How to Have Amazing Sex This Summer Without Overheating

Ahhh... the heat is upon us! As a collective, us Brits love to be outdoors when the sun is here, topping up our tans with our favourite drink in hand. It's always the same, we yearn for these days, especially during the dull winter months and when they come, we still complain it's too hot, even when we are often ditching our partners to spoon a fan! IT'S THE SAME EVERY YEAR!
Summer changes a lot of things. Our clothes. Our routines. Even our sleep. So it’s hardly surprising that sex, something so physical, so dependent on mood, temperature, and timing might need a seasonal rethink too. And let’s be honest: the idea of passionate, sweaty sex sounds exciting... until you're actually sticking to the bedsheets and panting like you’ve run a marathon. There’s a reason people start Googling things like “sex positions that don’t require too much movement” when the temperature spikes.
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to give up on intimacy when it's too warm to even cuddle under a sheet. It just means adapting. Like you would with clothing. You wouldn’t wear a jumper to the beach. So why contort yourselves into full-body pretzels when it's 30°C in your bedroom and the fan’s already doing its best?
In warmer weather, comfort plays a bigger role. You’re more aware of where your skin’s touching, how fast your heart’s beating, whether your thighs are sweating. And that’s okay. Sex doesn't have to be acrobatic to be good. In fact, in summer, less really is more, fewer movements, fewer limbs entangled, but still the same level of pleasure.
Some couples might find that heat adds an intensity, a laziness that slows things down in a way that feels... indulgent. Others might be more interested in staying vertical, leaning against a cool wall or standing by an open window. And of course, the outdoors calls too. With longer days and warmer nights, alfresco opportunities crop up more naturally.
A few things that help with summer sex in general:
- Keep water nearby - dehydration kills the mood fast
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Cool surfaces are your friend - tiled floors, the bathroom/kitchen counter, or anywhere that won't trap heat
- Fans, windows & ice cube - you know where I am going with this 😉
Ultimately, summer sex is about adapting your playbook. Not giving up. Just shifting pace a little. Being clever with angles. Prioritising skin-on-skin contact where it counts and giving yourself permission to not go all-in, all the time. You might even find you enjoy it more that way.
So let's discover some sex positions that may help you to continue enjoying sex when it is muggy.
1. The Lazy Side-by-Side
Let’s start with something deceptively simple. Side-by-side sex, often referred to as the “spooning position,” isn’t just for sleepy mornings or those can’t-be-bothered moments. In the heat of summer, it becomes a strategic move.
Here’s the scene: you're lying next to each other, facing the same way. There’s minimal movement required, just gentle grinding or slow thrusts. Your bodies are close, but not pressed so tightly that it’s unbearable. Plus, only certain parts are touching, meaning you can still feel the connection without turning into one, overheated mess of limbs.
There’s a relaxed, almost languid quality to this position. It’s intimate in a quiet, tender sort of way. Not every summer session has to feel like a fireworks show. Sometimes, the slow burn is better.
Why it works well in summer?
- Less friction, fewer entangled limbs
- It keeps both bodies aligned, but not necessarily sweaty
- You can both face a fan. Trust me... THIS MATTERS!
It also offers room for variety:
- The receiving partner can raise a leg slightly to adjust the angle
- Hands are free to explore. Breasts, nipples, neck, hips - there's a lot within reach
- You can start slow and build, or keep it soft and sensual the whole way through
And while the rhythm can be lazy, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring. It’s about connection, about building tension with small movements. In summer, that kind of stillness can feel far sexier than flailing about trying to “perform” in the traditional sense. There’s something undeniably erotic about knowing your partner is right there, pressed against you, breathing in sync. It doesn’t need a dramatic finish. Sometimes, just staying close is enough.
2. Edge of the Bed
Missionary gets a bad reputation, unfairly, some would argue. It's reliable, comfortable, and lets you see each other's faces, which can be surprisingly sexy in the right mood. But when it's hot? That full-body press becomes less of a turn-on and more of a sauna.
Enter: the edge of the bed.
Here’s how it works. One partner lies back, bottom close to the edge of the mattress, legs parted (or raised slightly for deeper G-spot stimulation). The other stands or kneels on the floor. No climbing on top. No pressing your chest into theirs. Just access, eye contact, and crucially... air flow.
It’s a subtle shift from the traditional position but one that makes all the difference in summer.
What makes this ideal for warm nights?
- The standing partner does most of the moving, but without expandinghuge amounts of energy
- The one lying down gets to rest (and ideally lie on a towel if sweat's a concern)
- There's space, physically and visually which helps keep tings cooler and more breathable
Another plus? This setup leaves hands free:
- For clitoral stimulation, which can seriously elevate the pleasure whether hands or a bullet vibrator is being used
- For steadying each other or simply enjoying skin-to-skin contact in a more controlled way
You can also shift to toys if things slow down. Because when the temperature rises, switching between oral, penetrative, or toy play without repositioning entirely? A win.
Also, don’t underestimate how good the coolness of a tiled floor beneath your feet feels during sex. It seems small, but those sensory details add up. And when your bodies aren’t fighting the heat, you get to focus more on each other.
That’s the theme running through all of this: positions that remove barriers. Not add more. Sex doesn’t have to be sweaty and tangled to feel close. Sometimes, it just needs a bit of space and a bit of smart positioning.
3. Standing
There’s a certain thrill to standing sex. It feels a bit urgent, a bit unplanned. And in summer? It can be your best friend. Why? Because standing often means minimal skin contact, more airflow, and no sheets sticking to your thighs.
That said, let’s not pretend it’s the easiest position out there. It usually requires a bit of height alignment or core strength, though there are workarounds.
A few variations worth trying:
- Bent over a surface (desk, bathroom sink, table) - Greater for deeper angles without full-body contact
- Leaning against a wall - One partner supports themselves while the other enters from behind or lifts a leg
- Backed into a corner - Surprisingly stable, and keeps both people partially upright
Perks of standing sex in summer
- No bed required
- It's quick and spontaneous, perfect when the mood strikes but the thought of lying down seems unbearable
- You can go from kissing to sex in seconds
And perhaps the biggest bonus? Standing sex almost invites a change of scenery. A cool hallway, the garden at night or even the kitchen. If you’re both comfortable, this opens the door to some truly memorable moments.
There’s something inherently playful about trying sex somewhere unexpected. It might not be the smoothest experience, there could be laughs, awkward angles, or interrupted momentum but that’s part of the charm. In summer, when everything feels a little more relaxed and less routine, those kinds of imperfect, impulsive moments can be the most fun.
One small caution: make sure you’re both steady. Slipping mid-thrust is funny until it hurts. That’s where leaning helps. A surface to brace against brings stability and also lets you enjoy the position for longer, rather than rushing through it before your legs give way.
4. Outdoor Options
Summer invites us outdoors. Evening walks, garden dinners, picnics by a lake or a river. That feeling of skin under the stars. And for some couples, that naturally leads to exploring intimacy outside the house.
Let’s be honest, outdoor sex isn’t the easiest to pull off and we don't advocate for anything illegal. There’s logistics, privacy, comfort. But when it is possible? It’s unforgettable.
A warm breeze on bare skin. The thrill of not-quite-being-caught. A total shift from your regular bedroom script.
First, a disclaimer: this isn’t legal everywhere, and discretion matters. Your garden, a secluded holiday balcony, or an isolated forest walk all offer more control than, say, a park bench. And of course, consent and comfort need to be top priorities don’t push it if one of you feels unsure.
That said, here are a few options that work outdoors:
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Over-the-knee - One partner sits on a sturdy chair or bench, the other straddles
- Doggy style, bent over a railing or surface - Allows for speed and minimal eye contact with the surroundings
- Side-by-side on a blanket - Think of it like a picnic, just more nakedness
Why outdoor sex can feel so different
- The setting heightens sesations - cool air, rustling leaves, distant sounds
- The novelty makes it feel like a break from everyday routines
- There's often less pressure to "perform" in a perfect way - it becomes more about connection in the moment
You don’t need to go fully outdoors to capture this vibe. An open window, a balcony, or even just letting the moonlight in changes the tone. Sometimes it's not about where you are, but how you're choosing to show up, curious, playful, and not too bothered if things get a little messy.
5. The Cool-Down Cowgirl
There’s something about the cowgirl position that just works, both practically and sexually. It gives the receiving partner control over depth, angle, and pace. It’s deeply intimate if you’re facing each other. And it’s incredibly freeing when you’re not. But during the hotter months, the idea of sitting on someone, upright and dripping with sweat, might feel… less than appealing.
Here’s the trick: adapt it. Think of it as the cool-down version of cowgirl. Less bounce, more grind. Less choreography, more instinct. This isn't about vigorous motion or show-stopping moves, it’s about riding a slow wave and enjoying every second of it.
How to make it work in the summer
- Instead of sitting upright, try a slight lean forward. Hands resting on their chest or the mattress, so you’re still in control but offloading some weight
- Rock your hips rather than thrusting. That gentle grinding creates a more drawn-out, teasing sensation and it takes a lot less effort
- If you're feeling adventurous, reverse cowgirl offers a fresh visual and opens up the back for light touch or temperature play (a cool ice cube, for instance, can completely shift the experience).
There’s also something psychological about cowgirl that works well in summer. Maybe it's the mood, the feeling of owning your pleasure and not having to over-explain. Or perhaps it’s the confidence that comes from setting the pace, especially when your body’s already a little flushed from the heat.
A couple extras to consider:
- Position yourself near a fan or open window for airflow.
- Don’t rush. Summer isn’t about speed, it’s about stretching time and drawing things out. Let that spill into your sex life.
If done right, cowgirl in the summer can feel indulgent. Almost luxurious. Like a slow, late-night swim. The kind where you’re not there to race, you’re just letting the water move around you. This position lets you savour rather than sprint and sometimes, that’s exactly what summer sex needs.
When the Heat Takes Over, Let Go a Little
Sex in summer doesn’t need to be perfect. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be. You’ll sweat. You might get tangled in sheets, or have to stop halfway through to open a window. Someone’s knee might cramp. And yet, it still works because the intention is there. The desire to connect, to experiment, to feel something that breaks the monotony of hot nights and long days.
If you take nothing else from all of this, let it be this: summer sex isn’t about trying harder. It’s about softening into it.
Working with the heat, not against it. Choosing comfort over performance. Pleasure over polish.
Try something new. Or don’t. Just adapt what you already enjoy in ways that suit the season. Lighten up, literally and figuratively. Open the windows. Keep the lube handy.
And if it all gets too warm? Well, that’s what sharing cool showers are for.
It’s not about chasing movie-scene perfection. It’s about finding moments, funny, messy, slow, intense, that feel real. That feel yours. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll find that the best sex you’ve had all year didn’t come from trying to impress... but from finally deciding to stop fighting the heat.