Taking your bearded dragon outside on a nice sunny day can provide some much-needed time outdoors and exposure to natural UVB light. However, monitoring the temperature and providing ample shade are critical to keeping your reptile comfortable and safe.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The ideal temperature range to take a bearded dragon outside is between 75-85°F. Avoid temperatures over 90°F or under 65°F.
Ideal Outdoor Temperature Range for Bearded Dragons
75-85°F is Optimal
Experts generally agree that the optimal outdoor temperature range for bearded dragons to thrive is between 75-85°F (24-29°C). At these warm yet comfortable temperatures, beardies can remain active to bask, explore, forage for food, and digest their meals properly.
Prolonged exposure to temperatures in this ideal range boosts their immune system and allows them to grow at healthy rates.
According to the Bearded Dragons World and ReptiFiles, 75-85°F hits the sweet spot that makes beardies energetic and healthy when outdoors.
Under 65°F is Too Cold
Temperatures below 65°F (18°C) are too cold for bearded dragons to remain active outdoors. Being cold-blooded creatures, frigid temperatures cause beardies to become lethargic and inactive as their body functions slow down.
Prolonged chilling prevents proper digestion and can lead to loss of appetite. Their weakened immune system also makes them prone to respiratory infections. Reptile veterinarians thus advise bringing bearded dragons back indoor when outdoor temperatures drop below 65°F for their health and safety.
Over 90°F Risks Overheating
While bearded dragons come from hot desert environments, temperatures above 90°F (32°C) put them at risk of overheating and heat stroke when outdoors. Without adequate shade and cooling areas to escape the extreme heat, they start to heavily pant, become lethargic, and lose their appetite.
According to the Manchester & District Herpetological Society, temperatures over 105°F (40°C) can be fatal. So when the outdoor mercury rises above 90°F, extra steps must be taken to prevent heat-related health issues in pet beardies.
Providing Shade and Hydration Outdoors
Shade Protects Against Overheating
When taking your bearded dragon outside, it’s crucial to provide ample shade to prevent overheating. Reptiles like bearded dragons rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. If they get too hot, they can experience heat stroke, which can be fatal.
The optimal temperature range for a bearded dragon outdoors is 75-85°F. Anything above 90°F is considered dangerous. To keep your pet safe, make sure outdoor play areas have shade covers or trees that block direct sunlight for at least half the enclosure.
Some good portable shade options are shade cloths, pop-up canopies, or umbrellas. You’ll want to check the temperature with a reptile thermometer to ensure your bearded dragon has access to cooler areas if needed.
Misting Helps Hydrate When Hot
In addition to shade, misting your bearded dragon lightly with water can help prevent overheating and dehydration outdoors. Reptiles don’t produce sweat to cool themselves like mammals. Therefore, light misting essentially serves as “sweat” to evaporate off their skin and provide a cooling effect.
Aim a spray bottle with room temperature, dechlorinated water at your dragon’s head, back, and legs. Spray once or twice, allowing the water to fully dry between applications. Monitor your pet closely during misting to ensure the moisture doesn’t overwhelm them.
You can also mist shady hiding spots and basking sites to create a cooler microclimate for your bearded dragon to regulate its temperature as needed. Just be sure to fully dry these areas out later to prevent bacterial or fungal growth.
Monitoring Temperature with a Thermometer
Use Digital Probe Thermometers
Using a good digital probe thermometer is crucial for monitoring the basking area temperature for a bearded dragon when taking them outside (1). High quality digital probe thermometers that measure a wide range of temperatures precisely are readily available online or at pet stores for under $20.
Models like the Zoo Med Digital Reptile Thermometer allow you to get temperature readings within 1 degree accuracy.
Digital probe thermometers with long leads allow you to place the probe right in the bearded dragon’s basking spot to get accurate readings even when outside. Position the probe under the heat lamp pointing down at the lizard’s favored rock or branch for basking.
Quality models like the Aiicioo Digital Meat Thermometer have probes on a 5-foot steel braided lead for flexibility. Check that the outdoor thermometer probe cord is rated for outdoor use.
Place Probes in Sun and Shade Areas
When setting up an outdoor enclosure for a bearded dragon, use two or more digital thermometers to monitor both basking zone hot spots and cooler shaded retreat areas (2). Position one thermometer probe under the heat lamp and others around the enclosure in shaded zones.
Quality weatherproof thermometers with multiple probes like the Govee WiFi Thermometer allow monitoring temperature in several locations at once with a smartphone.
Monitor the temperature every 30 minutes or so while a bearded dragon is outside. Record the highest and lowest readings each session. Over time, you can determine the range of temperatures your outdoor habitat provides throughout the day.
With close temperature monitoring, you can also bring your dragon inside if the outdoor area drops below or rises above your pet’s preferred temperature range (around 75-105°F).
With quality digital thermometers and diligent temperature checking, bringing a bearded dragon outside can be safe and enjoyable! Just be prepared to adjust heat lamp wattage or bring them in if the area gets too hot or cold for their comfort.
Gradually Acclimating Your Bearded Dragon
Start With Short Trips Outdoors
When you first start taking your bearded dragon outside, it’s best to keep the trips brief to avoid overstressing them. Some great tips include:
- Aim for 5-10 minutes at first, and slowly build up to longer trips over several weeks.
- Pick a warm, sunny day with temperatures above 75°F (24°C). Avoid windy or cool days.
- Let them walk or sit on grass or dirt, but supervise closely so they don’t eat anything dangerous.
- You may want to put a leash on them so they can explore safely.
- Watch their behavior – if they seem stressed, take them back inside right away.
Bearded dragons come from hot, arid deserts in Australia. Short trips outside in warm weather can stimulate them mentally and physically. But it’s crucial not to overwhelm them at first. Take it slow and watch how they react.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Even with gradual introduction, some beardies may get stressed outside. Signs of stress include:
- Closing their eyes or keeping them half-closed
- Opening their mouth in a wide gape
- Refusing to walk around or explore
- Trying to hide or burrow
- Changing colors to darker shades
- Twitching or shaking
If you notice any of these behaviors, bring them back inside right away. The outdoor environment may simply be too overwhelming for some individuals. You can try again another day, but don’t force them if they don’t adjust.
With patience and incremental exposure, many bearded dragons can learn to enjoy safe time outside. But always monitor them closely and have their habitat ready for them to retreat to if needed. Their comfort level is a top priority.
Ideal Times of Day for Outdoor Time
Morning and Late Afternoon Are Best
The best times of day to take your bearded dragon outside are the early morning and late afternoon hours. The moderate temperatures at these times allow your dragon to enjoy being outdoors without risk of overheating (1).
Early morning, right after sunrise, is an optimal time for some outdoor enrichment. The sun is shining but temperatures have not yet climbed to their peak. Try taking your bearded dragon out for 10-15 minutes of supervised outdoor time to get some natural sunlight and explore outdoors.
Just be mindful of the morning dew on the grass and plants.
Late afternoon and early evening are also perfect times for getting your bearded dragon outside. Temperatures are starting to fall but it is still light out. Take your dragon into the backyard or set up an outdoor enclosure where they can walk around and dig or climb to their heart’s content.
Make sure to stay with your pet the whole time to ensure safety.
Avoid the Hottest Times of Day
You’ll want to avoid the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak. Usually from around 10am to 4pm are the hottest hours when temperatures can climb into the 80s, 90s or even 100s in some areas. This intense heat can lead to overheating and serious health issues for bearded dragons (2).
Signs of overheating in bearded dragons include (3):
- Gaping mouth or heavy breathing
- Darkening of body color
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your bearded dragon back indoors immediately and place them somewhere cool. Mist the dragon with cool water and contact your exotic vet if symptoms persist.
To prevent overheating, temperatures for bearded dragons outdoors should stay below 85°F. Monitor conditions closely and have access to shade and water. Early morning or late evening are the best times for safe outdoor enrichment.
Conclusion
Getting your bearded dragon some fresh air and natural sunlight can be very beneficial when temperatures are right. Monitor conditions closely, provide ample shade and water, and gradually increase outdoor time as your reptile acclimates.
With some simple safety precautions, your bearded dragon can enjoy safe outdoor time all spring and summer long.
