Can You Wear A Garmin Watch In A Sauna?

Have you been wondering if you can wear your Garmin watch in a sauna?

If yes, then you are in the right place for an answer.

Garmin watches are designed to be water-resistant and durable, making them great for workouts, swimming, and outdoor activities.

However, when it comes to extreme heat and humidity—like in a sauna—the situation is different.

So what happens when you wear a Garmin watch in a sauna?

In this guide, you will learn whether Garmin watches can withstand sauna conditions and the potential risks involved.

Is It Safe to Wear a Garmin Watch in a Sauna?

Wearing a Garmin watch in a sauna is not recommended by Garmin.

While Garmin watches have high water resistance, they are not built to withstand extreme heat and humidity for long periods.

Saunas expose your watch to temperatures that can exceed 160°F (70°C), which is much higher than what most Garmin watches are rated to handle.

From the top of our heads, the main risks include:

• Battery damage due to overheating
• Screen and display issues caused by extreme heat
• Moisture buildup inside the watch from excessive humidity
• Strap deterioration over time

However, some people still choose to wear their Garmin watches in a sauna, claiming no immediate issues.

But just because nothing happens right away doesn’t mean the damage isn’t accumulating.

What Does Garmin Say About Wearing Their Watches in a Sauna?

Garmin officially states that their watches are not designed for sauna use.

Their watches typically have an operating temperature limit of around 14°F to 122°F (-10°C to 50°C).

Saunas far exceed these limits, meaning prolonged exposure can lead to internal and external damage.

In other words, Garmin does not cover sauna-related damage under warranty.

If your watch malfunctions after sauna use, you may not be able to get it repaired or replaced for free.

What Happens If You Wear a Garmin Watch in a Sauna?

If you decide to wear your Garmin watch in a sauna, here’s what could happen:

1. The Battery May Overheat

Lithium-ion batteries, like the one in your Garmin watch, are sensitive to extreme heat.

Overheating can cause:

• Battery swelling
• Shortened battery life
• Permanent battery failure

2. The Display Could Get Damaged

Garmin watch screens are made to handle moderate heat but may develop issues in high temperatures, such as:

• Screen discoloration
• Touchscreen malfunctions
• Cracks due to rapid expansion and contraction

3. Moisture Buildup Can Occur

Even though Garmin watches are water-resistant, the high humidity in saunas can force moisture into the watch, leading to:

• Condensation under the screen
• Sensor malfunctions
• Corrosion of internal components

4. The Watch Strap Might Deteriorate

Garmin watch bands are usually made of silicone, leather, or metal.

Sauna heat can cause:

• Silicone bands to become brittle and crack
• Leather straps to absorb moisture and get damaged
• Metal bands to become extremely hot and uncomfortable

Can You Wear a Garmin Watch in an Infrared Sauna?

Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures (110°F–130°F or 43°C–54°C) compared to traditional saunas.

While this is still above Garmin’s recommended limit, it is less damaging than a traditional sauna.

However, prolonged exposure may still cause battery strain, screen issues, and strap degradation over time.

If you must wear your Garmin watch in an infrared sauna, consider:

• Keeping sessions short (under 10 minutes)
• Wiping off excess moisture frequently
• Using a fabric wristband to reduce direct heat exposure

Best Alternatives to Wearing a Garmin Watch in a Sauna

If you want to track your sauna sessions without risking your Garmin watch, here are some alternatives:

1. Use a Separate Heat-Resistant Device

Some specialized fitness trackers are built to handle extreme heat.

If sauna tracking is important to you, consider investing in a heat-resistant alternative.

2. Track Your Session Manually

Instead of wearing your Garmin watch, you can log your sauna sessions manually in the Garmin Connect app.

Simply note:

• Time spent in the sauna
• Heart rate before and after
• Temperature of the sauna

3. Wear a Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor

Some chest strap heart rate monitors (like the Garmin HRM-Pro) can store data and sync with your watch after your sauna session, minimizing heat exposure.

Conclusion

While Garmin watches are built to handle water, workouts, and outdoor adventures, they are not designed for sauna use.

The extreme heat and humidity in a sauna can cause battery damage, screen issues, moisture buildup, and strap deterioration.

If you wear your Garmin watch in a sauna, you do so at your own risk, and any resulting damage is not covered by warranty.

For safer alternatives, consider tracking your session manually, using a heat-resistant device, or wearing a chest strap heart rate monitor instead.

By following these precautions, you can protect your Garmin watch while still keeping track of your health and fitness data.

Additional Reading:

Can Garmin Watch Detect Sleep Apnea?

Do Garmin Watches Require A Subscription?

How Long Does A Garmin Watch Last?