When a heat wave hits London, the whole city struggles — brick terraces trap heat, offices swelter and the commute becomes an ordeal. This practical guide covers how to stay cool at home, at work and while getting around, plus the warning signs that mean it’s time to take heat seriously.
Keeping your home cool
- Close curtains and blinds on the sunny side during the day — keep the heat out before it gets in
- Open up at night when the air is cooler to flush warm air through
- Create a through-draught with windows on opposite sides; a fan helps move air
- Cool one room well rather than the whole house — sleep and rest there
- Hydrate constantly — water over caffeine and alcohol, which dehydrate
Staying cool at work
Offices without good air conditioning become hard to bear by afternoon. Keep water at your desk, take breaks in the coolest part of the building, dress in light breathable layers, and if you can, shift your hours to travel and work in the cooler morning. For anyone commuting in, the journey itself is often the hottest part of the day — which is where transport choices matter.
The commute: the hottest part of the day
London’s deep Tube lines run hot and unventilated in summer, platforms bake, and walking connections mean sun and exertion. The coolest way across town is a door-to-door air-conditioned taxi — you wait indoors, sit in a cooled cabin, and skip the platforms entirely. On the hottest days, ask for the car to be pre-cooled and have water ready. For the full transport comparison, see our staying-cool transport guide.
When to take heat seriously
Heat exhaustion — dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, cramps — needs rest, shade and fluids. If someone becomes confused, stops sweating, or has very hot skin, that may be heat stroke: a medical emergency. Older people, young children and anyone with a health condition are most at risk; our heat-wave safe transfers add extra care for them.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency or suspected heat stroke, call 999.
FAQs
What's the coolest way to travel across London in a heat wave?
How do I keep my home cool without air conditioning?
What are the signs of heat exhaustion?
Who is most at risk in a heat wave?
Book a fixed-fare taxi
Send us the train, flight or ship details and we handle the rest — tracking, meet & greet and waiting time are all in the fixed fare.