Brewing tea is a bit like cooking—you get the best results when the temperature is just right.
Some teas, like delicate specialty green teas, need water as cool as 140°F. Others, like black or herbal teas, shine when brewed with water at a full boil (212°F). Many fall somewhere in between.
Why does this matter?
- Too hot, and you can burn the leaves, leaving your tea bitter.
- Too cool, and you’ll end up with a weak, flat-tasting cup.
Below is a quick guide to the best water temperature for each tea type (all in Fahrenheit).
Quick Temperature Breakdown
- Black tea – 212°F
- Green tea – 175–180°F
- White tea – 175–180°F
- Oolong tea – 195°F
- Pu-erh tea – 212°F
- Purple tea – 175–180°F
- Herbal tea – 212°F
- Rooibos tea – 212°F
Tea Temperature Chart
| Tea Type | Amount per 6oz | Water Temp | Steep Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 1 tsp | 212° (full boil) | 3–5 min |
| Green | 1 tsp | 175–180° (steaming briskly) | 1–2 min |
| White | 2 tsp | 175–180° | 2–3 min |
| Oolong | 1 tsp | 195° (almost boiling) | 2–3 min |
| Pu-erh | 1 heaping tsp | 212° | 5 min |
| Purple | 1 heaping tsp | 175–180° | 3 min |
| Mate | 1 tsp | 150–160° (steaming) | 3–5 min |
| Herbal | 1 heaping tsp | 212° | 5–10 min |
| Rooibos | 1 tsp | 212° | 5–10 min |
Tips for Getting the Temperature Right
If you have an electric kettle with temperature control, it’s easy—just set it and pour.
If not, watch your water closely:
- Light steam = Good for mate and some green teas.
- Steaming briskly = Perfect for most green, white, and purple teas.
- Rolling boil = Ideal for black, herbal, rooibos, and pu-erh teas.
If the water gets too hot, let it sit for a minute or two before pouring.
Green tea tastes best between 160–185°F — this kettle makes hitting that range effortless.
Also Read: Best Teaware on Amazon (Top Picks Under $50)
How to Brew Loose Leaf Tea
Loose leaf tea needs room to open up while steeping. Use a teapot, infuser, or tea filter for the best flavor. Steep times vary—some teas are ready in a minute or two, while others benefit from five minutes or more.
Recommended Temperatures by Tea Type
- Black Tea – Use water at a full boil (212°F). At higher elevations, boiling water may be slightly cooler, but it will still work fine.
- Green Tea – Heat to 175–180°F (steaming but not boiling). Some, like Gyokuro, prefer about 140°F.
- White Tea – Brew at 175–180°F to preserve its delicate taste.
- Oolong Tea – About 195°F, just shy of boiling.
- Pu-erh Tea – Full boil (212°F) brings out its earthy richness.
- Purple Tea – 175–180°F; low in caffeine and high in antioxidants.
- Herbal Tea – 212°F; they won’t turn bitter even with longer steeping.
- Rooibos Tea – 212°F; naturally sweet and caffeine-free.
- Mate – 150–160°F; keeps its smooth flavor.
- Matcha – 175°F before whisking into a frothy cup.
If readers are learning about water temperature, they’ll want high-quality tea to match.
Also Read: Best Teas for Stress Relief and the Teaware to Use
Why Temperature Matters
Brewing tea at the right temperature keeps flavors balanced—never too bitter or too bland. It can even affect caffeine levels. While fancy kettles make it easier, they’re not required. People have brewed tea perfectly for centuries by simply watching their water.
When in doubt, remember:
- Start cooler for delicate teas.
- Use boiling water for bold teas.
- And when it boils too hot, just let it rest a bit before pouring.
