diff --git a/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c b/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
index 5aac8b3ef..f42fd3fe3 100644
--- a/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
+++ b/arch/platform/nrf52dk/dev/temperature-sensor.c
@@ -64,7 +64,16 @@ static int
 value(int type)
 {
 #ifndef SOFTDEVICE_PRESENT
-  return nrf_temp_read();
+  int32_t volatile temp;
+
+  NRF_TEMP->TASKS_START = 1;
+  /* 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;
+
+  return temp;
 #else
   int32_t temp;
   sd_temp_get(&temp);