Here's when you should switch to a summer duvet, according to bedding experts

Wondering when you should switch to a summer duvet? You're not alone. The UK's unpredictable spring and summer weather can confuse the best of us.

Luckily, experts say there's a simple formula for timing the duvet switch so that we're not overheating or shivering unnecessarily.

After all, although some of the best duvets can see us through all of the seasons without us needing to swap out our bedding (I'm looking at you temperature-regulating wool duvets), most duvets have tog ratings, and a winter tog duvet will be too hot for most of us in the summertime.

Our experts have shared their intel on when to make the switch to a summer duvet below, but first up, it can be useful to know *why* changing to a summer duvet is so important.

After all, investing in two separate duvets for the summer and winter months might seem like an unwelcome expense, but when it comes to how to sleep better, experts say that our duvet's warmth level is key.

Why change to a summer duvet?

Why is making a timely switch to a summer duvet so important? According to Dr Tim Mercer, NHS GP Partner and GP Trainer with Opera Beds, 'Many people underestimate how important the right bedding is for regulating your body temperature overnight. As temperatures rise in spring and summer, your body naturally needs a cooler environment to fall asleep and stay asleep.'

As Dr Mercer goes on to explain, 'Thick winter duvets can lead to overheating, fragmented sleep and frequent night waking.' And this has a significant impact on many aspects of our well-being.

'Overheating doesn’t just make it harder to fall asleep, it also disrupts the deeper stages of sleep that are essential for physical recovery, immune function and mental wellbeing,' explains Dr Mercer. 'Our core body temperature naturally drops as we fall asleep, and if we’re too warm, our body struggles to maintain that optimal temperature, reducing overall sleep quality.'

'Choosing a lighter duvet isn’t just more comfortable, it actively supports your body’s natural sleep cycles, helping you achieve deeper, more restorative sleep and wake feeling genuinely refreshed,' says Dr Mercer.

When to switch to a summer duvet

OK, hopefully we're convinced of the need for a summer duvet that helps us to regulate our temperature better, so now down to the nitty-gritty of when we should make the switch.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, temperature plays the biggest role in when we should switch from a winter to a summer duvet. This means that the right time to change to a summer duvet will depend on our local weather forecast. Experts say there's one key thing to look out for.

'The ideal time to swap bedding is when nighttime temperatures consistently reach 15°C or above,' shares Dr Mercer. 'At this point, winter duvets and heavy bedding are no longer necessary and lighter, breathable options will help maintain optimal sleeping conditions.'

'I’d recommend changing to your summer duvet once the temperature outside stays above 15°C at night over the space of a week,' agrees Rex Isap, CEO of sleep brand Happy Beds.

And as Rex points out, 'naturally, this can differ depending on where you live in the UK. For example, in London, the average temperature is 15°C throughout April; however, further up north in Manchester, it doesn’t reach an average of 15°C until May.'

Using 15°C as a guideline, for most of us, that means the best time to switch to a summer duvet will be in April or May, depending on where we are in the country.

Of course, personal preference, whether or not we're a hot sleeper, and potential heatwaves play a part too; if you find you're getting too warm at night before temperatures reach 15°C, by all means, switch to your summer duvet earlier.

'Some people may feel comfortable with a thinner duvet earlier in the spring, while others may prefer to wait until we head closer towards the summer months (late June),' says Rex. 'You know your body best, so switch to a thinner duvet when you feel comfortable doing so.'

That said, Dr Mercer advises not leaving the duvet switch too late. 'Waiting too long can lead to unnecessary overheating, restless sleep, and even morning fatigue,' he shares. 'By planning for the switch now, you can align your sleep environment with your body’s natural temperature cycles.'

Best summer duvets

So, if you're ready to start planning for the duvet changeover and wondering what duvet tog to buy for the summer months, you have two main options.

You can opt for a medium-weight wool duvet, which offers such excellent breathability and temperature regulation that it will see you through most of the seasons, or if you prefer a squishy feather and down or an easy-care synthetic duvet, look for a duvet with a tog rating somewhere between 4.5 tog and 7.5 togs.

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor, I've put plenty of summer duvets through their paces, and three of my tried-and-tested favourites are below.

And don't worry if you jump the gun, remove your winter bedding and store your duvet away too early; there are other adjustments you can make to ensure your bedding is suitable for the seasonal changes. Blankets will be your best friend in those transitional weeks when the temperature is unstable.

'As we transition between seasons, it can be difficult to know when to swap your winter bedding out for summer bedding, especially as the weather can be so unpredictable,' says Lydia Lloyd, textile designer at M&S Home. 'If a cold snap comes after you’ve made the switch to your summer duvet, try adding a throw to your bedding.'

I always recommend opting for a wool blanket, such as Piglet in Bed's wool blanket collection or TBCo's wool blanket range. Wool is naturally temperature-regulating and breathable, so it will add a cosy layer of insulation without trapping heat. Or, you might want to opt for a cooler cotton or linen throw if you prefer just a light layer.

FAQs

When should I change my duvet to 4.5 tog?

As the temperature starts to increase outside, it's important to find ways to keep the bedroom cool and to work out how to stay cool in bed. Opting for a low tog duvet, such as a 4.5 tog, can help.

Experts recommend making the switch to a 4.5 tog duvet when nighttime temperatures reach a consistent 15°C. That can be as early as April in some parts of Britain, or may not happen until May, June, or even July, in some years.

'Looking at last year’s weather statistics, the average temperature doubles between March and June, reaching its highest peaks in July and August, therefore, April is the perfect time to switch out your winter duvet for your summer one,' says Martin Gill, bedding expert at And So To Bed.

'In contrast, temperatures begin to decline in September, making the end of this month the ideal time to switch to a winter duvet in the bedroom.'

Is a 7.5 tog duvet OK for summer?

If you tend to sleep cool, or we're having a not-very-warm British summer then a 7.5 tog duvet can be a good choice for summer. Alternatively, if you sleep hot or we're in the midst of a heatwave, a cooler 4.5 tog option could be better. It all tends to come down to personal preference.

'Pay close attention to your own comfort and heat levels,' say the sleep experts at bedding specialists Belledorm. 'If you find yourself feeling too warm or even sweating during the night with a heavier duvet, this is then a sign that it’s time to switch to a lighter duvet.'

Is a 13.5 tog duvet too warm for summer?

Unless you sleep very cold, a 13.5 tog is likely to be much too warm for summer and is best reserved for the winter months.

'We recommend a 4.5 tog duvet for the summer months,' says Hayley Thisteton, Bedding and Sleep Expert, Sleepseeker. 'A duvet with this level of tog has less insulation so will trap less heat, keeping your body temperature at a comfortable level to minimise the risk of overheating. As well as the tog rating, look out for the duvet material, natural materials such as silk or cotton are known for providing a fresher, cooler sleeping environment.'

So there we are, everything you need to know about when to switch to a summer duvet. Will you be swapping yours over this month?