In one embodiment, performance-based multi-mode task dispatching for high temperature avoidance in accordance with the present description, includes selecting processor cores as available to receive a dispatched task. Tasks are dispatched to a set of available processor cores for processing in a performance-based dispatching mode. If monitored temperature rises above a threshold temperature value, task dispatching logic switches to a thermal-based dispatching mode. If a monitored temperature falls below another threshold temperature value, dispatching logic switches back to the performance-based dispatching mode. If a monitored temperature of an individual processor core rises above a threshold temperature value, the processor core is redesignated as unavailable to receive a dispatched task. If the temperature of an individual processor core falls below another threshold temperature value, the processor core is redesignated as available to receive a dispatched task. Other features and aspects may be realized, depending upon the particular application.