What is the average temperature on the moon?

The average temperature on the moon largely varies based on the time of day and the location on the moon, but the average temperature at the lunar equator is 260.6 degrees Fahrenheit at noon and -279.4 degrees Fahrenheit at night. The temperature on the moon varies based on where the sun is shining at the time.

The moon's temperature varies so much because it has no atmosphere to trap heat, causing temperatures to drop significantly at night. The maximum temperature on the moon's side that is lit by the sun is 253 degrees Fahrenheit, while the temperature of the dark side can be as low as -243 degrees Fahrenheit.