a readiness to monitor when needed.
What is the difference between a fever and a normal temperature?
A fever is generally defined as a body temperature that is higher than the normal range, typically 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. It’s the body’s natural response to fighting off infections or illnesses, signaling that something is amiss internally.
How to Observe National Temperature Check Week
Share information about temperature ranges
Most people don’t realize that human beings have a range of temperatures. Awareness of temperature variability can help prevent mass panic.
Check your temperature variability
Use this week to check your temperature every day at different points throughout the day. Make sure you keep a record so you know your temperature variability.
Note the factors that affect temperature
Your temperature can be affected by several factors. Keep track of your temperature fluctuations and what causes them so you’re informed.
5 Facts About Human Body Temperature That You Probably Didn’t Know
Above 98.6°F isn’t necessarily a fever
Temperature variations occur for several reasons, and your baseline might be higher than the average human.
Kids have higher temperatures
Babies and young children tend to have a higher body temperature than adults.
Hyperthermia is different from fever
Hyperthermia is when the temperature of your body increases but is not sustained at that point by your body.
Fever is the body’s protective mechanism
When you have a fever, your body increases your set point or base temperature and keeps it higher to kill the organisms causing an infection.
Temperatures above 102°F are concerning
If you have a fever and your body temperature is 103°F or higher, you will need to be admitted to the hospital.
Why National Temperature Check Week is Important
We want people to be informed
We think that everyone should know their bodies and learn about them. We think that it is important to understand how our bodies function.
We want to check our own temperature
We want to learn how to check our temperature correctly. We want to learn how to care for ourselves when we’re sick.
We want people to cultivate a habit
We want people to get used to checking their temperatures regularly. We want to make sure that people can care for themselves.
National Temperature Check Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 20–26 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2026 | October 19–25 | Monday–Sunday |
