My Four Step Morning Routine During Hot Summer Months

Summer mornings can be both a blessing and a challenge. While we get to enjoy longer days, the heat can leave us feeling exhausted before we've even had our first cup of coffee.

After years of experimenting with different routines, I've decided to go with this simple four-step morning ritual that keeps me energized and glowing, even when the temperature is already climbing at 7 AM.

The best part of this routine is that it takes less than 30 minutes, but it will make you feel better all day long. Let me walk you through each step and share why these particular habits have become a part of my daily life during the warmer months.

Step 1: Hydration Is Your Best Friend

The first thing I do and I mean the very first thing is reach for those two glasses of water on my nightstand.

After 7-8 hours without any fluid intake, your body is craving for water, and if we add summer heat, you're already behind on hydration before your day even begins.

I don't mind drinking water in the morning, it really has become something that I am used to, but I know that for some of you drinking water first as soon as you wake up may feel like a punishment. If you are one of those people, I have a solution that may help you do this more easily: fruit-infused water.

The night before, you can slice up half a lemon or a few grapefruit wedges and drop them into a large glass pitcher. By morning, the water will absorb all those citrusy flavors, making it actually enjoyable to drink. Plus, you're getting vitamin C and natural electrolytes that can only help your body even further.

Step 2: Gentle Cleansing

Summer means more sweat, more sunscreen, and honestly, more of everything on our skin. I thought this meant I needed harsher cleansers. Wrong move. Hot weather actually makes your skin more sensitive.

I've switched to a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser that removes overnight buildup without stripping away your skin's natural protective barrier. Look for ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or gentle surfactants. Avoid anything with harsh sulfates or alcohol.

My current favorite is a creamy cleanser that I massage in for about 30 seconds with lukewarm (not hot!) water. Think of it as a mini facial massage rather than a deep clean. Your skin should feel soft and comfortable afterward, not tight or squeaky.

During particularly humid weeks, I'll sometimes follow up with a alcohol-free toner to remove any last traces of buildup, but most days, a good gentle cleanser is all I need.

Step 3: Always Apply SPF

If there is one step I think you should definitely include in your daily morning routine it's applying SPF. Summer UV rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM, which covers most of our waking hours.

I use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every single day, regardless of the weather forecast. On my face, I prefer mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because they're less likely to sting if I sweat, and they don't leave that weird white cast that some chemical sunscreens do.

Apply it 10-15 minutes before you plan to go outside, and use more than you think you need. Most of us use about half the recommended amount. For your face and neck, you need about a quarter-teaspoon of product.

Don't forget often-missed spots like your ears, the back of your neck, and your hands. I keep a separate SPF specifically for my body in my car because reapplication is crucial if you're spending extended time outdoors.

Step 4: Chase the Morning Light

This last step is my absolute favorite, and it's the one that makes the biggest difference in how I feel throughout the day. Within 20 minutes of waking up, I'm outside, whether it's for a walk, a short jog, or even just sitting on a bench in the park.

Getting sunlight in your eyes within the first hour of waking helps regulate your circadian rhythm and boosts serotonin production. It's like hitting a reset button on your internal clock and your mood.

If you're not a morning exercise person, that's totally fine. Even 10 minutes of sitting outside with your coffee or water counts. The goal is to get some movement, some fresh air, and some natural light before the day gets crazy and before notifications start overwhelming you.

The Real Magic Happens with Consistency

This routine took about two-three weeks to become automatic.

The beauty of this routine is its simplicity. Summer is already short enough, why not make the most of those gorgeous morning hours? Your skin, your energy levels, and your overall well-being will thank you for it.