Is It Good to Drink Tea When the Weather Is Hot? The Science of Cooling Down

December 14, 2025 •

3 min read

Research shows that in dry climates, drinking hot beverages can actually lead to a greater cooling effect on the body. This is because it stimulates sweat production, which cools the skin upon evaporation. But is it good to drink tea when the weather is hot? The surprising answer lies in your body's natural cooling mechanisms.

Quick Summary

Drinking hot tea in dry, hot weather stimulates the body's natural cooling response. The increased perspiration evaporates from the skin, resulting in a net cooling effect over time, contrasting the temporary relief of cold drinks.

Key Points

Evaporative Cooling: Hot tea triggers sweat production, and the evaporation of that sweat from the skin provides a superior, sustained cooling effect.
Context is Key: This cooling effect is most effective in dry, low-humidity environments where sweat can evaporate easily.
Less Effective in Humidity: In humid conditions, sweat cannot evaporate efficiently, making hot drinks less effective for cooling down and potentially making you feel hotter.
Sustained vs. Momentary Cooling: Hot beverages provide a more balanced and lasting cooling response compared to cold drinks, which offer only a momentary chilling sensation.
Healthy Hydration: Unsweetened hot tea is an excellent way to maintain hydration without sugar, which is crucial for managing body temperature.
Consider Caffeine Levels: For heat management, herbal teas are often preferred over caffeinated options to avoid potential diuretic effects.

The Surprising Science of Thermoregulation

When the mercury rises, our instincts scream for an ice-cold beverage. The momentary shock of cold feels immediately refreshing. However, this sensation is fleeting. Your body, sensing the sudden drop in internal temperature from the cold liquid, responds by reducing blood flow to the skin and suppressing sweat production to conserve heat. This is a counter-intuitive action that can make you feel even hotter in the long run.

Drinking a hot cup of tea, on the other hand, works with your body's thermoregulatory system, not against it. When you consume a hot liquid, temperature sensors in your mouth and upper digestive tract signal your brain that a heat source has entered your body. In response, your nervous system triggers an increased rate of sweating and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels near the skin's surface) to shed the perceived excess heat.

The Crucial Role of Evaporative Cooling

The key to this cooling paradox is evaporation. As the sweat produced by drinking hot tea evaporates from your skin, it draws a significant amount of heat energy with it, effectively cooling your body down. This natural process is far more powerful and sustained than the brief internal cooling from a cold drink. Studies involving cyclists consuming hot versus cold water in laboratory settings have confirmed that hot beverages can result in lower net body heat storage, provided the sweat can evaporate effectively.

Context Is Everything: Dry Heat vs. High Humidity

It's important to note that the effectiveness of drinking hot tea for cooling is highly dependent on the climate. The process of evaporative cooling is most efficient in arid or dry conditions where the air can readily absorb moisture from your skin.

Hot Drink Cooling Effectiveness


Climate Condition	Mechanism	Cooling Outcome
Dry Heat	Sweat evaporates quickly from the skin, carrying heat away efficiently.	Very Effective: Significant and sustained net cooling effect.
High Humidity	Air is already saturated with moisture, preventing sweat from evaporating.	Ineffective: Sweat drips off, and the added internal heat from the drink makes you feel hotter.

Best Teas for Hot Weather and Other Benefits

Beyond the cooling effect, tea offers other advantages when the weather is hot. Many teas are rich in antioxidants and can contribute to overall hydration, as research suggests tea contributes to daily fluid intake just like water. Certain herbal teas also contain compounds that can be especially beneficial in the heat.

Great Hot Teas for Summer:

Peppermint Tea: Contains menthol, which triggers cool-sensing receptors and creates a refreshing feeling.
Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants like catechins that can help with metabolism and immunity.
Moroccan Mint Tea: A traditional hot drink in desert climates, combining green tea and fresh mint for a powerful cooling and digestive aid.
Hibiscus Tea: Offers a tangy taste and is packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, making it hydrating and refreshing.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming properties, it can help relaxation during a hot evening.

Practical Considerations and Risks

While the science supports hot tea as a clever cooling strategy, some practical points must be considered. First, never drink your tea scalding hot, as this poses a burn risk. Allow it to cool to a warm, drinkable temperature. Second, while tea contributes to your fluid intake, remember that excessive sweating can deplete electrolytes. Ensure you are drinking enough total fluids and, if exercising intensely, consider electrolyte replenishment. Finally, for individuals sensitive to caffeine, herbal teas are the best choice to avoid potential diuretic effects. For more details on the physiological response, consider a deeper dive into the research of experts like Professor Ollie Jay, which you can find discussed on the McGill Office for Science and Society website.

Conclusion: The Final Verdict

So, is it good to drink tea when the weather is hot? In the right conditions, specifically dry heat, the answer is a surprising yes. By leveraging your body's natural evaporative cooling system through increased sweating, a warm cup of tea can provide more effective and lasting relief than an ice-cold drink. While the instant gratification of cold liquids is tempting, embracing this age-old tradition is a scientifically-backed way to beat the heat, promote hydration, and enjoy a host of other health benefits. In humid climates, however, stick to cooler beverages to avoid trapping heat. In any case, staying well-hydrated is the ultimate goal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in dry, low-humidity conditions, drinking hot tea can actually cool you down. It works by stimulating your body's sweat response, and the subsequent evaporation of that sweat from your skin cools your body's core temperature.

A cold drink provides an immediate, momentary cooling sensation, but this effect is often short-lived. In contrast, a hot drink triggers a longer-lasting, more effective cooling response through the process of evaporative cooling, especially in dry heat.

Great teas for hot weather include peppermint tea, green tea, Moroccan mint tea, and hibiscus tea. Peppermint tea's menthol content provides a refreshing sensation, while others offer antioxidants and aid in hydration.

As part of overall fluid intake, tea contributes to hydration. However, sweating profusely in hot weather can cause fluid loss. It is crucial to drink enough total fluids throughout the day and replenish electrolytes, especially if consuming caffeinated tea.

The tradition of drinking hot tea in desert cultures is based on practical thermoregulation. These dry, arid climates provide the ideal conditions for sweat to evaporate quickly and efficiently, making the body's natural cooling response highly effective.

The cooling effect works through evaporation. When you drink hot tea, heat sensors in your mouth trigger your brain to increase sweating. As the sweat evaporates from your skin, it dissipates heat and cools your body.

It is generally safe to drink warm tea, but avoid scalding hot temperatures. Allow the tea to cool slightly before sipping to prevent burns or discomfort, especially in the delicate tissues of your mouth and esophagus.