Candle Pour Temperature Guide

The correct temperatures for melting wax, adding fragrance oil, and pouring — for every common wax type, in °F and °C.

Quick Temperature Lookup

Temperature guide
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Full temperature reference table

Wax typeMelt tempAdd fragrancePour temp
Soy wax (464, 444, NatureWax C-3) 170–180°F / 77–82°C 185°F / 85°C 135–150°F / 57–65°C
Coconut wax 160–170°F / 71–77°C 180°F / 82°C 130–145°F / 54–63°C
Paraffin (container) 180–190°F / 82–88°C 185–190°F / 85–88°C 155–165°F / 68–74°C
Beeswax 150–160°F / 65–71°C 160–165°F / 71–74°C 145–155°F / 63–68°C
Coconut-soy blend (e.g. CB-135) 170–180°F / 77–82°C 185°F / 85°C 135–145°F / 57–63°C
Wax melts (soy/paraffin tart) 180°F / 82°C 185°F / 85°C 155–165°F / 68–74°C

Why pour temperature matters

Soy wax poured too hot causes sinkholes (the wax contracts as it cools rapidly) and increases the chance of wet spots (adhesion failures against the glass). Paraffin poured too cool leaves rough surfaces and reduces glass adhesion.

How to measure wax temperature accurately

Use a digital probe thermometer with a resolution of 1°F. Clip-on candy thermometers are less accurate for the temperature ranges used in candle making. Do not rely on the temperature display of your wax melter alone.

The 2-minute stir rule

After adding fragrance oil to melted wax, stir continuously for a full 2 minutes. This ensures the oil is fully emulsified into the wax. Insufficient stirring is a leading cause of poor scent throw and fragrance separation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pour soy wax candles at 135–150°F (57–65°C). Lower pour temperatures reduce frosting and wet spots in soy wax. Add your fragrance oil at 185°F and allow the wax to cool to the pour temp before filling jars.
Pouring too hot causes the wax to contract significantly as it cools, creating a large sinkhole in the centre that requires a top-up pour. It can also cause wet spots (wax pulls away from glass) and accelerates fragrance evaporation before the candle sets.
Technically yes, but the oil may not fully bind to the wax if the temperature is too low, leading to poor scent throw or fragrance seeping. Stay within the recommended range for your wax type.

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