If you’re new to Germany, one of the first things you may notice when the summer months roll around is the glaring absence of air conditioning. Whether you’re in your apartment, on public transport, or even in some offices and stores, the cooling hum of an AC unit is often nowhere to be found.
For expats coming from countries where air conditioning is considered a necessity, the German approach to summer may feel a bit… medieval. But there’s a method to the madness—and with the right mindset and a few simple strategies, you can not only survive but actually enjoy a German summer, AC-free.
Why Is There So Little Air Conditioning in Germany?
Before diving into survival tips, it helps to understand why air conditioning is rare in Germany:
Mild historical climate: Germany traditionally hasn’t had scorching summers. Until recently, heatwaves were rare, and homes were built to retain heat rather than dispel it.
Energy efficiency: Germans are highly conscious of energy consumption and sustainability. AC is seen as wasteful, especially with more eco-friendly options available.
Building design: Thick stone or brick walls, insulated windows, and shutters are often used to naturally regulate indoor temperature.
Cultural acceptance: Germans generally accept a bit of discomfort in exchange for long-term benefits—like lower energy bills and less environmental impact.
With those factors in mind, here’s how you can beat the heat like a local.
1. Master the “German Window Dance”
Germans have a time-honored method for cooling their homes naturally, which involves precise window and shutter management:
Early morning ventilation: Open all windows wide (called Stoßlüften, or “shock airing”) before 9 a.m. to let in the cool morning air.
Midday lockdown: As soon as the sun starts heating up the day, close all windows and shutters. This traps the cooler morning air inside and blocks out the heat.
Night purge: Once the temperature drops in the evening, open windows again to let cool air back in—preferably creating cross-ventilation to circulate it through the home.
Bonus tip: If you live in a south-facing apartment, invest in blackout curtains or reflective blinds to keep the sun from turning your living room into a sauna.
2. Embrace the Power of the Fan
While central AC is a rarity, electric fans are widely available and are your new best friends. You can find them in stores like MediaMarkt, Saturn, Lidl, or online retailers like Amazon.de.
Here’s how to get the most out of your fan:
Create a DIY air cooler: Place a bowl of ice or frozen water bottles in front of your fan. The air passing over the ice becomes cooler and gives you a makeshift air conditioning experience.
Position smartly: Use a box fan in a window to draw in cool air at night or expel hot air during the day.
Cross-breeze technique: Place fans on opposite sides of the room pointing toward each other to create airflow.
3. Cool Down the Body, Not Just the Room
Sometimes it’s easier to focus on keeping yourself cool rather than trying to cool down the whole space.
Try these tried-and-true tricks:
Cold showers: A quick cool rinse, especially before bed, can lower your body temperature and help you sleep better.
Damp washcloths: Keep a wet washcloth or cooling towel in the fridge and drape it around your neck or wrists.
Chilled water bottles: Freeze water bottles and use them as makeshift ice packs or to press against your pulse points (like wrists or temples).
Peppermint spray: Fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of peppermint oil. Spritz it on your skin for an instant cooling effect.
4. Dress Like a Local (and Smartly)
Germans tend to dress fairly conservatively, even in hot weather—but you’ll still see adaptations for summer.
Tips for staying cool:
Stick to breathable fabrics: Cotton, linen, and moisture-wicking athletic gear are ideal.
Light colors: Dark colors absorb heat—light-colored clothing reflects the sun and helps keep you cooler.
Less isn’t always more: Long, loose, light layers can sometimes be cooler than exposed skin in direct sunlight.
5. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
You might be used to air conditioning making you forget how hot it really is—but without it, your body loses more water than you might realize.
Drink often: Keep a refillable water bottle with you at all times.
Flavor it: If plain water doesn’t excite you, add slices of lemon, cucumber, or mint.
Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol: Both can dehydrate you and increase discomfort in the heat.
6. Know the Best Places to Cool Off in Public
When your apartment feels like an oven, take advantage of cooler spots around your city:
Lakes and rivers: Germany is dotted with beautiful swimming lakes (Badeseen) and riverside hangouts. Don’t forget your swimwear!
Public pools (Freibäder): Many towns have open-air pools that are great for escaping the heat.
Churches and old stone buildings: These naturally cool spaces can offer peaceful refuge.
Museums, libraries, and shopping centers: While they may not have full-blown AC, they’re often noticeably cooler than home.
7. Adjust Your Schedule Like a Local
During heatwaves, Germans tend to slow things down and adjust routines:
Morning errands: Get things done early before the day gets too warm.
Siesta-style breaks: Embrace a midday rest if your schedule allows—many shops also close for a few hours in the afternoon in smaller towns.
Late evening socializing: Parks and outdoor spaces come alive after 7 p.m. when the temperature drops.
8. Make the Most of Summer Evenings
One upside of not having AC? You’re more likely to leave the house and enjoy the outdoors.
Grillabende (BBQ evenings): Join friends or neighbors for a relaxed grilling session in a park or backyard.
Outdoor cinemas (Freiluftkinos): Many cities set up open-air movie nights that are perfect once the sun goes down.
Biergarten culture: A cold Radler (beer mixed with lemon soda) under chestnut trees is as cooling as it is culturally immersive.
9. Sleep Smarter, Not Hotter
Getting good sleep in the heat is its own art. Try these tricks:
Freeze your bedding: Put your pillowcase or top sheet in a plastic bag and stick it in the freezer for 15–30 minutes before bed.
Use a fan at your feet: Pointing it at your lower body can help regulate your core temperature.
Sleep low: Heat rises, so if you have a lower level or basement, consider moving your sleeping area there temporarily.
10. Stay Informed During Heatwaves
Germany’s summers are getting hotter due to climate change, and the country now issues heat warnings during extreme weather. Stay up to date via:
DWD (Deutscher Wetterdienst): The national weather service posts alerts at dwd.de.
Weather apps: Apps like WetterOnline or WarnWetter are handy and can be switched to English.
Final Thoughts
While the lack of air conditioning might seem like a dealbreaker at first, adjusting to a German summer is more about mindset than hardware. With a few clever tricks, you’ll find yourself more connected to your environment, embracing a slower pace, and learning to savor the long, golden evenings that make German summers so special.
Who knows—you might even prefer it this way.