The temperature distributions in full circular bearings were measured in a test rig. The effects of journal speed, lubricant viscosity, and clearance ratio on the maximum bearing temperature and its location were discussed. The results were compared with the theoretical analysis by the present authors and good agreement was obtained over the wide range of operating conditions. The maximum bearing temperature is found to increase considerably with the increase of speed or lubricant viscosity and also with the decrease of clearance ratio. Its angular position is found to vary with speed and clearance ratio. These phenomena can be explained by the characteristics of maximum film temperature in the oil film.