Rule Of Thumb

[wornoutboots]

What is the typical rule of thumb for temperature change as you go higher in elevation?

[Feral Bill]

It's only a rule of thumb, but I recall 3-5 degrees cooler per 1000'. That said, the sun at elevation can roast you like a chicken on a spit.

[daddytwosticks]

Rule of thumb does not always work. Many times on a hike, I've found it warmer at elevations than down in the valley. I don't know if this is due to temperature inversions or what. When I first experienced this, I was quite surprised. I always believed it was colder on the mountaintops! :)

[Rain Man]

I agree it's only a rule of thumb and not a rule of law or science, so you can run into contradictions. That said, I have generally found it to be colder at elevation and often due to the wind and/or being in the clouds. The actual temps may be only a little cooler than lower down, but the wind chill can be brutal.

Rain Man

.

[ScottP]

Rule of thumb does not always work. Many times on a hike, I've found it warmer at elevations than down in the valley. I don't know if this is due to temperature inversions or what. When I first experienced this, I was quite surprised. I always believed it was colder on the mountaintops! :)

The profile, transpiration, aspect, and time of day can matter as well.

Changes in temperature with elevation tend to be more extreme in arid climates than in humid climates.


Useful wikipedia articles:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katabatic_wind

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aspect_(geography)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transpiration

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katabatic_wind)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapse_rate#Environmental_lapse_rate
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapse_rate#Environmental_lapse_rate)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperature_inversion

[paistes5]

I think it's called a rule of thumb for a reason versus an absolute rule.

[4eyedbuzzard]

Typically 3.5 to 5 °F per 1000 ft. as previously posted. But there are many, many variables. Wind, humidity, stratification, etc all come into play and sometimes it can actually get warmer (inversion). A brief scientific explanation at http://www.enotes.com/earth-science/atmospheric-lapse-rate and some more detail at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lapse_rate