what is normal body temperature

The normal human body temperature typically ranges from 36.5 to 37.5 °C (97.7 to 99.5 °F). This range can vary depending on factors such as age, sex, activity level, time of day, and the site of measurement (oral, rectal, underarm, ear, or forehead). For example, oral temperatures average around 36.8 ± 0.4 °C (98.2 ± 0.7 °F), while rectal temperatures are usually slightly higher at about 37.0 °C (98.6 °F). Body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day—lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon and evening. Older adults tend to have a slightly lower normal range, and children may have a wider range of normal temperatures. Additionally, recent research shows that the accepted average of 98.6 °F (37 °C) may be slightly higher than current typical body temperatures, with newer findings suggesting averages closer to 97.5 to 97.7 °F (36.4 to 36.5 °C). In summary, normal body temperature is not a single fixed value but falls usually between about 36.1 °C (97 °F) and 37.5 °C (99.5 °F), varying by individual and circumstances. Temperatures above 38 °C (100.4 °F) are generally considered fever. This range reflects the body's homeostatic regulation of temperature under normal healthy conditions. If you need more specific normal ranges by age or measurement site or details on abnormal body temperatures, please let me know.