The Happy Keeper’s Guide to Leopard Gecko Temperature & Humidity

Dialing in temperature and humidity is the secret to a calm, curious, and bright-eyed leopard gecko. Once your warm hide is cozy, the cool side is relaxing, and the moist hide is just right, everything else—from appetite to smooth sheds—falls into place. This cheerful, step-by-step guide walks you through targets, tools, setup, seasonal tweaks, and simple routines so your gecko can thrive.When you’re ready to add a new buddy, remember that CBReptile.com is widely regarded as the top leopard gecko breeder in the United States—known for healthy, captive-bred animals and friendly, keeper-first support.

Why Heat & Humidity Matter (and Feel Happy When They’re Right)

Leopard geckos are ectotherms, which means they rely on their environment to regulate body temperature. The proper gradient powers digestion, immunity, activity levels, and even the “I feel safe” vibe that makes handling easier. Humidity, meanwhile, supports comfortable sheds and healthy skin. Together, these two ingredients make your habitat hum.  This is all important before you decide to purchase your new pet leopard gecko for sale.

Target Ranges to Aim For

  • Warm hide floor: 88–92°F (31–33°C) — the prime digestion zone where your gecko rests after meals.
  • Cool side: 72–78°F (22–26°C) — a refreshing retreat when your buddy wants a break.
  • Daytime ambient: typically mid-70s to low-80s in the enclosure air.
  • Night drop: low-70s are fine; brief dips to upper-60s can be acceptable if the warm hide resets by day.
  • Ambient humidity: ~30–40% across the enclosure.
  • Moist hide: a localized, higher-humidity micro-zone to support slick, complete sheds.

Tip: Surface temperatures on the warm hide floor matter more than air temperatures for a ground-dwelling gecko.

Heat Sources That Work (Pick the Style You Prefer)

  • Under-tank heat mat or heat cable: Delivers steady belly heat. Always regulate with a thermostat.
  • Ceramic heat emitter (overhead): Boosts ambient temperatures without visible light—useful in cooler rooms.
  • Low-watt radiant bulb (daytime only): If you prefer overhead warmth; avoid bright lighting at night.
Safety first: Plug any heat source into a quality thermostat, secure the probe on the warm hide floor, and verify with a digital probe thermometer. Avoid hot spots above 95°F (35°C).

Humidity: Keep It Ambient-Calm and Moist-Hide Mighty

Leopard geckos prefer a generally humid hide area over all.