Why use a sauna in the summer?
Using a sauna in the summer might feel counterproductive (especially when it's hot), but there may be even more reasons to enjoy a sauna and cold dip during the warmer months.
From helping you unwind after exercise to supporting relaxation, adapting to warmer weather and improving sleep, a sauna session - complete with a cold plunge - isn't just for cooler weather rituals. It can be a brilliant part of a summer wellbeing routine too.
When the weather warms up, it's easy to think that the heat of the summer sun and refreshing dips in the sea or a cool pool offer enough hot/cold contrast. However, the intentional heat exposure from a dedicated sauna session, followed by an icy plunge, can offer a full-body reset that many people find leaves them feeling refreshed, re-energised and more present.
And with many of us thinking of getting away over the summer, sauna can also provide that holiday-style feeling of switching off and slowing down - without having to take a week off or travel far from home.
We've put together some of our favourite reasons to sauna, even when it's hot outside.
Using sauna in the summer may help your body adapt to warmer weather
We know it sounds a bit strange (when you're already hot, why would you want to get even hotter?) - but research suggests that regular exposure to controlled heat may help your body adapt to warmer conditions over time.
As your body becomes more accustomed to heat, it may become more efficient at cooling itself through sweating, which can make hot weather feel more manageable.
Moving between the warmth of the sauna and the coolness of cold showers and tubs is also a refreshing way to enjoy the contrast that so many people love.
After all, in Scandinavian countries, many saunas are located next to lakes, rivers and the sea, not just for cooling down afterwards, but because the combination has been enjoyed for generations.
Sauna helps you to relax
Speaking of stress reduction, one of sauna’s biggest benefits is how it helps us to calm down and reset.
This is especially effective during the summer - with its packed social calendar, and a pressure to constantly be ‘on’. Sauna during the summer offers a deliberate pause, whether you’re ‘escaping’ for 30 minutes or an hour.
Emerging research suggests that combining heat exposure with cold immersion may promote relaxation. One study found that repeated Finnish sauna sessions combined with cold-water immersion were associated with lower cortisol levels in healthy young men, which may help explain why so many people leave a sauna session feeling calmer.
Of course, the setting plays a role too. At Luna Hut, all of our Sussex saunas are located close to nature, allowing guests to soak up beautiful surroundings and simply be present - without notifications, calls or the pressure to be anywhere else.
Summer sauna boosts recovery
As we know from our benefits of sauna use Journal post, regular sauna use has been associated with increased blood flow, helping deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Whether it’s a coastal run, a long walk, a strength session or dancing the night away at a festival or friends’ celebration, our summer activities still place stress on the body. Adding a refreshing cold water immersion can support post-exercise recovery, leaving us feeling invigorated and ready to take on our next summer pursuit.
Here at Luna Hut, many guests build their sessions around movement - walking, running, cycling or, if they choose, swimming before or after using the sauna - creating a slower, more holistic approach to fitness and recovery.
Sauna in the summer may help with sleep, even on warmer nights.
We love summer, but hot, restless nights are definitely one of summer’s downsides. However, regular sauna sessions can help with sleep - even during hot weather.
During a sauna session, your core temperature rises before gradually cooling afterwards, mirroring part of your body's natural preparation for sleep. Some research also suggests regular sauna use may support sleep quality for some people. Hooray!
How to sauna in summer
In warmer weather, sauna is all about shorter, gentler rounds and really enjoying the contrast.
Many of our visitors tell us it's one of the best ways to feel refreshed, revived and reconnected. The key difference in summer is simply to keep sessions comfortable rather than intense.
Our top tips are:
Opt for shorter rounds (5-10 minutes at a time).
Drink plenty of water before, during and after your session.
Cool down with cold showers, plunge pools or, if you choose to enter the sea, only where it's safe to do so.
Listen to your body and leave the sauna if you begin to feel unwell or uncomfortable.
Visit our Sussex saunas by the sea
Whether you’re a local popping by for your weekly sauna fix, or visiting the Sussex coast for a holiday or daytrip, our saunas in Brighton (Sea Lanes and Café), Eastbourne, Worthing and Bognor Regis are open throughout the summer for you to enjoy the ultimate hot/cold therapy.
Find Luna Hut saunas at:
- Bognor Regis sauna: The Bullnose, Bognor Regis Promenade. Opening hours: Thursday and Friday, 9am-1pm, and Saturday and Sunday. 9am-6pm.
- Brighton Sauna Café: 62 Beaconsfield Road, Brighton. Opening hours: 8am-9pm (please note: we open at 3pm on Tuesdays).
- Sea Lanes sauna: 300 Madeira Drive, Brighton. Opening hours:7am-7pm Monday, 7am-1pm, Tuesday-Thursday, Friday & Saturday 7am-9pm and 8am- 7pm on Sunday.
- Eastbourne Sauna: Main Resort Beach, Grand Parade, Eastbourne. Opening hours: Monday 8am-12pm, Tuesday 8am-1pm, Thursday & Friday 8am-8pm and 8am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.
- Worthing sauna: Splashpoint Leisure Centre, 60 Brighton Rd, Worthing. Opening hours: Monday 8am-12pm, Thursday 5-8pm, Friday 8am-12pm and 5pm-8pm, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 8am-8pm.
Please note: If you choose to enter the sea, you do so independently and at your own risk. Luna Hut provides sauna facilities only and does not supervise sea swimming. Always assess conditions carefully, stay within your ability and follow local safety guidance.