Mars is often called Earth’s little brother. It’s rocky, has seasons, polar ice caps, and even dust storms. But if you’re imagining a walk across its red deserts in a light jacket, you might want to think again.
Because while Mars looks familiar, its temperature range is anything but.
So, How Hot—or Cold—Does Mars Get?
Let’s start with the basics:
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Average global temperature: around −60°C (−80°F)
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Warmest daytime temperatures (at the equator): up to 20°C (68°F)
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Nighttime lows: often plunge to −100°C (−148°F) or colder
That means in some regions, during a Martian summer afternoon, the air could briefly feel similar to a cool spring day on Earth. But once the Sun sets, the warmth disappears almost instantly—like someone turned off the planet’s heating system.
Why Such Extreme Swings?
There are three main reasons:
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Thin atmosphere: Mars’ atmosphere is only about 1% as dense as Earth’s. That means it can’t trap heat, and temperatures drop dramatically as soon as sunlight fades.
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No oceans: Water helps regulate Earth’s temperatures. Mars has none on the surface, so there’s nothing to store and redistribute heat.
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Greater distance from the Sun: Mars receives less solar energy to begin with—only about 43% of what Earth gets.
What Does This Mean for Future Visitors?
Anyone stepping outside on Mars will need a fully insulated, pressurized spacesuit, capable of handling both the freezing cold and the heat of the Sun. It’s not just the cold that’s dangerous—the rapid shifts can stress equipment and materials.
Even robotic missions have to be designed to endure harsh thermal cycling every single day.
So yes, Mars has sunny afternoons. But don’t forget: a few hours later, it’s colder than Antarctica in midwinter.
Mars may be red—but it’s frozen to the core.
