The prime reason is what you might think it would be.
A lot of people might think of summer as the best time of year when they can swim outside, bask in the sun, and go away on extended vacations. Not everyone likes summer, though, and for a simple reason that you may have already guessed: it’s just too darn hot.
According to a CBS News poll conducted in 2020, most Americans don’t actually cite summer as their favorite season. Here’s what the poll found and the most recent tactics to beat the heat.
More people prefer fall and spring
Not surprisingly, the lowest percentage of Americans said that winter was their favorite season. Here’s what the survey results found.
Americans favorite seasons:
- Winter–19%
- Spring–25%
- Summer–29%
- Fall–27%
Unsurprisingly, people who live in the American South were found to be less likely to prefer summer compared with those living in the North. (Daily temperatures in July in Louisiana hover around 92 degrees Fahrenheit, for example). Studies show Southerners are more likely to cite spring as their favorite season.
So, while not everyone agrees, one thing is for certain: beating the heat is a must. Even if you have air conditioning, there are extra actions you can take to stay cool this summer.
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How to beat the heat
The vast majority of Americans have air conditioning in their homes. But not everyone. According to Bloomberg.com, 12% of Americans overall don’t have A/C. In colder and drier climates, this percentage rises to between 15% and 20%. And when you reach people who live near the ocean in so-called “Marine Climates”, like those found on the West Coast, in some pockets up to 50% of people don’t have any air conditioning. This adds up to about 39.6 million people in the US who are living without any A/C in the summer.
If this is you, you likely have preset tactics to stay cool. To beat the heat you might:
- Close the windows and curtains on hot days
- Eat meals that don’t require cooking
- Open the windows at night if it’s cooler
- Stay out of the sun
- Drink plenty of water
- Spray water around the outside of your home to cool it
- Sleep on an enclosed porch
- Visit outdoor water parks
- Get to indoor cooling stations during heat waves
You also might:
- Unplug your computer
- Keep the lights off (even during the day)
- Sleep on wet bed sheets
- Wear loose cotton clothing
- Take a lukewarm shower (cold could actually make you feel warmer)
- Eat light meals
- Soak your feet in cool water
Staying cool in the heat is important. Some charities in the US distribute free air conditioners and have programs to help people pay for the electricity to run them. Click here to learn more. Stay informed and learn about cooling centers run by your regional government if and when things get too hot.
If you have A/C but know others who don’t, check in on them during times of extreme heat. Stay safe.
photo credits: VladisChern/Shutterstock.com
