This paper presents results of an experimental study into the effect of drilling mud temperature upon dewatering performance. Three temperature ranges were considered: from flow-line temperature to room temperature, from room temperature to freezing point, and the freeze -20 degrees C (-4 degrees F) thaw 12 degrees C (54 degrees F) cycle. The tested drilling fluids included unweighted and weighted fresh water muds and a weighted salt water mud. A sealed laboratory batch reactor was used in the experiments to prevent rapid vapourization of separated water at temperatures above 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). Also, ice or ice-salt baths were utilized for deep freezing. The dewaterability (net water removal) was measured with a bench-top plate press under constant expression pressure 207 kPa (30 psi). The freeze/thaw treatment greatly enhanced dewaterability by releasing 34-39% by volume of the mud water. Mechanical dewatering followed: it required half the chemicals and released an addition 36-43% of water. The process proved to be very effective, reducing waste mud volume by 64-72%. It is well-suited for the Arctic with its natural freeze/thaw cycles. The results of experiments at temperatures above 21 degrees C (70 degrees F) showed that there is little advantage to dewatering hot drilling mud diverted from active system. A 10% increase of water removal was observed above 60 degrees C (140 degrees F). The experiments at temperatures below 21 degrees C (70 degrees F) showed that in cold weather climates the waste drilling mud diverted from active system should be dewatered when its temperature is still above 40 degrees F. Otherwise, more chemicals will be needed for separation enhancement of the dewatering process will become entirely ineffective.