Coffee & Tea Brewing Temperature Chart

The best water temperature for coffee and each type of tea, plus steeping times. Too hot can make tea bitter; too cool under-extracts coffee.

Brewing temperatures

Drink	Water temperature	Steep / brew time
Coffee (drip, pour-over)	195–205 °F (91–96 °C)	3–4 min
French press	195–200 °F (91–93 °C)	4 min
Espresso	195–205 °F (91–96 °C)	25–30 s
Green tea	160–180 °F (71–82 °C)	1–3 min
Matcha	160–175 °F (71–79 °C)	Whisk 30 s
White tea	160–185 °F (71–85 °C)	2–5 min
Oolong	180–200 °F (82–93 °C)	2–4 min
Black tea	200–212 °F (93–100 °C)	3–5 min
Herbal / rooibos	212 °F (100 °C)	5–7 min

Notes

The Specialty Coffee Association recommends brewing coffee at 195–205 °F (90–96 °C). Delicate green and white teas scorch in boiling water and turn bitter, so let boiled water cool for a few minutes. Without a thermometer: water just off the boil is about 200–205 °F; small bubbles forming on the bottom is about 160–170 °F.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should coffee be brewed at?

195–205 °F (90–96 °C).

Can I use boiling water for green tea?

Better not — 160–180 °F (70–80 °C) avoids bitterness.

What temperature is black tea brewed at?

200–212 °F (93–100 °C).

What temperature should coffee be served at?

Most people drink coffee around 130–160 °F (55–70 °C).