Hot and Humid: Van Life Sleeping Guide

I don’t know if anyone really wants to sleep in a hot and humid van while travelling. However, there’s times people may land in this less than ideal weather condition for van sleeping.

While travelling northern Australia in my van during the wet season, I had more than a handful of nights sleeping in a hot and humid van. The lowest the temperature dropped overnight in Kakadu National Park was 43 degrees Celsius (109 Fahrenheit). I learned a few things along the way, and thought it would be useful to share with other van lifers who also find themselves in hot and humid sleeping conditions.

Hot and humid conditions long-term for van life isn’t ideal as it can create mould, but with the right materials in your van, it’s okay. This list goes over some of the best ways survive a hot and humid sleep in a van.

Fans and more Fans

During humid and hot conditions at night, few things alleviate the temperature. Fans however, help circulate clean air that makes it easier for breathing. Strong enough fans can also transfer cooler air throughout the van, pushing out warm air that’s created from sleeping humans.

What’s also great is fans are helpful both on their own, and combined with other items on this list. When purchasing a fan for sleeping, make sure to find a fan which is quiet. If purchasing a fan in store, ask to test it out first. Multiple fans are helpful to blow air in different directions, or potentially at multiple people sleeping in the van.

Choose from USB fans, rechargeable fans, cigarette lighter fans, or even those that plug into a dual battery. Always check the voltage to ensure your battery doesn’t deplete over night. The more fans the better!

Mosquito Nets for Windows and Doors

What first irked me most about sleeping in hot and humid conditions was the dense air. It made it really hard to sleep, especially when it was raining and I couldn’t leave the doors open. I would wake up feeling like I couldn’t breathe—whereas I was fine in the winter with doors closed. This is why using mosquito/bug nets over windows and potentially doors can alleviate the dense air.

When it’s safe to do so, sleeping with doors and windows open (covered by mosquito/bug nets) can greatly help with air circulation and cooling down. There’s multiple mosquito nets available depending on your vehicle make and model. I made my own mosquito nets for the front passenger windows, and also a cover for the back door. This way I have fresh air circulation through the front to back, with the help of fans, it does make a difference for hot and humid conditions.

Breathable Bedding Fabric

Sleeping in a van may not seem like a good spot for high-quality bed linens, but it can really help with poor weather like when it’s hot and humid. Better bedding fabrics can also help with a good nights sleep any day in van life. I used to think good sheets weren’t necessary, but now that I have linen, I will never go back.

The best and most breathable fabrics for bedding include, bamboo, Eucalyptus fibre, linen and high quality cotton. Really, anything that’s a natural fabric is going to be most breathable, high quality is always best. However, with how messy things can get living in a van, I wouldn’t spend too much.

The plastic-based sheets such as polyester may be soft initially, but they’re not ideal for humid sleeping conditions. Make your sheets last longer by washing it in an eco-friendly soap!

I was surprised to find other van lifers travelling with portable air conditioners for sleeping in hot and humid conditions. There’s one company that has created air conditioners specifically for camping and travelling and that’s Short term in hot and humid conditions may be easier to withstand, but everyone is different, especially with age. I used to love humidity and now I feeling sticky so easily!

I know there’s so many cheap portable air conditioners on Amazon, but please read reviews and really think it through before purchasing these. Many technology is hard to recycle and dispose of and only becomes waste. I recommend purchasing a more reliable brand that will last, instead of contributing to more waste. There might even be second hand models used to purchase in your community, or try selling one second hand for extra cash if you’re done with it.

Portable Dehumidifiers

When an air conditioner isn’t in the realm of possibilities, but a fan doesn’t do enough, double down with a portable dehumidifier. This is actively removing excess humidity, which can cool the air. This one from Amazon is a good small option for camping as it’s low wattage.

While travelling in hot and humid conditions, the days were around 48 degrees (118 F), and only cooled to 43 degrees (109 F) at night. It felt much hotter because of the humidity, and the same goes for the night temperature. Removing the humidity throughout the night, and excess humidity created from breathing, would make a difference to the overall sleep. Just make sure not to remove too much humidity, so there isn’t a huge difference compared to the day.

Stay Hydrated

The best way to naturally regulate body temperature is to stay well hydrated throughout the day. I know it’s not ideal to be waking up for the bathroom, but it will be helpful in a hot and humid environment. The best advice is get a big water bottle to last a while! I have a one litre Cheeki water bottle which to know exactly how many litres I’m drinking a day, and when it’s not enough. This water bottle is also completely plastic-free so there’s no weird flavours, or unnecessary chemicals added.

While drinking water during the day, make sure to supplement it with electrolytes if you’re sweating excessively. This can also help the body to stay hydrated longer in addition to replenishing minerals and nutrients lost through the day. To see more, read my post on how to survive working in the heat, which is applicable even when not working.

Heading north during Australia’s wet season? See this guide for driving tips, surviving the wet, and staying safe.