A thinfilm magnetic head for tape drives that enables onsite, real time temperature monitoring of the head-media interface. The head includes a media interface contacting a data bearing surface of the tape. A thinfilm, read-write element and a thinfilm sensor of a thermosensor are positioned on the head-media interface. The thermosensor generates a signal based on the temperature of the media interface. The media interface includes an active island and an optional inactive island positioned transverse to the tape travel path with the read-write element in the active island. The sensor may be placed on the inactive island or on the active island adjacent the read-write element. In one embodiment, a plurality of read-write elements and thermosensors are provided and sensors of the thermosensors are positioned on the inactive island and/or the active island among or between the read-write elements or adjacent an end element.