How to Stay Cool in Hot Weather and Warm on Cooler Nights When Glamping

One of the realities of glamping is that you'll often experience a much wider range of temperatures than you would in a hotel. A hot summer afternoon can easily be followed by a surprisingly cool evening, particularly in the countryside.

Fortunately, a few simple strategies can help you stay comfortable throughout your stay, whatever the weather decides to do.

Glass of wine looking over the valley

Shady place to sit on a hot day

Under the shade of the old oak tree

Staying Cool During Hot Weather

After hosting glampers through everything from heatwaves to cool summer evenings, we've found that a few simple habits make a big difference.

Wear Light, Breathable Clothing

Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen tend to be much more comfortable in hot weather than heavier synthetic materials. Light-coloured clothing can also help reflect sunlight and keep you cooler throughout the day.

Stay Hydrated

It's easy to underestimate how much water you need when you're spending time outdoors. Whether you're walking, cycling, sightseeing, or simply relaxing in the sun, drinking regularly throughout the day will help you stay comfortable.

Wear Sunscreen

Even on cloudy days, UV levels can be surprisingly high during the summer months. Applying sunscreen regularly helps protect your skin and allows you to spend more time outdoors comfortably.

If you're planning to swim, paddle, or canoe in rivers and lakes, consider choosing an eco-friendly sunscreen that minimises its impact on aquatic environments.

Avoid the Midday Heat

If you're planning a longer walk, bike ride, or other active adventure, try to do it in the morning or later in the afternoon. The middle of the day is often best spent relaxing, finding some shade, or enjoying a leisurely lunch.

Seek Out Shade

One of the simplest ways to stay cool is also one of the most effective. Trees, covered seating areas, and sheltered spaces can feel dramatically cooler than being in direct sunlight.

Cool Down with Water

There's a reason people are drawn to rivers, lakes, and the coast during hot weather. A paddle, swim, or even a cool shower can quickly make you feel more comfortable on a warm day.

Keep Your Accommodation Comfortable

Reducing direct sunlight and allowing air to circulate can help keep your accommodation cooler during the hottest part of the day.

Staying Warm on Cooler Nights

The other side of glamping is that evenings can often feel much cooler than expected, especially in rural areas away from towns and cities.

Pack More Layers Than You Think You'll Need

Even after a hot day, temperatures can drop surprisingly quickly once the sun goes down. A fleece, jumper, or lightweight jacket can make a big difference.

Gather Around a Fire

One of the pleasures of glamping is being able to sit outside into the evening. A fire pit or wood burner can help you stay comfortable for longer while adding a bit of atmosphere to the end of the day.

Enjoy a Hot Drink

A mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate can be surprisingly effective at warming you up after the temperature starts to drop.

Think About Your Sleeping Setup

A comfortable night's sleep often comes down to having enough warmth available. Extra blankets, warm bedding, and hot water bottles can make all the difference if the temperature falls overnight.

Have a Warm Indoor Space Available

Whether it's a communal room, games room, or sheltered area, having somewhere warm to retreat to is always useful if the evening becomes cooler than expected.

How Guests Stay Comfortable at Heart of the Wye

Fortunately, many of these tips are easy to put into practice during a stay at Heart of the Wye.

On warmer days, many guests head into nearby Hay-on-Wye to browse the bookshops, explore the independent shops, or spend some time beside the River Wye. For those wanting to get out on the water, the excellent team at Want to Canoe? offer half-day canoe trips suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. After a morning on the river, it's easy to cool down with lunch at one of Hay's independent cafés or a visit to Shepherds Parlour for an ice cream before heading back to the site.

Back at Heart of the Wye, there are plenty of places to keep cool. The orchard and other areas around the site are dotted with a variety of mature trees, providing natural shade throughout the day. Deckchairs can be moved to follow the shade, while our covered picnic tables offer shelter from direct sunshine. Each yurt also has a decking area with a parasol, allowing guests to sit outside and enjoy the views across the Wye Valley while staying out of the strongest sun.

If the temperature really starts to climb, guests have the option to retreat to the games room. Originally built as a cut flower store, it is extremely well insulated and tends to stay pleasantly cool even on the hottest days, making it a welcome escape from the afternoon heat. Inside, guests can enjoy a game of pool, choose from a selection of board games, or borrow a book and relax for a while before heading back outside.

Guests also have access to indoor and outdoor showers, an ice machine, dedicated fridge space for each yurt, and cool boxes with ice packs for keeping food and drinks chilled. If supplies are running low, the Co-op is only three miles away and stocks everything from cold drinks and ice lollies to barbecue essentials.

When the temperature starts to fall in the evening, guests can light their fire pit and continue enjoying the outdoors. Clear nights in the Wye Valley can be surprisingly cool, even after a hot day, but that's rarely a problem with a fire going and a warm drink in hand. If the weather turns cooler, the games room can be heated with the electric fireplace, providing a cosy indoor space to relax.

Inside the yurts, wood burners, electric blankets, hot water bottles, and extra blankets mean there's no need to worry about cooler nights.

Whatever the Forecast

Part of the appeal of glamping is being closer to nature, and that means experiencing both the warmth of a summer afternoon and the coolness of a countryside evening.

With a little preparation, both can be enjoyed comfortably. At Heart of the Wye, we've tried to provide the practical touches that make a difference, so whatever the weather decides to do, you can focus on enjoying your stay.