Improve your summer singing vocal health with these science-backed tips for hydration, allergies, and outdoor singing.
Summer Singing Vocal Health Matters!
As the days grow longer and the gigs get sunnier, singers face a new kind of performance challenge: summer. Between high heat, relentless pollen, dehydrating air conditioning, and chlorine-filled pools, your voice can suffer if you’re not proactive. Even smoke from summer wildfires takes its toll on the voice. Whether you’re preparing for outdoor concerts, teaching summer intensives, or heading to vocal festivals, here’s your ultimate summer singing vocal health guide — full of expert-backed tips to help your voice stay resilient and radiant.
Allergy Season Woes
Why It Matters:
Summer allergies (especially pollen and grass) can cause inflammation, congestion, and postnasal drip — all of which can compromise tone, pitch control, and stamina.
What To Do:
- Use a saline spray or neti pot daily to rinse away allergens. Here’s a video on safe neti pot technique from the Mayo Clinic.
- Choose non-drying antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec), and talk to your ENT about what’s voice-safe.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate — allergy meds and mouth breathing dry out the vocal folds.
- Avoid unnecessary throat clearing, which can damage tissue. Try a gentle hum or swallow instead.
Air Conditioning & Vocal Dehydration
Why It Matters:
Cold, dry air from AC systems can dry out your vocal folds, reducing elasticity and control.
What To Do:
- Run a humidifier at night to counterbalance dry air.
- Carry a portable vocal steamer for travel or long rehearsals. (We love the MyPurMist inhaler for gentle, medical-grade hydration.)
- Sip room-temp or warm water throughout the day — aim for 2–3 liters when singing regularly.
Outdoor Singing in the Heat
Why It Matters:
High temperatures and direct sunlight can deplete energy, dry vocal tissue, and reduce breath control.
What To Do:
- Schedule singing for early morning or late evening when possible.
- Stay shaded or wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Use electrolyte-rich drinks (like coconut water or LMNT packets) to replace lost fluids.
- Don’t push: singing while overheated can cause vocal swelling or fatigue.
Pool Chlorine and Respiratory Irritation
Why It Matters:
Chlorine exposure — especially if you inhale it or get it in your sinuses — can cause irritation that affects vocal clarity and airflow.
What To Do:
- Keep your head above water when possible.
- Rinse your nose and sinuses post-swim with a gentle saline spray.
- Schedule pool time 24–48 hours before a performance, not the day of.
Travel & Time Zone Stress
Why It Matters:
Whether you’re on tour, attending a summer program, or just visiting family, travel can disrupt sleep, hydration, and your vocal routine.
What To Do:
- Pack a vocal health kit: saline spray, water bottle, steamer, straws for straw phonation, lozenges.
- Keep warm-ups gentle and short on travel days.
- Prioritize sleep, steam, and silence when you arrive — your voice will thank you.
Listen to Your Summer Voice
Even if you’re doing everything right, your voice may feel heavier, slower to warm up, or slightly different in the summer. That’s not failure — it’s adaptation.
Your voice is part of your body. Just like your skin needs sunscreen, your voice needs protection and care that changes with the seasons.
At HVS Conservatory, you can develop the necessary tools to succeed in the music industry. Based in Los Angeles, our faculty of music industry experts coach aspiring artists by passing on grammy- and platinum-winning training from their personal experiences alongside necessary musical training. Check out our schedule of masterclasses and free community events, including acoustic sessions, seasonal open house events, and artist showcases.