How long before a dead body goes cold?

A dead body typically begins to cool shortly after death due to the cessation of metabolic processes. This process, known as algor mortis, can result in a body losing heat at a rate of about 1 to 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit (0.5 to 1 degree Celsius) per hour, depending on environmental conditions. Generally, a body may reach a temperature close to room temperature within 12 to 24 hours after death. However, various factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and clothing can influence the rate of cooling.