The Difference Between Wet Saunas And Dry Saunas

Although a wet sauna sounds like a steam room, whereas a dry sauna sounds like a room with blazing heat, the two types of saunas are actually very similar.

Both types of saunas use some sort of heater (gas, electric, or wood) with volcanic stones. However, in a wet sauna, water is poured over the rocks to produce steam, whereas in a dry sauna, no water is added – and no steam is generated.

One major difference between a wet sauna and a dry sauna is the temperature necessary in both types of saunas. Because humid air more effectively transmits heat, the temperature in a wet sauna is lower than the temperature in a dry sauna. Dry sauna temperatures can approach 200 degrees Fahrenheit; because the heat is so dry, however, the bather's sweat evaporates quickly and the heat is tolerable.