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Hot Weather and Kidney Health

Please note that the following information is provided as a general guide and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is important to consult your healthcare team for personalised recommendations and to address any specific health concerns.
For medical or health matters, please consult your GP, contact NHS 111, or call 999 in case of a medical emergency. We are unable to provide personalised responses regarding specific health enquiries or comment on individual medical conditions

Hot weather places extra stress on the body. For people living with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis, and kidney transplant recipients, this can increase the risk of dehydration, changes in kidney function, and complications related to fluid balance and medication.
 

Key risks include:
 

  • dehydration

  • reduced kidney function or acute kidney injury

  • blood pressure changes

  • fluid overload (in some people with advanced kidney disease or dialysis)

  • increased strain on the heart

  • increased risk of skin damage and skin cancer risk after kidney transplant

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​​How heat affects kidney function
 

When the body gets hot, it loses fluid through sweat.  In a healthy system
 

  • thirst increases fluid intake

  • kidneys conserve water by producing more concentrated urine
     

This helps maintain fluid balance.
 

When kidney function is reduced:
 

  • fluid balance is harder to regulate

  • dehydration can happen more easily

  • some people may retain fluid depending on their condition and treatment

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Why hot weather increases risk

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  • kidney-related hospital admissions increase during heatwaves

  • dehydration can trigger sudden worsening of kidney function

  • people with kidney disease are more sensitive to fluid and blood pressure changes

  • medications (especially blood pressure tablets and diuretics) can affect hydration balance

  • transplant kidneys are more vulnerable to dehydration-related stress

     

Staying hydrated safely​

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  • drink according to thirst unless on a fluid restriction

  • water is the best option

  • avoid relying on sugary drinks

  • tea and coffee can contribute in moderation

  • alcohol should not be used for hydration

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Staying safe in hot weather

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  • avoid direct sun during the hottest part of the day

  • stay in shade or cool environments

  • wear light, breathable clothing and a hat

  • reduce strenuous activity

  • keep indoor environments cool where possible

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Signs of dehydration to watch for

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  • dark or strong-smelling urine

  • dizziness or light-headedness

  • fatigue or low energy

  • dry mouth, lips or tongue

  • reduced urine output

  • confusion in more severe cases

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Important: hydration depends on individual clinical guidance

People on fluid restrictions must follow their kidney team’s guidance at all times

 

​​Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and hot weather

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People with chronic kidney disease are more vulnerable to heat stress and dehydration.  This is because:
 

  • kidneys may not regulate fluid balance effectively

  • dehydration can worsen kidney function

  • some medications (including blood pressure tablets and diuretics) can affect hydration levels

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General guidance:

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  • drink according to thirst unless restricted

  • avoid overheating

  • monitor for early signs of dehydration

  • seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or persist

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Dialysis and hot weather

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People on dialysis need careful fluid management in hot weather.  This is because:
 

  • kidneys may produce very little or no urine

  • fluid can build up between dialysis sessions

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However, too much fluid can cause:
 

  • breathlessness

  • swelling in ankles, legs or face

  • high blood pressure

  • headaches

  • strain on the heart

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General guidance:
 

  • follow fluid restrictions carefully

  • monitor weight and blood pressure

  • discuss changes in thirst or symptoms with your kidney team

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Kidney transplant and hot weather
 

After transplant, the kidney may be more sensitive to dehydration.  During dehydration:
 

  • blood flow to the kidney can reduce

  • kidney function may temporarily drop

  • repeated episodes can contribute to long-term damage
     

General guidance:
 

  • maintain regular hydration

  • avoid overheating

  • do not rely on thirst alone as a warning sign

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African Caribbean Kidney Education Enterprise_lemon water
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Sun safety and kidney health

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Sun exposure increases risk of skin damage for everyone, and is especially important for kidney transplant recipients.

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General guidance:

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  • use SPF 50 or higher

  • avoid sunbeds completely

  • avoid sunbathing

  • wear protective clothing and hats

  • seek shade during peak sunlight hours

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Additional sun safety advice for kidney transplant recipients

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People with a kidney transplant have a higher risk of skin cancer due to immunosuppressant medication.

This increases risk of:

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  • squamous cell carcinoma (highest risk increase)

  • basal cell carcinoma

  • melanoma

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General guidance:

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  • check skin regularly for changes

  • report new or changing lesions early

  • attend regular skin checks if advised

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African Caribbean community considerations

People of African Caribbean heritage have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease, often linked to high blood pressure and diabetes.

This makes early prevention and kidney protection especially important during hot weather.

Skin cancer risk after transplant applies to all ethnic groups because it is linked to medication rather than skin tone. However, skin changes may be less visible in darker skin tones, so regular skin checks remain important.

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Key takeaways

  • hot weather can affect kidney function and fluid balance

  • CKD, dialysis, and transplant patients have different risks

  • hydration should be based on clinical guidance

  • early recognition of symptoms is important

  • sun protection is essential, especially after transplant

                      

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Protect Your Kidneys with ACKEE in Hot Weather


A | Assess your heat-related kidney risk

Hot weather can affect everyone differently. Before spending time outdoors, consider your personal circumstances and how they may affect your ability to cope with high temperatures.  Factors that may increase your risk include living with kidney disease, receiving dialysis, having a kidney transplant, having diabetes or high blood pressure, taking certain medicines, spending long periods outdoors, or carrying out physical activity during hot weather.
Even if you have not been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is still important to take steps to protect your kidney health. Many people are unaware they have early kidney disease because symptoms are often not present in the early stages.  Taking a few moments to assess your risk can help you make informed decisions and reduce the likelihood of heat-related illness, dehydration and unnecessary strain on your kidneys.

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C | Check your fluid balance

In hot weather, fluid balance can change more quickly than usual and may affect kidney function and overall wellbeing.

Some people may need to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration, while others, particularly those receiving dialysis or following a fluid restriction, may need to carefully limit intake to avoid fluid overload.
Understanding your individual fluid guidance is essential. This may include advice on daily fluid limits, monitoring weight changes, or recognising how your medications affect fluid balance. If you are unsure, follow the guidance provided by your kidney team rather than making changes based on thirst alone.

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K | Keep cool and reduce heat exposure

Managing your exposure to heat is one of the most effective ways to protect your kidneys during hot weather.

This may involve adjusting your daily routine to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures, seeking shaded or cooler environments, wearing suitable clothing, and reducing physical activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Small changes to your environment and behaviour can reduce the strain placed on your body and help maintain safer fluid and temperature balance.

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E | Early recognition of symptoms

Heat-related strain on the kidneys and body can develop gradually, so recognising early warning signs is important.

These may include dizziness, fatigue, headaches, dry mouth, reduced urine output, dark urine, swelling or breathlessness. In more serious cases, confusion or worsening general wellbeing may occur.

Noticing changes early allows you to respond before symptoms become more severe. If you are concerned, seek medical advice or contact your kidney team.

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E | Examine and protect your skin

Sun exposure is a key risk factor for skin damage, and kidney transplant recipients are at significantly higher risk of developing skin cancer due to immunosuppressant medication.

Protection should include regular use of high-factor sunscreen, protective clothing, avoiding sunbeds, and limiting exposure during peak sunlight hours. Regular skin checks are important to identify new or changing lesions early.

Any changes to the skin should be assessed promptly by a healthcare professional.

Kidney Function
CKD
Dialysis
Translant
Sun Safety
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