When a severe heatwave hits the UK, with temperatures anticipated to remain well above 30°C across much of England, it might seem like ideal skating weather. However, hot conditions pose genuine risks, especially at outdoor concrete and tarmac parks. Here's all the information you need before you go out.
Temperature guide: when to skate and when to stay home
Not all hot days are created equal. Use this guide to quickly evaluate whether conditions are safe before you head out — and adjust your plans accordingly.
|
Temp range |
Rating |
Verdict |
What it means for you |
|
Below 18°C |
Ideal |
Go for it |
Excellent conditions for a full session. Surfaces remain cool, energy levels stay high. Dress in layers in case it cools down. |
|
18°C – 24°C |
Good |
Go for it |
Comfortable skating conditions. Stay hydrated and apply sunscreen if it's sunny. No major concerns. |
|
25°C – 28°C |
Warm |
With caution |
Enjoyable but exercise caution. Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take frequent shade breaks. Avoid peak sun hours. |
|
29°C – 32°C |
Hot |
With caution |
Only skate in the early morning or after 6pm. Concrete surfaces will be extremely hot by midday. Keep sessions short, and stay hydrated. |
|
33°C – 36°C |
Extreme |
Avoid midday |
Surface temperatures can surpass 50°C — risk of burns from falls. Only skate before 10am or after 6pm. Limit all sessions to 30-45 minutes. |
|
37°C+ |
Danger |
Don't skate |
Avoid skating outdoors. The risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is severe. Stay indoors in cool conditions and save it for another day. |
Remember: These ratings refer to air temperature. Concrete and tarmac surfaces absorb heat throughout the day and can reach 50–60°C in direct sunlight — far hotter than the surrounding air. Always consider surface conditions, not just what your phone's weather app indicates.
Best times to skate
Timing your session is the most effective way to stay safe. Here's how the day unfolds:
|
Time |
Conditions |
Verdict |
|
Before 10am |
Surfaces are still cool from overnight — best window for a full session |
Go for it |
|
10am – 12pm |
Warming up — surfaces heat up quickly, limit to a maximum of 45 minutes |
With caution |
|
12pm – 5pm |
Peak heat — concrete can reach 50–60°C surface temperature. Avoid it. |
Avoid |
|
After 6pm |
Temperatures decrease and surfaces cool — the perfect time |
Go for it |
Do's — actions to take before and during your session
- Drink water before, during, and after — at least 500ml per hour in the heat. Don't wait until you're thirsty.
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ before leaving home. Reapply every 90 minutes if you're out for a long session.
- Wear a helmet — not just for protection. A well-ventilated skate helmet keeps your head cooler than skating bareheaded.
- Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing in pale colors. These reflect heat better than dark technical gear.
- Bring sunglasses. UV glare off concrete causes significant eye fatigue during long sessions.
- Pack a cool bag with frozen water bottles — they can also serve as an instant cool-down for your wrists and neck between runs.
- Check in on your friends. Heat exhaustion can develop quickly, especially in younger riders.
- Inform someone where you're going and approximately how long you'll be.
Don'ts — actions to avoid
- Avoid skating during the peak heat window (12pm–5pm). It's not worth it.
- Avoid skating with exposed arms or legs — falling on concrete at 50°C can result in burns as well as scrapes.
- Don’t overlook symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or a sudden headache. These indicate heat exhaustion. Stop right away, seek shade, and drink fluids.
- Avoid using energy drinks or sodas for hydration — they can actually lead to faster dehydration in hot weather.
- During extreme heat, never skate alone. Always have someone with you.
- If possible, avoid wearing dark-colored pads or protective gear — black foam retains heat and can become uncomfortable or even cause burns when exposed to the sun.
- Do not ignore fatigue. Heat-induced tiredness greatly impairs your reflexes and judgment, increasing the risk of preventable injuries.
Checklist for heat-ready gear
- Before heading out, ensure you have:
- A large insulated water bottle (at least 1 litre)
- Electrolyte tablets or sachets for sessions longer than an hour
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A cap or bucket hat for breaks between runs
- A well-ventilated skate or multi-sport helmet
- Light-colored, breathable clothing — long sleeves offer protection from both scrapes and sun
- Cooling spray or wet wipes
- A basic first aid kit — hot, dry concrete increases the risk of wound infection
Recognizing heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can develop rapidly, especially in younger or less experienced riders. Be alert for:
- Excessive sweating and feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Skin that is pale, cool, or clammy
- Nausea or vomiting
- A fast, weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue or weakness disproportionate to effort
If you or someone with you exhibits these symptoms: move to a shaded or cool area immediately, drink water slowly, apply a cool, damp cloth to the skin, and call emergency services if symptoms are severe or do not improve within 30 minutes.
Stay safe out there
The skatepark will still be there. On the hottest days, the best session is the one you return from safely. Skate early, skate wisely, and stay hydrated.
Got your gear ready? Explore our complete collection of skateboards, scooters and protective gear at skatehut.com.