Summer Heat in Berlin – 12 Tips

Midsummer is on the way, and not just in Berlin on the Spree. There are two types of people: those who love it and those who struggle with the summer. Whatever your feelings about the season, there are a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself — not just in Berlin with its nearly 4 million residents.

You may already know some of these tips, but others might be new to you and could prove very useful. Knowing about the dangers of high temperatures in Berlin and knowing the solutions are two different things.

Our 12 tips for the hot summer:

1. Drink plenty of fluids

Drinking plenty of fluids is very important and, really, just common sense: if you're out and about during summer, it's essential to drink a lot, mainly water. This is crucial because when you sweat, you lose not just water but also minerals from your body.

This can lead to heatstroke, sunstroke, heat exhaustion or cramps. Water should be your main drink in summer, but herbal teas and unsweetened fruit juices can help too. Avoid fizzy drinks and other sugary beverages, as these can make the feeling of dehydration even worse.

2. Avoid the midday sun

You should avoid the sun between midday and 3pm, as this is when it's at its strongest. Stay in the shade as much as possible during this time or wear a hat.

Plan your day accordingly — for example, go for a walk in the evening or morning instead of at midday if it's too hot. Save strenuous physical activities for the cooler parts of the day.

3. Dress appropriately

Your clothing should cover as much of your body as possible and be light, loose and pale in colour. This keeps you cool while protecting you from harmful sun rays.

Natural fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk are best. These natural materials absorb sweat well and are breathable.

Avoid synthetic fabrics such as polyester, as they don't absorb sweat and can make you feel even warmer. The more changes of clothes you have, the better — because of the sweat. It's worth preparing in good time, as the heat often arrives quicker than you'd expect.

4. Air out your flat or house

Open the windows and doors, but only when it's cooler outside than indoors. Just make sure no unwanted little creatures come in with the breeze.

Wet towels hung in front of windows or a fan can help cool your home down. It gets particularly warm in flats facing south or in top-floor flats.

5. Switch off electrical devices

TVs, computers and other devices generate heat constantly, even in standby mode. Always unplug electronic devices completely when they're not in use.

Try to charge your devices overnight instead.

6. Dry your washing outdoors ...

... in a garden or on a large balcony. Damp washing increases the humidity in your rooms. Your body perceives this as warmer than dry air. Clothes also dry faster outdoors in warm weather anyway.

7. Don't eat too much

Eating a lot makes you sluggish, which only makes you sweat more. It's smarter to eat several small meals throughout the day. Also avoid fatty foods, as they take longer to digest and can leave you feeling uncomfortable. As a rule, simpler dishes tend to taste better to us in summer — with the odd exception, of course.

8. Don't forget sun protection

UV rays increase your risk of skin cancer and cause irreparable damage to your skin. Premature skin ageing — pigmentation spots and wrinkles — are also a result of UV rays. Don't forget: your skin never forgets!

Even on cloudy days, you should apply sun cream with a high SPF as soon as you go outside. It's best to reapply sun protection every two hours, especially if you're at an outdoor pool.

9. Take regular breaks in air-conditioned rooms

On really hot days, it can help to take a break from time to time in a cooler room to cool down. This could be the library, a shop, or even your own home if you have a basement or air conditioning.

10. Watch out for alcohol

Alcoholic drinks shouldn't be consumed, as alcohol has a dehydrating effect. If you do drink alcohol, make sure you also drink a glass of water alongside it.

It's also worth remembering that alcohol tends to make you generally less careful: we've all lost track of time while drinking at some point.

11. Think of others in Berlin

You need to think of others too.

Warm weather is particularly dangerous for people with chronic illnesses, young children or older people. Signs of heat exhaustion include nausea, vomiting, dizziness or headaches.

If you notice these signs, help as much as you can!

12. In the car

Never leave your pets or children alone in parked cars: even on mild days, the temperature inside a parked car can rise rapidly!

This issue is still dramatically downplayed and underestimated, and sometimes simply forgotten. On very hot days, it's life-threatening for people and animals to be stuck in cars for too long, as the temperature can rise to extremely high levels within minutes.

More tips for the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region

If you want to get through summer well and enjoy it, read and follow these tips. Here are a few more:

• Investing in portable misting fans or fans is worthwhile, as you can reuse them every summer.

• Remove all sources of heat and make sure your home is well ventilated.

• Prepare cold meals or snacks in advance so you don't have to cook when it's too hot.

• Keeping the curtains or blinds closed helps keep the heat out.

• Take a cold bath or shower before bed so you can sleep better.

• Apart from going swimming, you shouldn't do any sport during the summer.

You should get through summer very well at Kombibad Seestraße Halle in Berlin — especially if you follow this advice.

An ice cream is also, of course, a great idea, especially if you can enjoy it sitting outside in the shade.

Stay cool and have fun!