The temperature dependence of the dipole polarizability ct(2, T) of free atoms and molecules is determined by precise measurements of the refractive index n of gases in the extended temperature range between 300 K and 1100 K for wavelength 2 = 632.99nm, using a specially constructed Michelson twin interferometer. ~t of the noble gases is observed to be independent of T. ct of the molecular gases H2, N2, 02, and CH 4 increases with increasing temperature by an amount of approximately 1 per cent per 1000 K. These results are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions. They will be compared to previously measured temperature dependent polarizabilities.