The metabolic and temperature responses of 11 male Caucasians to a 2-hr exposure to 5 ± 1°C, 70 ± 2% RH were compared with control data obtained in an ambient environment of 28 ± 1°C, 45 ± 2% RH. The heat production increased during the cold exposure attaining an approximately stable level during the final 30 min. The group variability in response to the cold was greatest during the first 30 min and declined for the remainder of the cold exposure. All skin temperatures approached a stable value during the final 30 min of cold exposure. The correlation between mean skin temperature and thigh temperature was significant (p < 0.001) and the use of thigh temperature as an approximate mean skin temperature was suggested. The calculation of tissue conductance with or without the inclusion of heat exchanges due to changes in body heat content and respiratory losses was in agreement only during the final 30 min of cold exposure, thus indicating a stage of physiological equilibrium. All measured parameters except the toe and finger temperatures approached minimum variability of response during the final 30 min of cold exposure.