Sauna vs. Steam Room: How They Differ and What to Expect at Culture OC

Dry heat or humid heat: the main difference

A traditional sauna uses hot, relatively dry air. A steam room uses cooler air with much more moisture. At Culture OC in Newport Beach, we offer full-spectrum infrared sauna, which uses infrared emitters without adding steam.

The thermometer only tells part of the story. Humidity and how a room is heated change how it feels, so it helps to know which one you're walking into.

Here are the differences and what to expect from our infrared appointment.

How hot are saunas and steam rooms?

Hussain and Cohen’s 2018 review describes traditional Finnish saunas at roughly 80–100°C, or 176–212°F, with relative humidity around 10–20%. Water poured over heated stones can briefly increase humidity. That burst of steam differs from a continuously humid steam room.

Laukkanen and Kunutsor’s 2024 review lists steam rooms at roughly 40–50°C, or 104–122°F, with humidity around 100%. Actual conditions vary from room to room.

So a steam room is cooler on paper, but the moisture makes it feel intense in its own way.

Why steam feels different from dry heat

Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. In a steam room, the air is nearly saturated. The 2018 review explains that higher humidity causes condensation on the skin and reduces sweat evaporation. You can feel visibly damp even at a lower air temperature.

If you've tried both, think about what you liked: dry air, enveloping steam, or somewhere warm and quiet. That's a good starting point, and we're happy to walk you through our infrared cabins before you decide.

Where infrared sauna fits

Infrared cabins use emitters at different wavelengths, without water or added humidity. The 2018 review describes them as generally cooler than traditional Finnish saunas, roughly 45–60°C, or 113–140°F.

Our saunas use near, mid and far infrared, with a built-in Red Light Halo. It's a dry cabin, with no steam. The Halo is built into the sauna; our full-body LightStim red light bed is a separate session.

Comparing a gym sauna, a hotel steam room and an infrared studio? Ask how each room is heated, whether steam is added and what the booking includes.

Room design is part of the experience

The 2024 review describes a typical Finnish sauna as a wood room with wooden benches above the floor. Our facility photo shows the wood interior and glass front of our infrared cabin, so you can see the space before arriving.

In a steam room, the moisture is the main event. If seating or layout matters to you, ask before you go.

At Culture OC, just tell us about any seating or access needs when you book, and we'll talk it through.

Your sauna comparison checklist

A quick side-by-side:

• Traditional Finnish sauna: roughly 80–100°C, with 10–20% humidity, according to the 2018 review.
• Steam room: roughly 40–50°C, with humidity around 100%, according to the 2024 review.
• Infrared sauna: emitters without added steam; generally cooler than traditional sauna, according to the 2018 review.
• Your appointment: the actual room type, what is included, what to bring and how much time to allow.
• Your purchase: a single session or recurring access, with the current price and terms.

What a sauna visit costs at Culture OC

Our pricing page lists a 45-minute infrared sauna session at $35 and Unlimited Sauna at $150 per month. For sauna and guided cold plunge together, Contrast Therapy is $55 for the combination. Unlimited Cold + Sauna is $200 per month.

Pick the option that matches how often you'd come. For a membership, ask us about the commitment and booking rules before you join.

Plan a few extra minutes for check-in and changing, and bring water.

• Compare our current pricing
• Talk with our team about your visit

Common questions

Is an infrared sauna the same as a traditional sauna? Not quite. A traditional sauna heats the air, while an infrared sauna uses infrared emitters and generally runs at a lower air temperature. The 2018 review puts infrared cabins at roughly 45–60°C, compared with 80–100°C for a traditional Finnish sauna.

Does Culture OC have a steam room? No. Our saunas are dry, full-spectrum infrared cabins with a built-in Red Light Halo, so there's no added steam.

How long is a sauna session at Culture OC? A session is 45 minutes, and a single session is $35. Unlimited Sauna is $150 a month.

What should I bring? Bring water, and plan to hydrate before and after. Ask us about anything else when you book.

Can I combine the sauna with a cold plunge? Yes. Contrast Therapy pairs 45 minutes in the infrared sauna with a guided cold plunge, for $55.

Before your first session

Check with your doctor first if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or have other medical concerns, and let our team know before your visit. Arrive hydrated, skip alcohol beforehand and follow our instructions. Step out any time you need to. We'll walk you through the session and answer questions as you settle in.

Book infrared sauna in Newport Beach

We are at 3620 Birch St, Suite 220, Newport Beach. Our sauna appointments are in a private infrared cabin, with the visit details on our service page.

Ready to try it? Book on our infrared sauna page, or get in touch with any questions first.

• Explore and book infrared sauna at Culture OC