Can You Get a Cold in Summer?

Woman wiping sweat while feeling unwell in summer heat, wondering if she has a cold in the summer

Summer brings scorching hot days, holidays, beach parties, and village feasts. It’s a season packed with things to look forward to—but falling ill with a cold can throw your plans off track. Many are surprised to develop cold symptoms when the weather is warm, yet summer colds are more common than most people think.

Understanding why they happen, how to treat them, and how to prevent them can make all the difference in how quickly you recover and get back to enjoying everything the season has to offer.

Why Do Summer Colds Happen?

Colds are caused by viruses, not cold weather. In fact, different viruses dominate depending on the time of year. During summer, enteroviruses tend to be more active. These can spread easily, especially in enclosed spaces like offices, public transport, and shared accommodations.

While they often affect the respiratory system, summer colds can also involve the digestive tract. That’s why some people experience both nasal and stomach-related symptoms during warmer months.

Recognising Cold Symptoms in Warmer Weather

Symptoms of a common cold in summer may include:

Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Headache
Sneezing
Mild fatigue or low energy
Nausea or stomach discomfort in some cases

Unlike seasonal allergies, which tend to be consistent and triggered by environmental exposure, cold symptoms usually shift over time and resolve within a week or two.

Can Air Conditioning Make It Worse?

Couple sitting under air conditioning, discussing if AC makes cold symptoms worse during summer.

Air conditioning doesn’t cause colds, but it may aggravate them. Cool, dry air can dry out your nasal passages and throat, making it easier for viruses to take hold. Recirculated air in closed environments also makes it easier for germs to spread among people.

To combat this, some choose to use a natural sea water spray to strengthen the nasal lining.

Easing Symptoms and Supporting Recovery

Woman drinking water outdoors on a hot summer day to stay hydrated and recover from a summer cold

Just like with any cold, managing symptoms is key. Make sure to rest, stay hydrated, and keep your surroundings comfortable.

Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus and ease congestion. In the summer heat, replenishing minerals with Electrolytes can be especially helpful.

Warm teas can soothe a sore throat, while natural sea water sprays like Stérimar Blocked Nose help open up the nasal passages. For faster relief of cold and sinus symptoms, Sterimar Stop & Protect is the most suitable.

Supporting Children Through a Summer Cold

Colds in children can be more difficult to manage, especially during an exciting season filled with outdoor activities. A child with a cold may or may not have a fever, but when fever occurs, it usually appears in the first three days. Cold symptoms may interfere with sleep and appetite, which can make the recovery process slower.

If your child remains energetic and cheerful, it might not be a cold at all—seasonal allergies could be the cause, especially if there’s no fever.

Helpful Nasal Relief Options for Children

Stérimar Nose Hygiene Baby (0–3 years): A gentle sea water spray that clears and unblocks nasal passages from birth, supports breathing and helps prevent colds, also ideal for everyday use.
Stérimar Blocked Nose Baby (3 months–3 years): A hypertonic sea water spray designed to relieve congestion by drawing out excess mucus.
Calpol Saline Drops (from birth) and Calpol Saline Nasal Spray (from birth): Non-medicated options to help wash away mucus and improve breathing, ideal for everyday use.
Calpol Blocked Nose Spray (3+ years): Provides fast, effective relief from a stuffy nose using a gentle, non-medicated solution.
Calpol Vapour Plug & Nightlight (3+ months): Releases lavender and chamomile vapours to soothe breathing at night, paired with a soft nightlight.
Medrull My Little Nose Aroma Patches – Pack of 5 and Animal-Shaped Pack of 6 (3+ years): Fun, aromatic patches with essential oils that support easier breathing during sleep in a non-medicated, child-friendly way.

These options offer a range of solutions suitable from birth to age 3 and beyond, supporting gentle relief whether at home or on the go.

When Should You Call a Pediatrician?

Elderly doctor examining a young boy with cold symptoms during a pediatric check-up for summer cold relief

While most summer colds are mild, contact your paediatrician if your child:

Refuses fluids or isn't urinating normally
Has trouble breathing (noisy, fast, or shallow)
Seems unusually tired, irritable, or less alert
Has a fever lasting more than 2–3 days
Shows worsening symptoms after several days

Preventing Summer Colds in Children

Teach children to cover their coughs and sneezes properly and to avoid touching their face
Avoid sharing utensils or drinks
Stay home from school and daycare when symptoms are present
Limit time in crowded indoor spaces when sick

How Long Do Summer Colds Last?

For both adults and children, most summer colds clear up within 7 to 10 days. Some lingering symptoms, like mild coughing or congestion, can last a little longer, but they typically resolve without complications.

Preventing Summer Colds

To reduce the chances of getting or spreading a cold:

Wash your hands frequently
Avoid touching your face
Ventilate indoor spaces
Stay well-rested and hydrated
Disinfect commonly used surfaces

Some people also include daily-use sea water sprays like Sterimar Nose Hygiene & Comfort as part of their routine, especially in dry or allergen-rich environments.

FAQs

Can you get a cold in the summer?
Yes, summer colds are caused by viruses that thrive in warm weather, particularly enteroviruses.

What helps a sore throat quickly?
Warm teas, saltwater gargles, and staying hydrated are often effective.

Can air conditioning make cold symptoms worse?
Yes, dry air can irritate your throat and nasal passages, potentially worsening symptoms.

How can I tell if my child has a cold or allergies?
A fever and fatigue are more likely with a cold. If your child seems playful and has no fever, allergies could be the cause.

Is it safe to use nasal sprays regularly?
Yes, many over-the-counter sprays are designed for daily use, especially those based on purified sea water.

Final Thoughts

Summer colds can catch you off guard, but understanding their symptoms and knowing how to care for yourself or your child can help you feel better faster. While most cases are mild and resolve with rest, hydration, and good hygiene, it’s important to monitor how symptoms progress.

If symptoms worsen, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor or pharmacist—especially in young children or anyone with underlying conditions. Your health and comfort should always come first, no matter the season.