-38.5 Fahrenheit to Celsius
-38.5 degrees Fahrenheit equals
-39.17°C
-39.17 degrees Celsius
-38.5°F is -39.17°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 -38.5°F to °C
Formula
°C = (°F − 32) × 5/9
Substituting -38.5°F
- -38.5 − 32 = -70.5
- -70.5 × 5/9 = -39.17
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 -38.5°F compares
| Reference point | Temperature | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Freezing point of water | 0°C / 32°F | 39.2°C (70.5°F) colder |
| Room temperature | 21°C / 69.8°F | 60.2°C (108.3°F) colder |
| Body temperature | 37°C / 98.6°F | 76.2°C (137.1°F) colder |
| Boiling point of water | 100°C / 212°F | 139.2°C (250.5°F) colder |