Temperature is an often overlooked aspect of battery performance. However, it should be a major consideration when selecting a battery. Batteries do not charge or discharge well at low temperatures, and high temperatures are detrimental to shelf life (self-discharge—see below).

Most batteries perform best in the 20° to 60°C (68° to 140°F) range.
Lithium primary cells do better than most chemistries at both temperature extremes
Some lead acid batteries, such as Enersys Cyclon, can perform relatively well at -20°C (-4°F) or below
Special “high temp” NiCd, NiMh, and lithium cells are available that are designed to perform at higher temperatures