glass of water at room temperature on counter
 

Does Room Temperature Water Hydrate You Faster? What Science Says

Picture a nice, refreshing glass of water. The fog of condensation, the whorls of steam rising up—wait, what? This water is hot? 

So much of the way we drink water is deeply rooted in culture. While patrons at restaurants across the US would be shocked to receive a glass of lukewarm or hot water, diners in China’s sweltering summer heat would be surprised to be handed a tall, American-style glass full to the brim with ice. 

What’s the deal? Should we be drinking water at a certain temperature? Does room temp water hydrate faster than steaming hot H2O or almost-frozen water? 

Cultural norms aside, scientific studies have provided many insights into what temperature water we should drink to best stay hydrated. This article will break down the role of temperature in hydration, specifically in regard to drinking water.

The Science Behind Water Temperature and Hydration

The body absorbs water in the small intestine for use on a cellular level. Water is the glue that holds cells together, flushes waste out of our organs, and delivers the electrolytes that help send electrical signals from the brain to the muscles that keep us in motion.

Besides being the basic building block of life, water plays an enormous role in regulating body temperature. The body uses water, in the form of sweat, to expel excess heat (to name just one way water plays a role in homeostasis).

However, the temperature of the water we drink determines how quickly and efficiently the body absorbs it. But how?

Room Temperature Water vs. Cold Water

Cold, hot, and warm water each have their place. Put simply:

  • Cold water rehydrates us more slowly. But it also lowers the body temperature faster, helping you cool down more than room temperature or hot water.
  • Room temperature water is processed by the body and absorbed the quickest compared to cold and hot water; so, it provides the most effective hydration.
  • Hot water also rehydrates us slower—just like ice-cold water. However, studies show that hot water produces increased feelings of comfort and satisfaction. And of course, it warms you up faster on a chilly day.

Interestingly, both hotter and colder water have been shown to unconsciously slow the rate at which we drink—even when we’re dehydrated. Water at around 15 degrees Celsius (approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit) increases both the amount of water we drink and the amount absorbed by our bodies.

When Room Temperature Water is Ideal

In light of the information above, room temperature water is ideal for rapid rehydration. Both endurance and high-intensity athletes stand to benefit from drinking water at ambient temperatures. Room temp water is great for:

  • Rowers, cyclists, swimmers, distance runners, or anyone sustaining a consistent level of physical activity over a long period of time. Room temp bottled water is a great asset on the soccer pitch or the basketball court.
  • Weightlifters, gymnasts, sprinters, and any athlete who needs precision hydration before and after bursts of intense exertion.
  • Walking around, sitting at work, going to the beach, and other everyday activities. Hydration is the basis for a healthy lifestyle. Drink room temperature water to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Benefits of Cold Water for Hydration
Cold water, even if less hydrating, is very useful in high-heat scenarios. 

Not only does drinking cold water feel more pleasurable than drinking room temp and hot water, but it also is more effective at cooling down the body. This makes it less useful as a rehydration fluid but very useful in environments where heat stress is a risk. 

While drinking water at any temperature is important to the body’s thermoregulatory ability, cold water provides rapid cooling by virtue of it being significantly below body temperature. So be sure to have cold water on hand if you’re planning on spending time in high-heat or high-humidity environments.

High humidity? Really? Yes—you need to focus on hydration, even if the air feels thick with moisture.

Since humid air is so saturated with water, your sweat evaporates more slowly in humid environments. And, since sweat evaporation is the body’s way of expelling its excess heat, that means that we get hotter faster in high humidity. Cold water is a quick and easy way to get your temperature down.

Practical Tips for Choosing Your Hydration Temperature

Climate should be the deciding factor in whether you should be drinking cold water or not. If heat regulation is anything but paramount, room temperature water is the way to go for quick hydration.

It’s also good to know that “room temperature” is a convenient shorthand—science shows that individual preferences—not specific temperatures—dictate the ideal drinking water temperature. But you can determine what’s best for you by experimenting with different temperatures of water and measuring your intake over a fixed period. Whatever you drink most is what’s best for you.

The Best Temperature for Optimal Hydration

When it comes down to it, cold water is great at temperature regulation, and drinking warm water is an excellent, easy mood booster in winter—try hot lemon water for an added vitamin C kick. But for hydration purposes, room temperature water reigns supreme. 

Everyone’s body is different though, and you should experiment with what water temperature feels right for your body’s needs and brings you the most comfort! At the end of the day, drinking water is good for you—no matter the temperature.

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