14 Dec 2014 | By Sun International
How to Survive Summer in Durban
Lazing around by the swimming pool at Sibaya Lodge in Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World with a refreshing cocktail in hand could seem like the ideal way to beat the Durban summer heat but, you can't do it every day!
When you want to get out and get going because you've got things to do in Durban, how do you survive the sticky humidity? We let you in a few of the secrets of the humidity-surviving Durbanite:
Sandals and shorts
Sandals (called "slops" or "flip flops") and shorts can even be considered office attire. Just about every business in Durban adopts a slightly more casual approach when compared with our commercial counterparts in other provinces.
Within a few weeks of living in Durban, you come to realise that wearing a suit and tie every day will probably land you in one place and it's not a new office, thanks to a swanky promotion. It'll be a hospital bed, where you'll be laid up for heat-related exhaustion. When it comes to Durban offices, we know how to dress classy but cool. And yes, sometimes, we wear slops too.
Air conditioners are not just convenient
Air conditioners are not a convenience – they are an essential purchase if you're staying in Durban. That's why every Durban property rental advertisement includes it as a feature and why every Durban motorist insists on having an air conditioner fitted into their vehicle.
They stay on for as long as we can afford to keep them on, every day and at night too. Actually, especially on summer nights, as you'll get sweatier than you will during an exuberant aerobics class. And if you can't afford an air conditioner, you will have a ceiling fan, in every room.
Suburban swimming pools
Every kid who grows up in Durban will tell you that their best friend during summer is the friend who has a swimming pool! While families may install a pool for their personal use, the moment it's up and running, it becomes a neighbourhood asset.
If you don't know which of your neighbours has a pool yet, wait to see who throws the first party of the summer season. Head directly over and make yourself at home, because you've just found your new best friend!
Avoid Durban during the first 2 months of every year
If they could, Durbanites would pack up and move for the first 2 months of every year. Yes, they'd abandon their beloved city for the cool of somewhere else during January and February. If you can avoid visiting Durban during these months, you'll escape the very worst of the summer stickiness. It is the ultimate survival test for every Durban resident to not spend every day in their neighbour's swimming pool during these months!
Take a dip
Every morning, crowds of people head down to Durban's beaches to start the day with a sunrise greeting and a dip in the warm ocean waters. Some surfers hit the waves; others swim out to the shore break and some other people just splash about.
Head down at about 5h00 in the morning to catch the sunrise and start your day the cooler way.