By Nick Hammond 
Bearded dragons depend on the right temperature for survival. Unlike humans, they are cold-blooded reptiles, which means their body temperature is controlled by their environment.
Bearded dragons can die if exposed to extreme temperatures. Prolonged heat above 130–160°F or cold below 65°F is dangerous. One night at 58°F may not kill them, but consistent extremes can.
This guide explains the exact dangerous ranges, safe temperatures, and what to do in emergencies. By the end, you’ll know how to keep your dragon safe, healthy, and comfortable.
A bearded dragon can die if temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C) for long periods or rise above 120°F (49°C) inside the tank. Prolonged exposure to these extremes leads to organ failure, dehydration, and eventually death.
- Too cold (below 50°F / 10°C): Causes hypothermia and shuts down body functions.
- Too hot (above 120°F / 49°C): Leads to overheating, dehydration, and possible brain damage.
The exact time it takes to kill depends on age, health, and how long they are left in extreme temperatures.
When temperatures drop too low, bearded dragons cannot digest food or move properly. Their body begins to shut down:
- Slowed metabolism – digestion stops, causing impaction risk.
- Weakness and lethargy – movement slows until they stop responding.
- Organ failure – heart and lungs slow dangerously.
- Death – after prolonged exposure, they cannot recover.
In the wild, dragons dig burrows to escape cold. In captivity, without heat lamps, they have no escape, which makes cold even more dangerous.
High temperatures are just as deadly as cold ones. If the basking area overheats, your dragon cannot cool down:
- They start panting and turning dark in color.
- Their body rapidly loses water, leading to dehydration.
- Extreme heat can damage the brain, liver, and kidneys.
- Prolonged exposure can cause sudden death.
Overheating often happens when using powerful bulbs without a thermostat or leaving the enclosure in direct sunlight.
Yes. If your dragon’s enclosure gets too cold or too hot during the night, death can occur within hours.
- Cold nights (below 50°F / 10°C): Dragons may freeze overnight.
- Hot nights (above 95°F / 35°C): Continuous stress and dehydration can kill.
This is why night-time heating with ceramic heat emitters is recommended when your home drops below safe levels.
Safe Temperature Range for Bearded Dragons
Keeping the right temperature balance is critical. Here’s a breakdown by age and tank zones:
| Dragon Age | Basking Spot | Cool Side | Night Temperature |
| Baby (0–6 months) | 100–110°F (37–43°C) | 80–85°F (26–29°C) | 70–75°F (21–24°C) |
| Juvenile (6–12 months) | 95–105°F (35–40°C) | 75–80°F (24–26°C) | 65–75°F (18–24°C) |
| Adult (1 year+) | 95–100°F (35–37°C) | 75–80°F (24–26°C) | 65–75°F (18–24°C) |
Maintaining these ranges prevents fatal temperature shocks.
If a heat lamp fails, a bearded dragon may survive for 24 hours at room temperature (65–70°F), but risks rise quickly after that.
- At 60°F (15°C): Survival is possible for 1–2 days, but health damage begins.
- At 50°F (10°C) or lower: Death may occur within hours.
Immediate action, like wrapping them in blankets or using hand warmers, can help in emergencies.
- Staying in one spot, not moving
- Refusing food
- Dark, dull colors
- Slow or no response when touched
- Constantly hiding in cool areas
- Rapid breathing and open mouth
- Glass scratching (trying to escape heat)
- Collapsing or weakness
Recognizing these signs early can prevent life-threatening situations.
To avoid dangerous extremes, follow these steps:
- Use a basking bulb for heat.
- Place a digital thermometer on both sides of the tank.
- Maintain a temperature gradient (hot and cool side).
- Use a thermostat to prevent overheating.
- Provide ceramic heat emitters at night if your house gets too cold.
- Wrap in warm blankets
- Place near a safe heat source (not directly on skin)
- Slowly raise enclosure temperature
- Move to a cooler room immediately
- Provide water for hydration
- Turn off heat sources until safe levels return
If your dragon does not recover quickly, visit a reptile vet immediately.
Yes, but only if temperatures fall below 65°F (18°C). Bearded dragons can handle cooler nights, but not freezing temperatures.
Best solution: ceramic heat emitters (CHEs). They provide warmth without light, ensuring your dragon sleeps properly while staying safe.
- “Room temperature is enough.” – Not true. Most homes are too cold for dragons.
- “They don’t need heat at night.” – False if temperatures fall below 65°F.
- “Dragons can adapt to any temperature.” – Wrong. They require specific ranges for survival.
- Basking bulbs – provide direct heat.
- Ceramic heat emitters – safe night heat.
- UVB bulbs – for calcium metabolism (not heat but essential).
- Thermometers & thermostats – prevent dangerous fluctuations.
- Backup power (generators, heating pads) – lifesavers during outages.
Seek professional help immediately if your dragon:
- Stops moving completely
- Shows heavy breathing or seizures
- Is unresponsive to touch
- Has been exposed to deadly temperatures for more than an hour
A reptile vet can provide emergency care, rehydration, and oxygen if needed.
If a bearded dragon is left in temperatures below 50°F overnight, it can be life-threatening. Their body slows down, organs stop working properly, and they may not survive until morning without proper heating support.
In winter, temperatures dropping under 50°F can kill a bearded dragon if they are left without heat. They rely on warmth to stay alive, so always provide proper heating during colder months to protect them.
Bearded dragons can die if left below 10°C overnight. Their cold-blooded bodies cannot handle freezing conditions, and without heat, they may quickly become weak, unresponsive, and unable to recover by the next morning.
Juvenile bearded dragons need night temperatures between 65–75°F to stay healthy. Any lower can cause stress, digestion problems, or illness. Providing a ceramic heat emitter is best to maintain safe, gentle warmth during nighttime.
When a bearded dragon is too cold, it often becomes very slow, refuses food, turns darker in color, and may stay in one spot. If untreated, these signs can lead to serious health risks.
A bearded dragon may survive short exposure to 110–115°F, but anything higher is extremely dangerous. Prolonged heat above 120°F can cause dehydration, brain damage, organ failure, and even death if not corrected quickly.
Anything below 65°F is too cold for a bearded dragon. At this point, their body slows down, digestion stops, and they may become weak or sick.
If temperatures drop under 50°F overnight, a bearded dragon’s body can shut down. Without safe heat, they risk organ failure and may not survive until morning.
Extreme temperatures, untreated illness, dehydration, or impaction can kill bearded dragons quickly. Without proper care, they decline fast because their bodies depend fully on environment and diet.
Yes, too much heat can kill a bearded dragon. Prolonged exposure above 120°F causes dehydration, organ damage, and stress, which may lead to sudden death if not corrected.
Yes, bearded dragons can feel cold. Since they are cold-blooded, their body temperature drops with the environment, making them sluggish, dark-colored, and unable to digest food properly.
Bearded dragons may survive 24 hours without heat if room temperature stays mild. Longer than this, their health declines quickly, leading to stress, weakness, or even death.
Gently wrap them in a blanket, place them near a safe heat source, and restore the enclosure’s proper temperature. Raise heat slowly to avoid sudden stress.
No, heat lamps should be off at night. Instead, use a ceramic heat emitter if your room drops below 65°F, as it provides heat without disturbing sleep.
Bearded dragons depend fully on the right temperature for survival. Too much heat or cold can quickly become life-threatening, especially overnight. By maintaining safe temperature ranges, using reliable heating tools, and monitoring your dragon’s behavior, you can protect them from dangerous extremes. Always prepare for emergencies with backup heat and call a reptile vet if your dragon shows serious stress. With the right care, your bearded dragon will stay safe, healthy, and comfortable for years to come.