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What Is the DHT22 (AM2302)? Temperature and Humidity Sensor and Uses

October 14, 2026 5 min read
Quick answer

The DHT22 (AM2302) is the more capable version of the DHT11: a digital sensor that measures temperature (−40…80 °C, ±0.5 °C) and humidity (0–100 %, ±2–5 %) over a single wire. It also measures negative temperatures and the full humidity range; sampling is ~0.5 Hz. It is preferred for more accurate climate monitoring.

The DHT22 (AM2302) is the more capable sibling of the DHT11: a digital sensor that measures temperature and humidity over a wider range with higher accuracy. For the concept, see what is a humidity sensor.

What is the DHT22 used for?

More accurate ambient/climate monitoring, weather stations, greenhouse and HVAC projects. It works on the same single-wire logic as the DHT11 but also measures negative temperatures and the full humidity range.

Highlights

ParameterValue
Temperature−40 … +80 °C, ±0.5 °C
Humidity0 – 100 % RH, ±2–5 %
Sampling~0.5 Hz (once per 2 seconds)
Supply3.3 – 6 V
InterfaceSingle wire (proprietary digital protocol)

Limitations

  • Slow (~0.5 Hz); not for fast sampling.
  • For lab-grade accuracy, I2C sensors (SHT31) are better.
  • A pull-up on the data line is recommended.

Equivalents and alternatives

  • DHT11: cheaper, narrower range.
  • AM2302: the wired/board version of the DHT22.
  • SHT31 / AHT20: accurate I2C sensors.
  • BME280: temperature + humidity + pressure.

Find it in our catalog

Use the DHT22 search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DHT22?+
The DHT22 (AM2302) is the more capable version of the DHT11: a digital sensor that measures temperature (−40…80 °C, ±0.5 °C) and humidity (0–100 %, ±2–5 %) over a single wire.
How does the DHT22 differ from the DHT11?+
The DHT22 offers a wider range, negative temperatures and better accuracy; the DHT11 is cheaper but limited to 0–50 °C and ±2 °C.
What temperature/humidity does the DHT22 measure?+
Temperature −40 … +80 °C (±0.5 °C), humidity 0–100 % RH (±2–5 %). Sampling is ~0.5 Hz.
How is the DHT22 read?+
It is read from a single digital pin via a proprietary serial protocol (DHT library, sensor type set to DHT22). A pull-up on the data line is recommended.
What is an equivalent of the DHT22?+
The cheaper DHT11; its board version the AM2302; the accurate I2C SHT31/AHT20; the BME280 if you also want pressure.