Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) underwent a huge development. The advantages of this type of fuel cell includes low operating temperature, quick start-up, planar configuration and easier sealing due to the use of a solid electrolyte. However performance remains one of the most important issues in commercialization of polymer exchange membrane fuel cell PEMFC. There are many factors which affect performance, ranging from fundamental thermodynamic properties; ionic, electronic and mass transport mechanisms; heat transfer and electro-kinetics. For all these processes, temperature is a major determining factor and control is essential for understanding how fuel cells operate, optimizing performance, and developing better and longer lasting devices. So this review paper aims at assessing the temperature distribution as a factor affecting performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC).