A variable attenuator, used with high frequency, provides large variable attenuation per stage. The variable attenuator includes: a MOSFET having a gate, a drain, a source, and a body; an attenuation control circuit; and a temperature characteristics compensation circuit. The attenuation control circuit supplies a control voltage to the gate, the drain, and the source. The temperature characteristics compensation circuit supplies a temperature compensation voltage to the body. An input terminal and an output terminal are connected to the drain and the source of the MOSFET. The temperature characteristics compensation circuit, in accordance with an operating temperature of the MOSFET, controls a voltage to be supplied to the body and adjusts, based on a relation between a body voltage and a gate voltage, a resistance value of a current flowing between the input terminal and the output terminal.