How to Cool Down a Humid Room Without AC

Open windows on opposite sides of the room when the air outside is cooler and less humid, and use a window fan to draw fresh air in while another fan pushes warm air out. If the outdoor air feels hotter and stickier, close the windows and curtains during the day to keep that heat and moisture from entering.

Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans while showering or cooking, repair leaks, and dry wet towels or laundry outside the room so they do not add moisture to the air. A dehumidifier can make a sticky room feel more comfortable, although it uses electricity and releases some heat, so empty its water tank and clean it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Close blinds or curtains on sunny windows, switch off unnecessary lights and electronics, and avoid using the oven during the hottest part of the day. Aim a fan toward where you are sitting to help sweat evaporate from your skin, but remember that a fan moves air rather than lowering the room’s temperature, and fans alone may not prevent heat-related illness in extreme heat.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating block heat and use fans.

Drink water regularly, take a lukewarm shower, or place a cool, damp cloth on your neck and wrists when the room feels uncomfortable. Choose loose clothing in breathable fabrics and keep bedding light; our Stay Cool in Humid Heat summer wardrobe guide is a digital download covering clothing tips, fabrics, and outfit planning for hot weather.

If the room remains dangerously hot, spend time in an air-conditioned public place, such as a library or cooling center, and check on children, older adults, and anyone especially vulnerable to heat. Seek emergency help if someone shows signs of heat stroke, such as confusion, fainting, or a very high body temperature, and move them to a cooler place while help is on the way.