​To gain insight in the properties of photovoltaic and light-emitting materials, detailed information about their optical absorption spectra is essential. Here, we elucidate the temperature dependence of such spectra for methylammonium lead iodide (CH₃NH₃PbI₃), with specific attention for its sub bandgap absorption edge (often referred to as Urbach energy). Based on these data, firstly, we find clear further evidence for the universality of the correlation between the Urbach energy and open-circuit voltage losses of solar cells. Secondly, we find that for CH₃NH₃PbI₃ the static, temperature-independent, contribution of the Urbach energy is 3.8 ± 0.7 meV, which is smaller than that of crystalline silicon (Si), gallium arsenide (GaAs), indium phosphide (InP) or gallium nitride (GaN), underlining the remarkable optoelectronic properties of perovskites.