Those new to cold plunging (or those who have not yet built up sufficient resistance to the cold) should limit their first few plunges/bathes to 2-3 minutes. Beyond that, there is a risk of developing hypothermia. Also, after about 3 minutes almost all of the health benefits from cold exposure are gained. So you build your resistance wile enjoying the health benefits.

For experienced cold plungers/bathers – those who have been practicing regularly for a week or two – 5 minutes may be tolerated without any ill effects. With time and practice, the body can become more resistant to the cold and greater lengths of time can be safely spent in a cold plunge or ice bath up to even 30 minutes (after about a month of building your resistance with 2-3 times a week cold plunging).