Summer in the Southern Hemisphere is notoriously intense for two reasons: heat and humidity. This combination, known locally as bochorno, will have you questioning the “good air” (buenos aires) of the city in no time. Temperatures often climb above 30° C (86°F), triggering official “heat alerts” as they have done this season.
We all dislike discomfort, and when facing this weather, remember: you can always layer up when it’s cold, but there’s only so much you can take off when it’s hot! Don’t be fooled by cloudy days, either; the humidity alone is enough to leave you sweating after just a few blocks.
Luckily, every porteño (resident of Buenos Aires) has strategies for coping. Here is a list of essential tips and tricks for surviving the summer during your Mente Argentina Program:
Essentials: Hydration, Clothing, & Safety
1. Hydrate Constantly (And Skip the Sugary Drinks)
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Never stop drinking water! This is non-negotiable, as dehydration is a serious risk when you’re walking around.
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Limit Dehydrating Drinks: Try to limit your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and highly sugary drinks. Opt instead for natural fruit juices, iced tea, or refreshing Argentine soda water (agua con gas).
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Mente Argentina Tip: Remember, the tap water in Buenos Aires is potable, so you can refill your bottle frequently.
2. Wear Loose, Breathable Clothes
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Cotton and Linen are Your Best Friends: Keep the satin, silk, or polyester for cooler days. Loose-fitting fabrics allow air to circulate and help sweat evaporate.
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Embrace the Fan: Get a fashionable, foldable fan in the Barrio Chino (Chinatown) or a local vendor. It’s a lifesaver in lines or on public transport.
3. Protect Your Skin (Sunblock and Mosquitoes)
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Sunblock Always: Even on cloudy days, you are exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Always apply high-SPF sunblock, especially if you plan to be out sightseeing or having a picnic in Palermo Parks.
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Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes thrive in this climate. Dengue fever is a periodic concern, making insect repellent essential, especially during early morning and evening hours.
Home & Comfort Strategies
4. Take Cold Showers (Your New Best Friend)
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Forget lukewarm. Cold showers are your fastest path to relief. You’ll quickly get used to the initial shock!
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Cooling Points: Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack to pulse points (wrists, neck, temples) for quick, localized cooling.
5. Covet Your Air Conditioning (AC)
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Air Conditioning is Gold: If you are lucky enough to have AC in your Mente Argentina accommodation, use it sparingly but gratefully.
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Strategic Sleeping: Hot air rises. If you don’t have AC, moving your mattress closer to the floor can provide a few degrees of relief. Sleeping alone also helps, as a partner increases body heat (as the original post joked, you might have to temporarily “break up” with your significant other!).
6. Conserve Electricity and Stay Cool
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Unplug Devices: Lights, TVs, and even inactive chargers emit heat. Turning off lights and unplugging inactive devices keeps the room cooler and saves electricity.
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Use Natural Light: Take advantage of the long summer daylight hours to keep rooms cooler by reducing the need for artificial light.
Food, Activities, & Mindset
7. Eat Lighter and Cooler
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Avoid Oven Use: Skip intricate, heat-generating recipes. Use the stovetop or, even better, fire up the parrilla (grill) outdoors.
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Cooling Meals: Lighter meals (salads, fresh fruit, vegetables) are easier for your body to metabolize than a huge steak, meaning your body produces less internal heat after eating.
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Embrace the Helado (Ice Cream): This is the perfect time to enjoy the city’s legendary ice cream. Dulce de leche or any fruit flavor is mandatory!
8. Go Outside Strategically and Enjoy the City!
Instead of staying indoors doing nothing, use your time productively—but strategically—to beat the heat:
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Morning/Evening Activities: Plan your sightseeing (like walking the colorful streets of La Boca) for the cooler morning or evening hours.
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Indoor Escapes: Visit the never-ending array of bookstores on Avenida Corrientes, or spend hours reading in your favorite air-conditioned coffee shop or a quiet museum.
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Cool Entertainment: Catch up on the newest summer films in the cinema to distract yourself from the humid reality!
9. Remember the Heat is Temporary
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Fall is eventually going to come, and calmer, cooler days will cease the heat waves. In the meantime, focus on the unique enjoyment of a warm Buenos Aires summer, full of late nights, parks, and ice cream.
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Find ways to embrace the heat, like planning a weekend trip to a refreshing spot, a popular option for Mente Argentina Summer Students.
