10 surprisingly smart ways to keep cool in hot weather (even in the UK!)

by Kirsty McCabe, FRMetS

When a heatwave hits the British Isles, we're rarely prepared. Our homes are designed to trap warmth, not keep it out, and air conditioning is more of a luxury than a norm. But a new study published in Weather reveals that the likelihood of exceeding 40°C in the UK is now over 20 times more likely than it was in the 1960s, with a 50% chance we’ll see another 40-degree day in the next 12 years. 

The Met Office team also found that we are now at risk of temperatures several degrees higher than the record-breaking heat of July 2022 (when we broke the 40°C barrier for the first time with 40.3°C in Coningsby, Lincolnshire).

In other words, there is a rapidly increasing chance of record UK summer temperatures. And as well as being more frequent and intense, our heatwaves are set to last far longer too. 

But hot weather comes at a price, with wildfires, transport and power disruptions, as well as increased mortality.

So, when all the fans have sold out and it’s impossible to sleep — what can we actually do to keep cool?

Here are 10 effective ways to cool down — including some that may surprise you.

1. 🪟 Keep windows closed (yes, really)

It might feel natural to fling open every window when it's hot — but that can make things worse. If it's hotter outside than in, you're just letting warm air in.
Top tip: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, and only open them when the temperature drops in the evening or early morning.

2. ☕ Hot drinks can cool you down

It may not seem logical, but drinking something hot actually helps your body cool off — by making you sweat more. As your sweat evaporates, it takes heat with it. This works best in dry air and breezy conditions (so maybe not during a sticky, humid evening in central London...).

3. 🛏️ Should you sleep naked?

Going to bed in your birthday suit can help — if your room is cool and your bedding is breathable. But when it's hot and humid, light cotton pyjamas are often better. They can absorb sweat, allowing it to evaporate and cool you down more efficiently than bare skin under sticky sheets.

4. ❄️ Freeze your pillow (or your PJs)

Stick your pillowcase, pyjamas or even a hot water bottle filled with cold water in the freezer 20 minutes before bed. This simple trick offers an instant cooling hit that can help you get to sleep faster — especially during those muggy tropical nights where temperatures don't drop below 20°C.

5. 💧 Cool your pulse points

Running cold water over your wrists, neck or ankles can help reduce your body temperature slightly. It’s not a cure-all, but it’s a quick, easy and refreshing way to cool down when you're overheating. A cool shower is more effective.

6. 🌬️ Fan + damp cloth = DIY air conditioning

No air con? No problem. Place a damp towel or bedsheet in front of a fan. As the air blows through, it creates an evaporative cooling effect — similar to an air conditioner, but far cheaper. Or try a bowl of ice in front of the fan for extra cooling.

7. 🌶️ Eat spicy food

Believe it or not, spicy food helps you cool down. Capsaicin (the compound in chilli peppers) increases sweating — and when that sweat evaporates, it lowers your body temperature. There’s a reason why many hot countries have hot food! But bear in mind this won't work if it's very humid, as your sweat can't evaporate.

8. 👕 Dress light and loose

Stick to light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made of breathable materials like cotton or linen. Avoid dark colours, which absorb heat, and synthetic fabrics, which trap sweat. Think airy, not clingy.

9. 🔌 Switch off electronics

Electronics give off heat — especially chargers, TVs and laptops. Turn off any unnecessary devices and try using LED bulbs, which emit far less heat than traditional ones. It’s a small change that makes a big difference in a stuffy room.

10. 🚰 Hydrate hydrate hydrate!

Drink plenty of water throughout the day, not just when you’re thirsty. If you’re sweating a lot, consider adding a pinch of salt or sipping a rehydration drink to replace lost electrolytes. But remember to cut back on caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate you.