The exposure of historic stone to processes of lichen-induced surface biomodification is determined, first and foremost, by the bioreceptivity of those surfaces to lichen colonization. As an important component of surface bioreceptivity, spatiotemporal variation in stone surface temperature plays a critical role in the spatial distribution of saxiocolous lichen on historic stone structures, especially within seasonally hot environments. This research suggest that it is not extreme high surface temperatures that determine the presence or absence of lichen coverage on stonework. Instead, average stone surface temperatures over the cours eof the year seem to play a critical role in determining wether or not surfaces are respite period of lower temperatures within which they can metabulize, grow and reproduce. The metodology employed in this paper may have further applications in the monitoring and mapping of thermal stress on historic buildings materials.