Is 36.5 degrees a normal temperature?

36.5 degrees is generally a normal body temperature. A person’s body temperature can vary from person to person and during the day, but normal body temperature is generally considered to be around 36.1-37.2 degrees. In this article, we discuss in more detail what normal body temperature means, what factors can affect it, and when to be concerned.

What is normal body temperature?

Normal body temperature varies slightly according to different sources, but the generally accepted range is 36.1–37.2 degrees. This means that 36.5 degrees is a perfectly normal temperature. Body temperature can vary throughout the day and is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon and early evening.

Factors that affect body temperature

Many factors can affect body temperature, including:

  • Time of day: Body temperature is usually lowest in the morning and highest in the afternoon and early evening.
  • Physical activity: Exercise and physical exertion can raise body temperature.
  • Eating: Digesting food can temporarily increase body temperature.
  • Hormonal changes: For example, the menstrual cycle of women can affect body temperature.
  • Ambient temperature: External temperatures can affect body temperature, especially if a person has been exposed to extreme temperatures.

When should you be concerned?

Although 36.5 degrees is a normal body temperature, there are situations where an abnormal temperature can be a sign of a health problem. Here are some examples:

  1. Fever: If the body temperature rises above 38 degrees, it may be a sign of an infection or other illness.
  2. Hypothermia: If the body temperature drops below 35 degrees, it may be a sign of hypothermia, which requires immediate treatment.
  3. Continuously abnormal temperature: If the body temperature is constantly higher or lower than normal for no apparent reason, you should consult a doctor.

Summary

36.5 degrees is a normal body temperature, which falls within the generally accepted range of 36.1–37.2 degrees. Body temperature can vary depending on many factors, such as time of day, physical activity, and hormonal changes. However, it is important to be aware of when an abnormal temperature can be a sign of a health problem and when it is necessary to see a doctor.

You can read more information about body temperature and the factors that affect it from, for example, the following sources:
Terveyskirjasto and Mayo Clinic .