Room-temperature limit
2 hours
1 hour above 90°F (32°C)
Overnight: discard
Food that sat out overnight has spent far longer than 2 hours in the danger zone (40–140°F).
Quick answer
Refrigerated eggs left out more than 2 hours should be discarded. A cold egg left out can sweat, which lets bacteria move through the shell. In the US, eggs are washed, so they must stay refrigerated.
The verdict
Keep
Check it
Discard
Refrigerated eggs left out more than 2 hours should be discarded. A cold egg left out can sweat, which lets bacteria move through the shell. In the US, eggs are washed, so they must stay refrigerated.
Danger zone°C
0 4 32 60 80
← FridgeHot holding →
Bacteria multiply fastest between 4 °C and 60 °C (40–140 °F).
How long eggs can sit out, by temperature
| Room temperature | Safe for | Then |
|---|---|---|
| Below 40°F (4°C) | Refrigerated — 3–5 weeks | Use within the fridge window |
| 40–90°F (4–32°C) | 2 hours | Discard |
| Above 90°F (32°C) | 1 hour | Discard |
| Overnight (8+ hours) | Not safe | Discard, even if reheated |
Store eggs safely next time
- Keep eggs in their carton on an inside shelf, not the door.
- Store at 40°F (4°C) or below; do not wash them before storing.
- Refrigerate hard-boiled eggs within 2 hours of cooking.
More about eggs
FAQ
How long can eggs sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour above 90°F (32°C).
Is eggs left out overnight safe if I reheat them?
No. Some bacteria make heat-stable toxins that reheating does not destroy. If in doubt, throw it out.
What if eggs were left out for 3 hours?
Past the 2-hour mark, discard it, even if it looks and smells fine.
How long do eggs last in the fridge?
3–5 weeks at 40°F (4°C) or below, if refrigerated promptly.
Numbers on this page come from USDA FoodKeeper and FSIS guidance. Last verified November 2026. How we verify our data · Report a wrong number