Let’s talk about summer

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Summer is a favourite season for many people around the world. It’s the warmest time of the year, full of sunshine, long days, and exciting outdoor celebrations

Let’s explore what makes summer special, how people celebrate it, and how to enjoy it safely.

What happens in summer?

Summer is one of the four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (also called fall), and winter. In the northern hemisphere, summer usually begins in June and ends in August. In the southern hemisphere—places like Australia and South Africa—summer takes place from December to February.

During summer, the weather is usually hot and sunny. Sometimes, there is a heatwave, which means several days of very high temperatures. People wear light clothes, such as shorts, T-shirts, and flip-flops, and try to stay cool.

Summer outfit with shorts and flip-flops
Colourful fireworks lighting up the summer night sky

How do people enjoy summer?

Summer is the season of vacations, festivals, and outdoor fun. Schools close for a summer holiday, and many families travel or enjoy relaxing time at home.

Here are some things people love to do in summer:

  • Go to the beach to swim in the sea and lie in the sun.
  • Have a barbecue or picnic in the park with family or friends.
  • Go camping or hiking in the mountains or forest.
  • Watch beautiful fireworks during summer festivals.
  • Eat cold, refreshing foods like ice cream and drink iced drinks or fruit smoothies.

In Japan, summer is known for Hanabi Taikai—fireworks festivals that light up the night sky. In the USA, people celebrate Independence Day on July 4th with fireworks, barbecues, and parades.

Fun summer facts

Want to impress your friends? Here are some fun facts about summer:

  • The summer solstice is the longest day of the year. In some countries, the sun doesn’t set until very late—after 10:00 p.m.!
  • The most popular summer fruit is the watermelon, which is made of 92% water. It’s delicious and helps you stay hydrated.
  • In Iceland, during summer, it stays light almost all night. This is called the “midnight sun.”
  • Sunshine gives us Vitamin D, which is good for our bones and helps us feel happy.
Juicy watermelon the perfect summer fruit
Sun cream essential item to stay safe in the summer sun

Stay safe in summer

Summer is fun, but it’s also important to protect yourself from the heat and sun. Here are some safety tips:

  • Hydrate by drinking lots of water, especially during a heatwave.
  • Use sunscreen with SPF to avoid sunburn.
  • Wear a sun hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes.
  • Stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day (usually from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.).
  • Wear light, loose-fitting clothes like cotton T-shirts and shorts.

Let’s talk!

Think about these questions and try discussing with a friend in English
What do you usually do in summer?
Are there any special summer holidays or festivals in your country?
What is your favourite summer food or drink?

Summer is full of sunshine, adventure, and joy. Wherever you are in the world, there’s something to enjoy about this beautiful season. So, grab your sunscreen, drink some water, and make the most of summer!

Happy summer!

 

Friends enjoying outdoor summer

📝 Summer Vocabulary

HeatwaveA period of very hot weather that lasts for several days
Flip-flopsLight, open shoes for hot weather
FestivalsSpecial events or celebrations, often with music, food and traditions
HikingWalking in nature, usually in the countryside or mountains
FireworksBright lights and loud sounds in the sky, used for celebrations
SolsticeThe day with the most sunlight in the year (usually June 21 or 22)
HydrateTo drink enough water to stay healthy
Vitamin DA vitamin we get from sunlight that helps our bones and mood
SunscreenA lotion that protects your skin from the sun’s UV rays
SunburnRed, painful skin caused by too much sun
ShadeA cool, dark area away from direct sunlight

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