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How long is a while? A few minutes? 15 minutes?
I think first step is always to confirm the gauge reading by reading the actual engine temp using an infrared thermometer from the thermostat housing on the side that touches the cylinder head, or the side of the cylinder head where the temp gauge sits. It's entirely possible your temp gauge on the instrument cluster is not reading correctly.
You can get an infrared thermometer at any hardware store.
If you can confirm that the gauge is correct, then there is a list of potential issues:
Thermostat is stuck closed.
Radiator is plugged up.
Water pump is dead.
Big air pocket somewhere in the engine.
All of those would cause poor coolant flow or no coolant flow which can lead to this.
I believe your car does not have a clutch driven fan, I think it's always on, so that wouldn't be an issue. If I'm mistaken and someone corrects that, then it could be that your engine fan is not turning when you're idling and the engine is hot.
Best way to test the thermostat is to remove it from the engine while it's cold (you'll lose about 1/2 gallon of coolant, but you can catch it in a clean drain pan and re-use it) and put it in a bot of water, heat it up, and see if it opens at the temperature rating engraved on the thermostat body. Usually that is 80°C.
While your engine is cold, you can open the cap on the radiator, then turn on the engine and look to see if you can see the coolant moving. If not it may be the water pump.
You can test the radiator by using the same infrared thermometer. You can aim it at the radiator to see if there are hot spots, or areas where there is a drastic temp change all of a sudden going from top to bottom, indicating a blockage internally.
P.S. - don't drive the car for any period of time while the needle is in the red, especially if you confirm that the gauge is accurate. This spells quick death for your engine.
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