Heatwave in May ? How to stay cool without AC in France !

It is May 2026, and it should normally be spring. However, it already feels like the middle of summer! A historic and very early heatwave (arriving way ahead of schedule) has settled over France. Today, the national average temperature is already 32°C (90°F). In the western part of the country, it is even hotter: the thermometer is approaching 35°C or 36°C (95°F to 97°F). The department of Finistère is even on "orange alert," which means the weather warning is significant.

This heat is hard on our bodies because we are not used to summer temperatures yet. Facing this situation, many people are asking one question: why doesn't France use more air conditioning?

Why Don't French People Have Much Air Conditioning?

In many countries around the world, air conditioning (or "AC") is completely normal. But in France, it’s very different. In this month of May 2026, numbers show that only 28% of houses and 13.4% of apartments have an air conditioning system.

French people hesitate to get AC for two main reasons:

• The economic reason (money): Buying an AC unit and installing it at home is very expensive. Plus, air conditioning uses a huge amount of electricity. Since energy prices are rising, using AC makes the electric bill go up very quickly.
  

• The ecological reason (the planet): This is the most serious problem. Air conditioning works like a refrigerator: to make it cold inside the house, the machine has to pump hot air outside into the street. In big cities, this creates what are called "urban heat islands"—the outside air becomes even hotter for everyone. Additionally, these machines use polluting gases and demand too much power from the electrical grid. It's a vicious cycle.
  
  

My Best Tips for Staying Cool (Without AC)

Since air conditioning isn't the ideal solution for the planet, we need to adopt simple, common-sense habits. As we explained in our recent podcast episode, here is how to protect your body:

• Close the shutters and windows: This is rule number one. As soon as the sun is shining and it's hot outside, close everything to keep the coolness inside. Wait until night or morning, when the temperature drops (around 14°C / 57°F right now), to open the windows wide and let the fresh air circulate.
  

• Drink water regularly: Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Always keep a water bottle with you. Watch out: coffee and alcohol are "false friends"—they dehydrate your body and increase the risk of dehydration.
  

• Wet your skin wisely: Use a water mister or a wet washcloth on your neck, forehead, and wrists. But be careful: don't take an ice-cold shower! When the water is too cold, it shocks your body, which then produces even more heat to warm back up. It’s better to use lukewarm water.
  

• Eat cold, light meals: Don't turn on your oven or stove, as they will heat up your kitchen. Stick to fruits and vegetables that contain a lot of water, like cucumbers, melons, watermelon, or tomatoes.
  

• Check on others: Think about your loved ones, your elderly neighbors, or people who live alone. Check in on them, because the heat is more dangerous for vulnerable people.
  
  

Having Trouble with the Heat? The Phone Number to Know

If you have unusual symptoms because of the heat (a severe headache, dizziness, a high fever, or if you feel extremely tired), you need to ask for help.

The French government has activated an official, toll-free number:

• Canicule Info Service: 0 800 06 66 66 (The call is free from any landline or mobile phone in France. The service is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
  

Warning: If someone becomes seriously ill or faints, it is a medical emergency. In this case, immediately call 15 (the SAMU, France's medical emergency service) or 112.

Want to Learn More? Listen to French Vocal!

All of these tips come from our latest podcast episode titled: "1.24 Canicule en France : comment se protéger de la chaleur" (1.24 Heatwave in France: How to Protect Yourself from the Heat). In this episode, we take the time to explain each piece of advice in detail and share other simple ideas to keep your home cool without using energy.

For those of you learning French, it's also a great opportunity to practice your listening comprehension! The speaking pace is relaxed, and the vocabulary is perfectly tailored to your level.

The episode is available for free on our website and on all podcast apps (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.). Put on your headphones, find a spot in the shade with a big glass of cold water, and happy listening!

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