Is a rectal temp higher? A rectal temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. An ear temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature. An armpit temperature is most often 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C...