Thermometers in Pakistan show either Celsius or Fahrenheit, and doctors may quote either. When your child’s thermometer reads 101 °F, is that a fever? This guide explains normal body temperature and fever readings in both units, how the measuring method affects the number, and how our Celsius to Fahrenheit converter can help. It is general information, not medical advice.
Normal body temperature
The traditional “normal” figure is 37 °C (98.6 °F), but healthy body temperature varies from person to person and through the day, commonly from about 36.1 °C to 37.2 °C (97 °F to 99 °F). It is usually lowest in the early morning and higher in the late afternoon.
Fever thresholds (common guide)
| Reading | °C | °F |
|---|---|---|
| Normal range | about 36.1–37.2 | about 97–99 |
| Fever (commonly) | 38.0 and above | 100.4 and above |
| High fever | 39.4 and above | 103 and above |
Different organisations and doctors use slightly different cut-offs, especially for babies.
Measuring method matters
- Oral (mouth): a common, reliable method for adults.
- Armpit: easy but usually reads lower than oral.
- Ear and forehead: quick, but technique affects accuracy.
- Rectal: often used for infants and considered accurate.
Always use the same method when tracking a fever over time, and follow the device instructions.
Converting readings
°F = °C × 9 ÷ 5 + 32
102 °F = (102 − 32) × 5 ÷ 9 = 38.9 °C. For the full method and a chart, read how to convert Celsius to Fahrenheit.
When to seek medical help
Contact a doctor promptly if:
- A baby under 3 months has a fever
- A fever is very high or lasts more than a couple of days
- There are warning signs such as difficulty breathing, stiff neck, confusion, rash or dehydration
In dengue season, fever with body aches needs proper medical evaluation.
Keeping a fever log
Note the time, reading and medicine given. A simple timer helps you track medicine intervals; the Hours From Now tool shows when the next dose is due. Always follow the dose and timing your doctor or the medicine label gives.
Heat and the body
In extreme heat, such as summers above 45 °C in parts of Pakistan, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are real risks. Stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun, watch older people and children closely, and follow heatwave alerts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department. If you are reading a foreign forecast, convert it with the Unit Converter or the formula above.
Frequently asked questions
Is 99 °F a fever?
Usually not; it is within the normal range for many people.
What is 38 °C in Fahrenheit?
100.4 °F, commonly treated as the start of a fever.
Why does my armpit reading look lower?
Armpit readings usually run lower than oral readings.