Tips to keep cool in Madrid and avoid sunstroke

Please, make sure you that you follow these tips to keep cool in Madrid, especially if you are travelling with children.

The Madrid weather is mild all year round. However, in the summer when the temperatures rise the heat can be almost unbearable and you can suffer from sunstroke.

Here’s are some suggestions of what you should do during the long and hot Madrid summers.

Prepare yourself

1. Don’t forget to put sunscreen on and wear a hat (it’s better if it covers your neck).

2. Wear natural fabrics (e.g. cotton, linen or silk) and light colors that don’t absorb the sun’s rays.

3. Keep your feet fresh and free wearing sandals or thongs.

Drink and eat!

1. Drink lots and lots of water! Madrileños will be just as thirsty as you so don’t worry. You’ll find tons of places, stalls and shops to buy a bottle of water.

2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they act as a diuretic. You’ll need to use the bathroom more ofter which provokes further dehydration.

3. So… no soft drinks, coffee or spirits.

4. Eat loads of fruit (anything will do but it will be easier to find melon and watermelon as it is the season).

5. Or you can always try with some ice-cream.

More tips to keep cool

1. Place a frozen bottle of water (remember, no soft drinks) on your neck to cool yourself.

2. Try to be on the street in the early morning and late in the afternoon. Stay indoors (your accommodation will be fine) around lunch time.

3. Enjoy a typical Spanish siesta. I bet you can improve our ancestral sleeping method.

4. Take advantage of cool places. Go into a church from time to time (they’re very fresh places) or look for a shop with air conditioning (the city is full of them).

5. Always rest in the shadow.

6. Look for a fountain and literally soak yourself in it!

7. Put some ice in your hat or cap and wear it again.

Keep in mind that at mid-day temperatures can go up to 40ºC (104ºF) or even reach 45ºC (113ºF) during a particularly hot summer. It gets very hot!

So remember these tips to keep cool… Follow the steps I mention above, use some common sense and you’ll be fine.