Keep Your Cool: How to Stay Sexy in the Summer Heat with Temperature Play

It’s summer, and you’re hot – in more ways than one. If the summer heat has got you feeling sticky, sweaty, and maybe not-so-sexy - don’t sweat it (literally). With a little creativity and the right tools, you can turn the heatwave into a wave of pleasure - we’re talking about temperature play.

Whether you're playing solo, enjoying some fun with a partner, or exploring kink, temperature play offers a delicious mix of stimulation, sensation, and intensity - all while giving you a refreshing cool-down even when things are heating up.

What is Temperature Play?

Temperature play is a form of sensation play that uses different temperatures (warm, cool, hot, cold) to engage the body in unique and exciting ways. Whether it’s to awaken the senses, intensify arousal, or explore the contrast between physical sensations, many people enjoy temperature play for the heightened sensory experience it brings. For some, it’s about activating nerve endings or mixing pleasure with consensual pain. For others, it’s simply about trying something new.

While temperature play is a type of BDSM play, these sensations can have a broad range of applications, from gentle and sensual to intense and even sadomasochistic. Temperature play can be as simple as blowing a breath of cool air over your partner’s skin to running a freezing cold ice-cube over freshly spanked skin, to consensually marking your partner with hot wax.

As always, communication is key - check in with your partner before introducing temperature extremes, and avoid overly hot or cold items that could burn or stick to skin.

Temperature play can also be a great way to help warm you up in the cooler months, or cool things down when the temps are high, which is what we’re diving into today.

Make A Splash with Waterproof Toys

Cooling off in water is one of the first ways we think of beating the heat, so why not bring some extra fun into that cold shower (or, if you’re lucky enough, private home pool). Try taking your waterproof vibes, dildos, and anal toys for a dip! It’s a great way to get a little dirty while you’re getting clean.

Just note - not all water-friendly toys are created equal. Splash-proof and water-resistant toys may be okay to take into the shower, but they need to be waterproof or submersible in order to go under the water like in a bathtub or pool. Always read the included instruction guide for your toy if it has a motor before going for a dip - or opt for a non-vibrating / non-motorized toy for your water play, like a silicone dildo or anal plug.

Chill Your Toys and Lube

When your body is hot and sticky, it can feel incredible to add something cool and slick. Hard material toys like dildos and plugs made of metal or glass can hold temperature really well. Run your toy under some cold water before play (this works with warm water for the cooler months as well!) to add that extra level of sensation.

While you can also do this by popping your toys or your lubricant in the fridge for a bit before use, we don’t suggest you put your dildos in the freezer, as they can become too cold and stick to sensitive skin. 

To keep it cool without having to run to the kitchen in the heat of the moment, store your lubricant in a cool dark place – like in a bedside drawer - for refreshing rehydration of your hot spots.

Also, a little fun sex educator-approved tip: if the sun’s got your thighs sticking together, silicone lube is perfect for preventing chaffing on your bod - it’s a game changer.

Check the Freezer

Add a little bit of chill with a whole lot of sensation by turning to an unexpected and super accessible sex toy that almost everyone has in their house already - ice cube sex!

Glide an ice cube slowly across the skin, tracing curves and contours as the cold water melts and drips over sensitive spots like the neck or thighs. Let the ice melt over the body to leave a cooling trail you lap up with your tongue.

Taking a gulp of ice-cold water before using your mouth on sensitive bits like nipples or before going down on someone can be a great way to stay hydrated and level up the sensations your mouth can give - or for a more intense sensation, do it with the cube in your mouth. You can even try this with a frozen treat like a frozen piece of fruit or a popsicle, just stick to external teasing when using food - sugar can cause irritation or infection (nobody wants their summer plans impeded by a yeast infection). And try not to get brain freeze, either.

Explore Contrast in Temperature

For a delightfully intense contrast, combine temperature play with impact play. Rubbing an ice cube against freshly spanked skin will amplify sensation - the chill will feel especially sharp and electrifying where nerve endings are already buzzing from the sting of impact (or bites, or scratches, whatever you’re into!)

You can also pair chilled toys with a warming lubricant for a dual-stimulation effect. Warming lubes typically create a gentle, tingling heat (not burning) so using them alongside cool stimulation can amplify sensitivity and elevate your experience with a seriously unique sensation.

Cool Down your Space

Creating a cooler environment can make summer sex more comfortable, and more sensual - setting the scene by cooling the room, not the mood.

Pull the curtains and dim the lights - your room can dramatically change in temperature when you switch out the lights and block the sun from bathing the bed in warm light. If you like the ambiance of light or just want a better view, try swapping out the overhead lights for some soft LED string lights or a bedside lamp - maybe even a color bulb like blue or purple to add in some extra aesthetic and to give a hue to the scene that naturally feels cooler and more relaxing.

Having a fan or A/C near the bed (or wherever you’re playing) can not only be a great way to keep you cool overall, but the gusts of cool wind against exposed skin can provide a consistent sensation as you play.

Drink Up

And last but certainly not least, drink lots of water. Hydration is key, and your body will thank you so much when those temps are rising. Staying hydrated supports sexual functioning and lubrication, significantly boosts energy levels, and can help your mood as well. Keep a chilled water bottle or electrolyte drink nearby, and don’t be shy to ask for a quick hydration break if you need it. Cheers to that!

No matter how high the temps rise, your pleasure doesn’t have to take a backseat. With a little creativity and some cooling techniques, you can keep things hot—even when you're trying to stay cool.