If you’ve ever tried to survive a London heatwave in a small flat, top-floor bedroom or Victorian terrace, you’ll know just how uncomfortable UK summers can become.
It’s absolutely boiling at the moment in London so I thought now is a better time than ever to create this post and all I have learnt about keeping your living spaces cool in the heat.
Most homes in the UK aren’t designed for extreme heat, and because air conditioning isn’t common here, even simple things like sleeping, working from home or getting ready in the morning can suddenly feel exhausting.
After a few summers of trying to cool down an overheated London flatshare, I’ve picked up a handful of things that genuinely help. None of these are expensive or complicated, but together they make hot weather much more manageable.
Keep curtains and blinds closed during the day
One of the biggest things that helps is keeping direct sunlight out of the room during the hottest parts of the day.
As tempting as it is to open everything up as soon as the weather gets warm, if the sun is directly hitting your windows you can end up trapping even more heat inside. I usually keep my curtains or blinds closed during the afternoon, especially in rooms that get full sun.
Blackout curtains can help even more if you already have them.
Open windows strategically
In the UK, it often makes more sense to open windows later in the evening or first thing in the morning rather than during the hottest hours of the day.
Once the outdoor temperature drops, I try to open windows fully to let cooler air circulate through the flat overnight.
If possible, create a “wind tunnel” by opening windows at opposite ends of the house or flat. Even a small amount of airflow can make a huge difference after a room has been holding heat all day.
Put ice in front of a fan
This is one of those heatwave tips that sounds slightly ridiculous until you try it.
Placing a tray or bowl of ice underneath or directly in front of a fan can help make the air feel noticeably cooler. It obviously isn’t the same as proper air conditioning, but it can make sitting at a desk or trying to fall asleep far more comfortable.
A small bedside or desk fan also makes a huge difference during very hot nights.
Reduce extra heat where you can
Something I didn’t fully appreciate until I started working from home was how much heat electronics can generate in a small room.
Laptops, monitors, chargers and bright lights all warm the space up throughout the day. During heatwaves, I try to:
- turn off electronics when I’m not using them
- avoid unnecessary lights
- unplug chargers where possible
- avoid using the oven during the hottest part of the day
Small changes genuinely add up.
Stay hydrated
This sounds obvious, but staying hydrated makes hot weather feel much more manageable.
I always keep a large insulated water bottle nearby during summer so I have cold water throughout the day, especially when working from home. Having ice water next to me constantly makes a bigger difference than I expect every year.
I’ve reviewed quite a few reusable insulated water bottles on my blog over the years, from the Stanley Iceflow Flip Straw Tumbler to the Ello Pop & Fill and the SHO Newt Bottle if you’re in the market for a new bottle.
Try working somewhere cooler during the day
If you work remotely and your room becomes unbearably hot during a heatwave, it can honestly help to temporarily work somewhere nearby with air conditioning.
I recommend checking out the London Cool Spaces Map. The map includes libraries, community spaces and other public indoor areas across London where people can cool down during hot weather. It also shows locations of water fountains so you can top up your reusable water bottle if you’re on the go.
Even spending a couple of hours somewhere cooler during the hottest part of the day can make a huge difference.
Switch to lightweight bedding
Heavy bedding becomes unbearable surprisingly quickly during hot weather.
In summer, I usually switch to lighter bedding made of 100% cotton and breathable pyjamas made from cotton or linen, which feel much cooler overnight than synthetic fabrics.
A cool shower before bed also helps more than I ever expect it to.
Final thoughts
London heat feels especially intense because so many UK homes simply aren’t built for it. Between small bedrooms, trapped heat and a lack of air conditioning, summer can get uncomfortable very quickly.
None of these tips will magically turn your flat into an air-conditioned hotel room, but they can make a noticeable difference — especially if you rent, live in a flatshare or can’t make major changes to your space.
Sometimes surviving a UK heatwave really is just about keeping your curtains shut, carrying a cold water bottle around everywhere and pointing a fan directly at yourself for a few days.
