Yes, it’s really hot in London (again). Yes, Brits are terrible for shivering through a seemingly never-ending winter and then complaining the second the temperature skims 30°C. Yes, our lack of air conditioning really does make a difference. But if you’re living in or travelling to London during a particularly snoozy, sunny stretch, there are myriad ways to stay cool and cheerful. Below, we round up eight top tips collated from people who moan through this type of heat every year – and then moan when the rain inevitably follows.
The golden rules of a London heatwave
1. Carry a fan
Until recently, I cringed at people who pulled out an electric fan on the tube or, god forbid, boarded a bus wearing a neck fan like a pair of loose headphones. As the temperature of public transport creeps up and up, I’ve found myself abandoning my snobbery in favour of staying cool. It’s not chic, but as London creaks through its third 2026 heatwave (and counting) it is necessary. Packing a handheld fan for any sticky journeys can at least create the illusion of a cooling breeze. Or opt for the rather more glamorous, if also more manual, hand fan.
2. Seek out the A/C
If you listen to anyone – local or tourist – bemoaning a London heatwave, you’ll quickly learn that the problem isn’t just the temperature; it’s that the capital is severely lacking in air-conditioned spaces to escape to. And while it’s true that we don’t have A/C pumping in all our restaurants, bars and shops, there are spaces where you can head inside for a reprieve. Some favourites: Tate Modern, the lower levels of the V&A and the Barbican. Most smart hotels will have decent cooling systems, too, so heading to a lobby bar for a drink is a great way to keep cool.
