SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/aero-standard-sea-level-temp

What is the standard temperature at sea level used by pilots and aircraft makers?

15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit).

Start playing free

  1. 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) ✔
  2. 0 degrees C (32 degrees F)
  3. 25 degrees C (77 degrees F)

Why: The International Standard Atmosphere is a reference model used to compare aircraft performance. At sea level it has a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury.

Huh, didn't know that: Real days are rarely exactly standard, so pilots correct their performance charts.

The dad joke
Why did the standard day go to the beach? It wanted to hit 59 and feel normal.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). The International Standard Atmosphere is a reference model used to compare aircraft performance. At sea level it has a temperature of 15 degrees Celsius and pressure of 29.92 inches of mercury.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 12 Weather Theory www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf
    Standard sea level pressure is defined as 29.92 "Hg and a standard temperature of 59 °F (15 °C).
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhat are standard sea-level temperature and pressure?Flying & DronesIn the standard atmosphere, how much does temperature drop per 1,000 feet of climb?Flying & DronesIn the International Standard Atmosphere, what is standard sea level pressure?

That's stuff everyone should know.