An experimental study was conducted to examined the combustion behaviour of reduced ignition propensity (RIP) cigarettes during smouldering and puffing phases. The internal gas-phase temperature of the burning tip (or coal) was systematically measured by using arrays of fine thermocouples accurately inserted around the RIP band. Both temperature and temperature gradient contours at up to 10 Hz were digitally constructed. The results revealed for the first time that the RIP band caused a marked change in the temperature distribution patterns under puffing. The band was also able to suppress smouldering well ahead of the approaching coal. The temperature gradient contours demonstrated the changes in the extent combustion, mostly caused by modification to the air influx during puffing. The coal volume fractions at different temperatures were quantified and compared to a non-RIP control cigarette. Possible implications of the observations on RIP cigarettes ignition testing and smoke composition were discussed. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.