Experts reveal the optimum temperature for camping - plus 8 tips to keep your tent cool as the UK faces the FOURTH heatwave of the year

As temperatures remain in the mid-20s with little rainfall across the UK, searches for "how to stay cool" exceeded 200,000 last month, up 76% year on year according to Google Trends*. 

The findings come as heatwave conditions are forecast to return across much of England and parts of Wales, with temperatures expected to reach between 25°C and 32°C next week and potentially peak at 35°C by the weekend. If local thresholds are met for three consecutive days across a wide enough area, this could mark the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year. For those with camping trips planned, the renewed spell of hot weather means taking a few simple steps to keep tents cool and nights comfortable.

As the UK heats up, new data from Pitchup.com has revealed the perfect temperature for campers following an analysis of over 300,000 recent bookings. In light of the forecast, its camping experts have also shared eight practical ways to keep tents cool during hot weather.

Why 25 degrees is the sweet spot for happy campers

The data found that 25°C is the optimum temperature for those seeking a camping holiday in the sun. Demand climbs steadily up to this point, but once it rises above 25°C, bookings decline by an average of 4.3% for every additional degree.

The tipping point varies slightly across the UK, with Scotland recording a lower threshold, while bookings in London begin to fall at around 27°C, compared with the UK average of 25°C.

Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, commented: “Warm, dry weather creates fantastic conditions for camping and spending time outdoors, and our data shows there is a clear sweet spot. When temperatures rise beyond that point, concerns about overheated tents, disrupted sleep and uncomfortable nights can start to affect people’s plans. The good news is that a few simple adjustments when setting up camp, from choosing the right pitch to improving airflow, can make a world of difference during hot weather.”

8 expert tips for keeping your tent cool in a heatwave 

To help campers stay cool and comfortable during the heatwave, camping experts at Pitchup.com have shared eight practical tips for making the most of a summer camping trip.

1. Pitch up in the shade

Your tent is far more likely to overheat in the sun than it is in a fully shaded or partly shaded pitch. Remember, the sun will travel throughout the day, so you might want to have a chat with the campsite staff to find out which pitches get a generous helping of shade throughout the day.

2. Keep your air vents open

Keeping all of your air vents wide open is the simplest way to keep your tent cool. These are usually small mesh-covered openings near the roof, sides or base of the tent, designed to let air circulate without allowing insects inside.  

With more air moving in and out of the tent, you’ll get better circulation and a fresh breeze. While keeping your doors and windows open might sound like a good solution, it’s also an invitation for bugs buzzing around at night, so it’s a good idea to keep your insect and fly door closed if you have them.

3. Take down your tent during the day

It might sound like a hassle, but taking your tent down as soon as the sun comes up will stop the greenhouse-like effect of your canvas. When you put it back together at the end of the day, you’ll find that the inside is a lot cooler. Saving yourself from sleepless nights in this way requires just a little extra effort.

4. Invest in a sunshade

If you’re not on board with the idea of assembling and disassembling your tent every day, a sunshade will do some of the heavy work. While a basic tarp will work to some extent, reflective materials are best, as they’ll mirror the sun and protect your tent from the heat. 

A sunshade will perform well when it's around 30cm above the top of your tent, so drape it between two trees or use something as a makeshift stake to let the layer of air in between add to the cooling effect.

5. If you can, take down your rain fly

On hot and dry days, there’s no need for your tent’s rain fly- the waterproof outer layer that sits over the main body of the tent to protect it from rain and moisture. If it’s easy enough to remove and it’s not one of the first things you had to attach to the inside of your tent, removing this extra padding will make the inside of your tent far breezier. Just check the weather forecast beforehand, as you’ll face a race against the clock to get it fitted again if there’s a sudden downpour.

6. Check the breeze

Check the forecast or look at nearby flags, trees and grass to work out which way the wind is blowing. Positioning your tent door towards the breeze can improve airflow and make the inside feel cooler. You can also wet a finger and raise it to see which side feels coldest, indicating the direction the wind is coming from.

7. Choose the right tent

If you haven’t set off yet but you’re expecting a heatwave while you’re away, a tent made from polyester (which is resistant to UV rays) or nylon (a breathable option) will go a long way towards keeping cool. Mesh details are another plus for circulation, as is a tent with a large interior, allowing for more airflow.

8. Swap the tent for an air-conditioned stay

For added comfort during the warm weather, you can now use Pitchup.com’s new air-conditioning filter to find fixed accommodation such as pods, cabins, lodges and static caravans that offer a cooler night’s sleep while enjoying all the benefits of a camping holiday.

Ends

Editors notes

Methodology: 

*Google Trends data was collected looking at UK Google searches for “How to stay cool”(+76%). Data was looked at for searches over the past month compared to the year before. Data is correct as of 22/07/2026.