-38 Fahrenheit to Celsius
-38 degrees Fahrenheit equals
-38.89°C
-38.89 degrees Celsius
-38°F is -38.89°C — deep-freeze territory, colder than a household freezer and cold enough to risk frostbite on exposed skin within minutes. -40°C is the single point where both scales agree, reading -40°F as well.
How to convert -38°F to °C
Formula
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Substituting -38°F
- -38 − 32 = -70
- -70 × 5/9 = -38.89
Fahrenheit places the freezing point of water at 32 rather than 0, so that offset comes off first. What remains is then scaled by 5/9, because a Celsius degree covers 1.8 times as much temperature change as a Fahrenheit degree.
How -38°F compares
| Reference point | Temperature | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing point of water | 0°C / 32°F | 38.9°C (70°F) colder |
| Room temperature | 21°C / 69.8°F | 59.9°C (107.8°F) colder |
| Body temperature | 37°C / 98.6°F | 75.9°C (136.6°F) colder |
| Boiling point of water | 100°C / 212°F | 138.9°C (250°F) colder |