Is summer triggering your migraines? Here's what experts say could be to blame
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
For many people, summer means vacations, family barbecues, and relaxing afternoons in the sun.
But if you suffer from migraines, this season might be doing more harm than good.
The warmer months bring more than just sunshine—they also come with a unique set of triggers that can make headaches worse.
Whether it's heat, bright light, or a disrupted routine, summer often throws off the balance needed to keep migraines in check.
Fortunately, experts have weighed in on how to manage symptoms and reduce the impact of seasonal migraine flare-ups.
Why summer can make migraines worse
Migraines are more than just headaches—they're complex neurological events that can be triggered by a variety of environmental and physiological changes.
According to Dr. Shae Datta, a neurologist at NYU Langone Health, summer weather creates a “perfect storm” of migraine triggers:
Real experiences behind the pain
Kristin Thorvaldsen, 50, has experienced migraines since her teenage years.
Even with daily medications, she finds summer especially difficult.
“It usually starts with a pain in the corner of my eye, or I get tension in my neck,” she said.
She’s learned to cut back on alcohol during warm months, drink more water, and track her symptoms closely.
Tips to reduce migraine triggers this summer
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for migraines, but the following strategies can make a difference:
1. Stay hydrated consistently
Sip water throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty. Adding slices of cucumber or lemon can help make water more enjoyable. Hydration is one of the simplest but most powerful tools in migraine prevention.
2. Protect your eyes and skin
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats offer shade and protection from light-related triggers. Polarized lenses help reduce glare. Fragrance-free sunscreen can also reduce reactions from scented products.
3. Keep a steady routine
Aim for a consistent sleep and meal schedule, even when summer plans get busy. Too little sleep or skipped meals are common migraine triggers. Gentle activities like stretching or breathing exercises can also reduce stress.
4. Watch what you eat and drink
Certain summer treats—like hot dogs, ice cream, and alcoholic drinks—can contain additives or ingredients that trigger symptoms. Red wine, beer, and foods with nitrates or MSG can be especially problematic for some people.
5. Store medications properly
High temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of some migraine medications. Keep them in a cool, dark place, and use an insulated bag with a cold pack if you’re on the go.
6. Go easy on the caffeine
If you’re used to a daily cup of coffee, skipping it might trigger a headache—but too much can also be a problem. Try to stay consistent with your intake and avoid large caffeine swings.
7. Use a migraine tracking tool
Journaling your symptoms, or using an app, can help you identify patterns and refine your prevention plan. It can also be helpful when talking to your doctor about medication changes or new symptoms.
If your migraines are changing—becoming more frequent, lasting longer, or not responding to your usual treatments—don’t wait to speak with a healthcare provider.
Any sudden or severe symptoms, such as vision changes or confusion, should be evaluated immediately.
Have you discovered ways to manage migraines during the summer? Do you swear by a particular hydration tip or sun hat brand? Share your thoughts in the comments—your experience might help someone else navigate the season more comfortably.
For many people, summer means vacations, family barbecues, and relaxing afternoons in the sun.
But if you suffer from migraines, this season might be doing more harm than good.
The warmer months bring more than just sunshine—they also come with a unique set of triggers that can make headaches worse.
Whether it's heat, bright light, or a disrupted routine, summer often throws off the balance needed to keep migraines in check.
Fortunately, experts have weighed in on how to manage symptoms and reduce the impact of seasonal migraine flare-ups.
Summer brings sun, heat, and schedule changes—all common migraine triggers to watch out for. Image Source: Pexels / Marcus Aurelius.
Why summer can make migraines worse
Migraines are more than just headaches—they're complex neurological events that can be triggered by a variety of environmental and physiological changes.
According to Dr. Shae Datta, a neurologist at NYU Langone Health, summer weather creates a “perfect storm” of migraine triggers:
- Sudden weather shifts: Going from hot outdoor air to cold air conditioning can be jarring for the nervous system, especially when combined with humidity and barometric pressure changes.
- Too much sunlight: Bright sunlight and glare are common migraine triggers, particularly for people with light sensitivity.
- Not enough hydration: With more sweat and sun exposure, it's easier to become dehydrated—which is a known contributor to migraines.
- Disrupted routines: Summer activities often bring late nights, more social events, and changes in sleep and meal schedules. That kind of inconsistency can be tough on people prone to headaches.
- Scents and chemicals: Fragrances from sunscreen, insect repellents, and summer blooms can set off symptoms in people sensitive to smells.
Real experiences behind the pain
Kristin Thorvaldsen, 50, has experienced migraines since her teenage years.
Even with daily medications, she finds summer especially difficult.
“It usually starts with a pain in the corner of my eye, or I get tension in my neck,” she said.
She’s learned to cut back on alcohol during warm months, drink more water, and track her symptoms closely.
Tips to reduce migraine triggers this summer
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for migraines, but the following strategies can make a difference:
1. Stay hydrated consistently
Sip water throughout the day—even before you feel thirsty. Adding slices of cucumber or lemon can help make water more enjoyable. Hydration is one of the simplest but most powerful tools in migraine prevention.
2. Protect your eyes and skin
Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats offer shade and protection from light-related triggers. Polarized lenses help reduce glare. Fragrance-free sunscreen can also reduce reactions from scented products.
3. Keep a steady routine
Aim for a consistent sleep and meal schedule, even when summer plans get busy. Too little sleep or skipped meals are common migraine triggers. Gentle activities like stretching or breathing exercises can also reduce stress.
4. Watch what you eat and drink
Certain summer treats—like hot dogs, ice cream, and alcoholic drinks—can contain additives or ingredients that trigger symptoms. Red wine, beer, and foods with nitrates or MSG can be especially problematic for some people.
5. Store medications properly
High temperatures can reduce the effectiveness of some migraine medications. Keep them in a cool, dark place, and use an insulated bag with a cold pack if you’re on the go.
6. Go easy on the caffeine
If you’re used to a daily cup of coffee, skipping it might trigger a headache—but too much can also be a problem. Try to stay consistent with your intake and avoid large caffeine swings.
7. Use a migraine tracking tool
Journaling your symptoms, or using an app, can help you identify patterns and refine your prevention plan. It can also be helpful when talking to your doctor about medication changes or new symptoms.
If your migraines are changing—becoming more frequent, lasting longer, or not responding to your usual treatments—don’t wait to speak with a healthcare provider.
Any sudden or severe symptoms, such as vision changes or confusion, should be evaluated immediately.
Have you discovered ways to manage migraines during the summer? Do you swear by a particular hydration tip or sun hat brand? Share your thoughts in the comments—your experience might help someone else navigate the season more comfortably.
