Tips to get through the heatwave in Germany

A recent comment by a friend summed up my feelings on the heatwave in Germany: come back winter!  

It may be typical of Berliners to complain about everything – especially since last winter was so difficult – but it hit a nerve. 

As a Scot who moved to Berlin in 2017, I have never been able to cope well during times of soaring temperatures. But the long and drawn out spell of intense heat this year has made it even more difficult to manage. 

As temperatures are forecast to hit the late 30s and even 40C this week, here are some tips to get through it from the dusty streets of Berlin. 

READ ALSO: How extreme heat is wreaking havoc on daily life in Germany

Stay at home, shut your curtains

It may seem counterintuitive to close your blinds or curtains during the day when the sun is blazing outside. But when it is this hot, there is arguably nothing better (and safer) than staying at home – at least during the hottest hours of the day. 

Keep cool drinks in the fridge and ice lollies in the freezer. Stick on your favourite TV show or finally open that book. Perhaps you can even get round to the boring task you’ve been putting off for years like clearing out your wardrobe or re-arranging the kitchen cupboard. 

Instead, get fresh air early in the morning or when the sun goes down. With the men’s 2026 World Cup happening there are plenty of evening gatherings in neighbourhoods across the country.

READ ALSO: Germany’s official advice for how to stay safe in a heatwave

Keep your apartment as cool as possible

German apartments do not typically have air conditioning. But it’s still possible to make the atmosphere more comfortable. 

Make sure you get a fan which provides some relief. Don’t wait to buy one if you can – you may remember that German stores sold out of cooling fans during a summer heat spell in 2018. A bowl of ice cubes or damp towels in front of a fan or near a window can provide some extra cooling.

You could also consider putting a cold, wet towel on your forehead or shoulders while you’re relaxing.

Other ways to keep room temperatures down include letting laundry air dry and switching off electronics you’re not using.

READ ALSO: Events cancelled, records loom as temperatures peak in Germany

If you to a lake, be prepared for crowds

You may think staying inside your small apartment on a hot sunny day is a terrible idea. Or perhaps you have young children or annoying flatmates and simply have to get out. 

My advice is to think carefully about where you go. Berlin is surrounded by hundreds of beautiful lakes and arguably there’s nothing better than submerging your hot body in cool water on a stifling day. 

A visitor enjoys a drink by the swimming pool at Club Maaya at the RAW-Gelände in Friedrichshain, Berlin. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Carsten Koall

But if you do go, remember to take all the necessary precautions: wear a hat, slather yourself in sunscreen, wear light clothing when you’re not in your swimwear. Bring plenty of water and snacks. 

And bear in mind that you won’t be the only person to have come up with this idea.

READ ALSO: MAPS – Germany on heatwave alert as temperatures forecast to hit 40C

Know where to cool down 

If you’re struggling to stay cool, find air conditioning and other places away from the heat.

In Berlin, the Technologie Stiftung provides an Erfrishungskarte (cooling map), showing all the public drinking fountains, public air-conditioned buildings, parks and fountains in the city. This map also shows air conditioned spots in Berlin. 

In Munich, you could look at this map featuring cooling places. You could also try searching for ‘Kühle Orte’ (cool places) on the internet, plus the name of the region or city you live in, to find air conditioned spots where you are. 

In general, it’s a good time to visit a mall or a library. Unfortunately, it’s not a great time to travel on public transport in Germany – most of it does not have A/C. 

Personally, one of my favourite things to do during hot weather is to go to the cinema. Sitting in a cool dark movie theatre watching a film is the perfect weekend activity during a heatwave. 

Check on your neighbours, friends and relatives

If you’re relatively healthy, heatwaves are uncomfortable but not usually dangerous. But for some people the heat could be deadly. That’s why it’s important to check on neighbours, friends and family members who may be struggling. 

Offer to pick up some refreshing sparkling water or prepare some cooling watermelon chunks for someone who might struggle to get outside at all during this time. Make sure children stay hydrated and keep them out of the sun at peak times. 

Look out for your pets, too. Keep a bowl of water topped up and available as often as possible. 

In light of the extreme heat, the German Weather Service (DWD) is warning of serious health risks for both humans and animals. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Patrick Pleul

If you or someone you know needs urgent medical attention in the heatwave, call 112 for an ambulance in Germany. If it’s not urgent, call 116 117 for health advice or contact your Hausarzt. 

Tip generously

Be grateful to the delivery workers and those in the service industry. 

Working is more difficult for everyone in this heat. If you go out for a meal or a drink, consider tipping a little more to say thank you to the people doing physical jobs. 

READ ALSO: The rules on working during heatwaves in Germany

Stay in touch with the news and heat alerts

Recurring heatwaves are a clear sign of global warming and look set to become more frequent, longer and more intense.

That means it’s more important than ever to stay informed. The Local Germany regularly reports on weather and climate issues, as well as sharing tips and advice. 

You can also follow updates on heat warnings from the German Weather Service (DWD).

READ ALSO: IN NUMBERS – Yes, German summers are really getting hotter

Do you have a tip or advice to share to get through the heatwave? Please leave a comment.