# Temperature and heating

_Permalink: https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/temperature_

Crested geckos thrive at room temperature. Ambient in the 72 to 78°F (22 to 25°C) range is ideal, with a slight nighttime drop to 65 to 72°F (18 to 22°C). Most homes never need supplemental heat; in fact, overheating is a far more common killer than cold.

- Above 82°F (28°C): acute stress. Appetite loss, lethargy, gaping. Sustained exposure is fatal.
- Below 65°F (18°C): slows digestion. Brief dips are fine and even healthy; sustained cold halts feeding.
- Use a low-wattage DHP (deep heat projector) on a thermostat if your home runs below 68°F. Never use an unregulated heat bulb or pad.
- Place a digital thermometer at the warmest and coolest points of the enclosure and verify with a temp gun weekly.

**The 82°F rule**

- Ambient temperatures above 82°F are one of the most common causes of keeper-inflicted death in this species.
- In summer, move the enclosure away from windows and use a fan on the room. A portable AC is cheaper than a replacement gecko.

_Source: Geck Inspect Care Guide. Updated 2026-10-18. Cite https://geckinspect.com/CareGuide/temperature_