Explore illustrative pavement-temperature estimates and reverse air-temperature estimates. Material and pet-walk modes show assumptions; actual surface conditions must be checked.

Illustrative offsets, not a measured forecast. Actual surface temperature can differ substantially.

Optional settings

Pavement Temperature Formula

The example below uses the calculator’s illustrative temperature offsets. These offsets are not a calibrated pavement-temperature forecast.

Pavement–Air Temperature Relationship

Sunny day: PT = AT + 50 °F
Partly cloudy: PT = AT + 25 °F
Cloudy day: PT = AT + 10 °F

Variables:

  • PT is the estimated pavement temperature (°F)
  • AT is the air temperature (°F)

In the basic model, add 50 °F for sunny conditions, 25 °F for partly cloudy conditions or 10 °F for cloudy conditions. Reverse estimates subtract the selected offset. These are temperature differences: 50 °F equals about 27.78 °C or K. The material mode uses the coefficients shown in Calculation details. Actual surface temperature also depends on sunlight, wind, weather and material properties; see the EPA explanation of heat islands. The pet mode does not establish paw safety from an estimate. Check the actual surface and choose cooler hours, grass or shade when pavement is hot; see Cornell’s summer heat guidance for dogs.

How to Calculate Pavement Temperature?

The following steps outline how to calculate the Pavement Temperature.

  1. First, determine the air temperature (°F). 
  2. Next, select the sky condition and its illustrative offset.
  3. Next, use PT = AT + the selected offset, with temperatures in °F.
  4. Finally, calculate the Pavement Temperature.
  5. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

Air temperature = 70 °F; assume a sunny day.

PT = 70 + 50 = 120 °F (about 48.89 °C or 322.04 K). This is an illustrative estimate; measure the actual surface when its temperature matters.