How to check CPU temperature on a Mac, including Apple silicon
What macOS shows about processor temperature, how powermetrics reports thermal pressure on Apple silicon, and when a reading in degrees needs another tool.
Can I see CPU temperature on a Mac?
Not in degrees from anything built in. macOS tracks temperature internally and exposes a thermal pressure level instead, which is what actually controls fans and speed.
How do I check thermal pressure?
sudo powermetrics --samplers thermal -i 2000 -n 3It prints a Current pressure level: Nominal, or a higher level such as Moderate or Heavy when macOS is limiting performance for heat.
pmset -g thermThis shows whether macOS has recorded a thermal or performance warning.
How do I get a reading in degrees?
Only third party sensor apps read individual temperature sensors. For most questions the pressure level is more useful: is your Mac thermal throttling.
Common questions
What command shows CPU temperature on a Mac?
None in degrees. sudo powermetrics --samplers thermal shows the thermal pressure level, and pmset -g therm shows warnings.
Why is there no temperature in Activity Monitor?
macOS exposes thermal pressure instead of sensor readings.