During what condition is self-discharge typically more pronounced?

Self-discharge is a phenomenon where a battery loses its charge over time, even when it is not in use. This process typically occurs more noticeably when the battery is unused and stored.

During storage, particularly if the battery is stored in conditions that favor self-discharge, such as elevated temperatures or high humidity, the internal chemical reactions that lead to self-discharge can proceed more rapidly. Although batteries have self-discharge characteristics while in use or connected to an external device, the rate of discharge when not in active use is often greater because all the capacity isn't being consumed towards powering an external load.

In low temperatures, though self-discharge can be reduced, many batteries can still undergo slight discharge. However, typically, when batteries are simply stored without usage, the conditions for self-discharge can be exacerbated by various factors, leading to the conclusion that self-discharge is more pronounced during these periods of inactivity.