The NHL.com pages here list no seat temperature. The ice stays near 22 to 24 and one arena runs near 56. NHL outdoor games have started from minus 5.7 to 65.
Every number below is in degrees Fahrenheit. It comes from NHL.com or a team page, read on October 31, 2026. The answer to how cold are hockey games differs for the ice, the air and outdoor games. For layers by season, see what to wear to a hockey game.
NHL ice temperature: how cold is the ice?
NHL.com gives a narrow range for the NHL ice temperature. The Predators’ operations team gives a game night reading.
This table lists what each page says about NHL ice temperature.
| Date | Page | Ice reading |
|---|---|---|
| December 29, 2019 | NHL.com | 23 to 25 is ideal for the surface |
| December 30, 2021 | NHL.com | 22 to 24 is the optimum for an NHL caliber sheet |
| September 4, 2024 | Nashville Predators | About 22 to 22.5 at puck drop |
The two NHL.com ranges overlap from 23 to 24.
Why NHL ice temperature matters
The Predators’ operations team says the surface runs near 19 at warm ups. The team calls that a little brittle.
After the resurfacing, the NHL ice temperature reaches about 22 to 22.5 by puck drop. At 24 to 25, the team says players feel they are sinking.
NHL ice temperature under an event floor
The same page says the ice keeps a 24 degree surface under an event floor. The page says the ice is insulated under it for a concert or other event.
Pucks run colder than the ice
NHL.com lists the optimum for game pucks at 15 to 17. The page is dated December 30, 2021.
After two minutes in play, a puck gets swapped at the next stoppage.
How cold is the air inside an NHL arena?
The NHL.com pages here list no seat temperature. One team page gives an air reading for game nights.
The Nashville Predators operations team says the air usually runs around 56 for games. It tries not to pass about 62 to 63 when the ice is uncovered.
With the ice covered for an event, it tries not to pass 70.
The page describes one arena, Bridgestone Arena. It is dated September 4, 2024.
Do seats near the ice feel colder?
The NHL.com pages here do not compare seats by section or level. The what to wear guide covers layers and seat level.
Crowd heat and NHL ice temperature
The Predators’ site says the heat from 17,000 people in the building matters. It affects how the ice temperature moves during a game.
The page is dated September 1, 2026.
The page gives no degree figure for fans.
How cold are hockey games outdoors?
NHL.com lists faceoff readings for outdoor games. This table puts eight of them in order from coldest to warmest.
| Game | Date | Reading at faceoff |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Classic, Minneapolis | January 1, 2022 | minus 5.7 |
| Heritage Classic, Edmonton | November 22, 2003 | 0 |
| Winter Classic, Ann Arbor | January 1, 2014 | 13 |
| NHL100 Classic, Ottawa | December 16, 2017 | 13 |
| Stadium Series, Tampa | February 1, 2026 | 41.8 |
| Stadium Series, Dodger Stadium | January 25, 2014 | 62 |
| Winter Classic, Miami | January 2, 2026 | 63.1 |
| Stadium Series, Denver | February 27, 2016 | 65 |
The coldest NHL outdoor game was the 2022 Winter Classic in Minneapolis. NHL.com records minus 5.7 at the start. It calls the game the coldest in NHL history.
The first outdoor game was the 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton. It read 0, with a crowd of 57,167.
A February 2023 NHL.com page gives the low as minus 6.
How the ice crew handles the cold
NHL.com explains the cooling in two lines. When the air is warmer than the ice, glycol and aluminum pans carry heat away. When the air is colder, the same system sends heat to the ice.
The crew can set the surface to a half degree. NHL.com gives that detail in its December 30, 2021 story.
Tarps in the sun
Before the Stadium Series game in North Carolina, the air reached 72. NHL.com says it was 85 on top of the ice tarps and 18 underneath.
The tarps reflect sunlight. NHL.com says the league first used them at Dodger Stadium. They protected the ice during the day.
Two Florida games, 21 degrees apart
The Miami Winter Classic and the Tampa Stadium Series fell 30 days apart. NHL.com calls the Tampa night unseasonably chilly for Florida.
The math takes three steps:
- Miami was 63.1 at game time.
- Tampa was 41.8 at puck drop.
- The gap is 63.1 minus 41.8, which is 21.3.
NHL.com calls Miami the warmest Winter Classic. It is also the second warmest NHL outdoor game.
Is there a cancel temperature?
NHL.com gives no temperature that cancels or delays an outdoor game. A page dated December 29, 2021 says the league has altered start times on occasion. It names sun and snow as factors.
Next outdoor games
The Winter Classic comes first, on Thursday, December 31, 2026. The Mammoth host the Avalanche at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
The Stadium Series follows on Saturday, February 20, 2027, at 7 p.m. CT. The Stars host the Golden Knights at AT&T Stadium.
Neither announcement gives a forecast.
How cold are hockey games for your date?
For an arena game, plan around the one official air reading of about 56. For an outdoor game, check the forecast for your date.
Game length sets how long you sit in the cold. The how long is a hockey game guide gives the clock.
How big is your temperature drop?
Pick an arena game or an outdoor game, then type the outside temperature. See the drop and the NHL.com readings, with the source on each line.
Cold snap questions
What is the NHL ice temperature at a game?
NHL.com lists 22 to 24 as the optimum NHL ice temperature. The Predators’ operations team aims for about 22 to 22.5 at puck drop.
Is it cold at a hockey game inside an NHL arena?
One team page says the air usually runs around 56 during games. The NHL.com pages here list no league air number.
Is it cold at a hockey game in a warm city?
The one air reading comes from Nashville. The Predators’ operations team says the air usually runs near 56 during games. See how many NHL teams there are for the other cities.
Does the NHL ice temperature stay the same all night?
No. The Predators’ operations team describes about 19 at warm ups. It reaches about 22 to 22.5 at puck drop.
How cold are hockey games at NHL outdoor events?
In December 2021, NHL.com listed 32 outdoor games from 0 to 65 at faceoff. A February 2023 page lists minus 6 to 65.
How does the crew watch the ice outdoors?
NHL.com’s December 29, 2019 story describes insulated blankets over the ice. A sensor system called Eye on the Ice monitors temperatures at different spots and depths.
Who sets the NHL ice temperature?
The arena’s ice crew runs the NHL ice temperature. NHL.com lists 22 to 24 as the optimum for an NHL caliber sheet.
Is it cold at a hockey game near the ice?
The NHL.com pages here do not compare seats. The what to wear guide covers seat level and layers.
At what temperature is an outdoor game cancelled?
NHL.com lists no cancel temperature. It says start times have been altered for factors including sun and snow.
What was the coldest NHL outdoor game?
The 2022 Winter Classic in Minneapolis, at minus 5.7 on NHL.com. The 2003 Heritage Classic in Edmonton read 0.
What was the warmest NHL outdoor game?
Denver’s Stadium Series at Coors Field on February 27, 2016 read 65. The Miami Winter Classic at 63.1 is second.
Can I bring a blanket?
Ask your arena. The NHL.com pages in this guide say nothing about blankets.
Was the Miami Winter Classic warmer than a game in Nashville?
Compare two separate readings. Miami was 63.1 and Nashville’s air was around 56. Miami was 7.1 warmer, which is 63.1 minus 56.
Tampa at 41.8 was 14.2 colder than 56, which is 56 minus 41.8.
Take your shot
A friend says the NHL sets every arena at 60 degrees. What do you say?
Pick one to take your shot.
Checked against NHL.com and team pages
Nashville Predators ice crew Q and A on NHL.com
NHL.com Minneapolis Winter Classic recap
NHL.com Miami Winter Classic recap
Checked October 2026
