5 Good Reasons Not to Drink Alcohol in Summer

Under the summer sun, it’s better to raise a glass of water than one of alcohol — the heat + alcohol combo is anything but refreshing!

Summer, sunshine, terraces… and the craving for an ice-cold drink! But before you toast, do you really know what alcohol in the blazing sun does to your body? Between common myths and scientific reality, here are 5 good reasons — with a dash of humour — to say “no thanks” to alcohol in summer. Your body will thank you, and you’ll be able to enjoy the season in top form and total safety.

1. Instant Dehydration and Risk of Heatstroke

Think a cold beer will hydrate you at 35°C (95°F)? It’s quite the opposite. Alcohol dehydrates the body — and in summer, we already start off with a deficit due to the heat. The result: heatwave + aperitif = guaranteed dryness. As Dr. Bernard Basset explains, “In summer, our bodies are already prone to dehydration because of the heat. Add alcohol to the mix, and you end up completely dehydrated!” In short, that icy beer doesn’t quench your thirst at all — it actually worsens dehydration and gives you a false sense of refreshment.

Dehydration also means a higher risk of heatstroke. Alcohol acts as both a diuretic and a vasodilator: it makes you lose more water and dilates blood vessels. Under a scorching sun, this raises skin temperature and can cause dizziness or fainting, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Your body struggles to regulate its internal temperature, you’re sweating buckets, and your head is spinning — not very fun, is it? The only drink that truly hydrates is water (yes, good old plain water). So alternate each alcoholic drink with a glass of water — or better yet, go for a refreshing alcohol-free mojito. Your overheated body will thank you.

2. Lobster-Red Skin: Sunburn Alert

A glass of rosé on the terrace and suddenly you’re bright red? It’s not just shyness — alcohol and sun are a bad mix for your skin. First, after a few drinks, people tend to stay in the sun longer and forget sunscreen (the carefree spirit of the aperitif). Second, research shows a real physiological effect: alcohol makes you burn faster. A large study found that nearly 1 in 5 sunburns is linked to alcohol consumption. The more you drink, the higher your risk of ending up lobster-red.

It doesn’t stop there: alcohol makes skin more sensitive to UV rays. Studies show that after just one drink, the UV dose needed to burn the skin is significantly lower than for someone who hasn’t been drinking. Why? Scientists suspect alcohol reduces skin antioxidants, leaving it less protected from UV damage. Add in that happy buzz that makes you forget to seek shade, and hello sunburn! And repeated burns increase the risk of skin cancer — sobering, isn’t it? To keep your peachy complexion all summer, swap the rosé for a virgin cocktail and keep your hat on. Your skin will thank you for not ending up lobster-coloured (unless that’s your style).

3. Sports, Swimming, and Alcohol: A Dangerous Cocktail

Playing sports or going for a swim after a few drinks? Bad idea! In the sun, alcohol impairs your reflexes and coordination — even if you don’t “feel drunk.” Playing football while dehydrated and dizzy is a recipe for pulled muscles or fainting. Similarly, tackling a beach volleyball match or a hike after drinking increases the risk of avoidable injuries (sprains, falls… and embarrassing wipeouts). Alcohol also reduces sports performance and slows muscle recovery — double trouble for your summer body.

The sun + alcohol + water combo is even more worrying. Every year, accidents happen because people swim after drinking. “Aquatic intoxication”? No thanks! Health authorities warn that the risk of drowning increases sharply with alcohol consumption. Loss of balance, overestimating your strength, recklessness… even strong swimmers can get into trouble. Statistics are chilling: more than half of adult drowning deaths involve alcohol. In short, drinking makes you careless — the last thing you need when swimming, boating, or cycling. If you plan a dip or a tennis match in the sun, stick to the mocktails. Safety first! And at barbecues or parties, always have a sober “designated captain” to look out for everyone — whether on the road or by the pool.

4. In a Plane, One Drink Counts as Two (and Wine Tastes Different)

Many of us travel in summer, and who hasn’t dreamed of a little champagne at 10,000 metres to kick off the holidays? But beware — alcohol hits harder in the air than on the ground. At altitude, reduced air pressure and low humidity mean less oxygen for the body. Result: alcohol enters the bloodstream faster, and intoxication happens more quickly and intensely. Flight attendants confirm that one drink in the air equals two on the ground in terms of effect. Add the cabin’s dry air, and dehydration skyrockets. A long-haul flight + three glasses of wine = hello headache and parched mouth upon landing.

Also, did you know wine tastes different on a plane? Our taste buds and sense of smell don’t work as well in pressurised air. Lower oxygen levels and dry air dull our senses, so flavours are less vivid and precise. A wine you adore on the ground might taste flat or overly bitter in the clouds. Fruity wines seem blander, while tannic wines feel even more astringent. Airlines know this and often choose more intense, softer-tannin wines for onboard service — but even so, your palate isn’t at its best. Why waste a great bottle under such conditions? Better to save it for when you land — and toast with your feet in the sand (in moderation, of course).

5. Your Body Pays the Price in Silence (The Hidden Effects)

Even if you don’t feel all the effects right away, your body is taking the hit. In summer, alcohol and heat are a tough combo for the heart. Drinking can cause blood pressure to fluctuate and your heart rate to spike. Regular consumption increases long-term blood pressure and can trigger arrhythmias or, in extreme cases, strokes. Plus, ethanol and heat put strain on your liver (busy processing toxins) and kidneys. Your kidneys work overtime to offset dehydration and filter alcohol — which can even increase the risk of kidney stones if you’re not drinking enough water.

And don’t forget fatigue: after a day of drinking in the sun, you’ll likely feel drained by evening. The next day? Migraine, intense thirst, lasting tiredness… The infamous hangover often hits harder in hot weather because dehydration and poor sleep (alcohol disrupts sleep quality) leave you utterly exhausted. In short, drinking in the sun robs you of precious holiday energy. Stay fresh and energised with chilled lemon water, vitamin-packed mocktails, or homemade lemonade. Your body will thank you by staying cool as a cucumber.

In Conclusion: We’re not here to be a buzzkill — enjoying summer doesn’t mean complete abstinence. But staying hydrated and drinking in moderation is key to avoiding nasty surprises. As you’ve seen, between dehydration, sunburn, health risks, and safety concerns, alcohol under the sun is a false friend. Choose a fresh alcohol-free cocktail, sparkling water with lemon, or fruity ice treats to cool off without danger. That way, you can say “cheers” with peace of mind — and a smile.

Happy summer to all — take care of yourself (and your loved ones) under the sun!