The temperature variations during deformation of a compressive en echelon fault set in a rock sample were measured by a surface measurement system with multi-point platinum resistance thermometers and an infrared thermal image system. The measurements obtained by the two systems were in agreement with each other, indicating a relationship between temporal-spatial variations of the thermal field and changes of stress and strain. At varied structural positions of the rock sample, the rising of the temperature was different, implying distinct stress distributions at these positions. In the experiment, the deformation process of the sample included three stages: elastic deformation, stick-slip, and rupture. Correspondingly, the variation process of temperature had also three stages, each of which had its own temperature rising profile. And the thermal radiation field showed a similar process. These phenomena mean that the dominant mechanisms of temperature rising in all stages of deformation are different. Experimental results provide a physical basis for the study of current fault activities by using data of satellite infrared images.