diff --git a/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c b/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
index 3af30c4af..f42fd3fe3 100644
--- a/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
+++ b/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
@@ -67,7 +67,8 @@ value(int type)
   int32_t volatile temp;
 
   NRF_TEMP->TASKS_START = 1;
-  while(NRF_TEMP->EVENTS_DATARDY == 0);
+  /* nRF52832 datasheet: one temperature measurement takes typically 36 us */
+  RTIMER_BUSYWAIT_UNTIL(NRF_TEMP->EVENTS_DATARDY, RTIMER_SECOND * 72 / 1000000);
   NRF_TEMP->EVENTS_DATARDY = 0;
   temp = nrf_temp_read();
   NRF_TEMP->TASKS_STOP = 1;