Glaciers are typically very cold, with temperatures often at or below freezing, which is 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). The exact temperature of a glacier can vary depending on its location, elevation, and the time of year. Most glaciers in polar regions are solid ice and can be significantly colder, often reaching temperatures between -10 to -30 degrees Celsius (14 to -22 degrees Fahrenheit).
In temperate glaciers, which are found in areas with milder climates, the surface of the glacier can sometimes rise above freezing during the summer, leading to melting. However, even in these cases, the glacier’s ice would still be well below freezing in its interior. On average, the temperatures within the glacier’s body can remain much lower than the surrounding air temperature, maintaining its cold state despite seasonal changes.
It’s important to note that climate change is affecting glaciers around the world. As global temperatures rise, many glaciers are experiencing increased melting and are losing their cold temperatures, impacting water supplies and ecosystems dependent on them.