Summer officially begins this weekend, temperatures are rising and Spaniards once again rely on traditions that have helped them cope with the heat for generations.
Spain Expat Press Editorial Team
For many foreigners living in Spain, one of the biggest surprises is not the heat itself, but how differently Spaniards deal with it.
While temperatures above 35°C may bring daily life to a standstill in many northern European countries, Spaniards have spent centuries adapting to the climate and know exactly how to survive the hottest months of the year.
Keeping homes cool by shutting out the sun
One of the first things newcomers notice is how dark Spanish homes often seem during summer afternoons.
While people in northern Europe tend to open curtains and blinds to let in sunlight, Spaniards usually do the opposite. Shutters are lowered, blinds are closed and curtains remain drawn throughout the hottest part of the day.
The aim is simple: keep the heat outside.
As a result, many homes remain in semi-darkness from midday until early evening, creating surprisingly cool living spaces even during heatwaves.
Traditional Spanish homes are also designed for summer. Marble, stone and ceramic tile floors are far more common than carpets, helping interiors stay cooler throughout the day. Thick walls, tiled surfaces and high ceilings are all part of a centuries-old architectural response to Spain’s climate.
Creating natural air circulation
Another classic Spanish trick is to create a natural breeze.
Early in the morning and late at night, opposite windows and doors are opened to allow fresh air to circulate through the house.
This cross-ventilation method is particularly common in Andalusia, where generations have learned how to cool homes naturally before the arrival of modern air conditioning.
Once temperatures begin to rise, everything is closed again to keep the hot air out.
Avoiding the hottest hours of the day
Perhaps the biggest cultural difference concerns daily schedules.
Many foreigners continue outdoor activities throughout the afternoon, but Spaniards generally avoid being outside during the hottest hours.
In southern Spain especially, the period between approximately 12:30 pm and 6:30 pm is often considered the time to stay indoors.
Visitors are frequently surprised by the quiet streets, empty squares and even half-empty swimming pools during these hours.
The people still outside are often tourists.
Locals know that this is the time to seek shade, rest or simply stay at home until temperatures become more bearable.
Cold soups are a summer essential
Spanish cuisine has adapted perfectly to the climate. During the summer months, cold soups become a daily staple in many households.
Gazpacho, salmorejo and ajoblanco provide hydration, vitamins and a refreshing alternative to heavier meals.
Many Spaniards even drink gazpacho from a glass, treating it almost like a healthy summer smoothie.
Surviving tropical nights
The challenge does not end when the sun goes down. In many parts of Spain, especially along the Mediterranean coast, temperatures can remain above 25°C throughout the night.
This is one reason why ceiling fans remain so popular. Many Spaniards consider large ceiling fans with long blades to be one of the best investments for a home. They consume far less electricity than air conditioning, create a pleasant airflow and make sleeping during tropical nights much easier.
For many households, they are simply indispensable.
Summer changes the daily timetable
Foreign residents are often surprised by Spanish meal times during winter. In summer, dinner shifts even later.
Dinner before 10 pm is relatively uncommon in much of southern Spain. Families often sit down to eat between 10 pm and 11 pm, when temperatures have become more comfortable.
Children are still playing outdoors at times when many northern Europeans would already be preparing for bed.
The streets come alive after dark
As soon as temperatures begin to fall, Spanish towns and cities undergo a remarkable transformation.
Terraces that were almost empty during the afternoon quickly fill with families, friends and neighbours.
Many people do not even leave their homes until after 9 pm or 10 pm. Restaurants, bars and cafés often reach their busiest period around midnight. Even on ordinary weekdays, terraces across Spain remain crowded well into the night.
For many foreigners, this is one of the most fascinating aspects of Spanish summer life.
Why do Spanish children have such long summer holidays?
Spain’s school holidays are also closely linked to the climate.
Children typically finish school around 20 June and do not return until around 10 September, with only minor variations depending on the autonomous community.
This gives Spanish children some of the longest summer holidays in Europe. The reason is largely practical. In a country where temperatures frequently exceed 35°C and sometimes approach 40°C, spending July and August in classrooms has never been particularly appealing. For children, the holidays often feel endless.
For parents, perhaps even more so.
A different way of living
After a few summers in Spain, many foreigners realise that Spaniards are not fighting the heat. They have simply learned to live with it.
Close the shutters. Stay indoors during the hottest hours. Drink cold soups. Open the windows at night. Eat late. Socialise after sunset.
What may seem unusual at first eventually becomes second nature.
And perhaps that is the real secret to surviving a Spanish summer.
