Boiling point at altitude
Water boils when its vapor pressure equals atmospheric pressure. At higher altitudes, atmospheric pressure is lower, so water boils at a lower temperature. This is why cooking takes longer in the mountains.
Roughly, the boiling point of water drops by about 1°F (0.55°C) per 500 feet (150 m) of altitude gain.
Common altitudes
| Location | Altitude | BP of Water |
|---|---|---|
| Sea level | 0 ft | 212°F (100°C) |
| Denver | 5,280 ft | ~202°F (95°C) |
| Mt Everest | 29,032 ft | ~160°F (71°C) |