June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a great opportunity to talk about this neurological condition that affects nearly 14% of people worldwide. Because no, a migraine is not “just a headache.” Migraine attacks can come with nausea, vomiting, extreme sensitivity to light and sound, and pain intense enough to put daily life on hold for hours, sometimes even days.
And for many people, warmer weather doesn’t just mean patios and vacations. Heat, bright sunlight, humidity, thunderstorms, dehydration and disrupted routines are all well-known migraine and headache triggers during spring and summer. Here’s why migraines tend to become more frequent during the warmer months, how to recognise common triggers and, most importantly, how to help prevent attacks.
Weather plays a major role in migraine attacks. Seasonal transitions, especially between spring and summer, often bring changes in temperature, humidity and barometric pressure that can trigger migraines in people who are more sensitive to environmental changes.
Heat and blood vessel dilation
When temperatures rise, the body naturally tries to cool itself by widening blood vessels near the skin. This process, called vasodilation, may contribute to migraine attacks in some people.
Migraines are also linked to complex neurological and inflammatory processes involving blood vessels and certain nerves in the brain. As a result, very hot days or heat waves can become significant migraine triggers.
Some people also notice an increase in tension headaches during periods of extreme heat, often due to fatigue, muscle tension and general discomfort caused by high temperatures.
Sunlight and migraines
Summer sunshine may feel great for some people, but bright light can be especially difficult for those living with migraines.
Photophobia (aka light sensitivity) is one of the most common migraine symptoms. For some people, glare and intense sunlight can even trigger an attack.
Long periods spent outdoors, sunlight reflecting off water or bright surfaces, and the extra daylight during spring and summer can overstimulate visual pathways and worsen symptoms.
Wearing high-quality sunglasses and seeking shade during the sunniest parts of the day may help reduce this trigger.
Dehydration
During the summer, people tend to sweat more, sometimes without realising it. Even mild dehydration caused by sweating can be enough to trigger a headache or migraine.
When the body lacks water, blood volume decreases, which may reduce oxygen delivery and contribute to pain.
That’s why staying hydrated is especially important during hot weather and outdoor activities. Many experts recommend drinking water regularly instead of waiting until you feel thirsty, aiming for roughly one glass of water per hour during very hot days.
Thunderstorms and barometric pressure
Ever notice a migraine coming on just before a thunderstorm? That’s not unusual.
Rapid changes in barometric (air) pressure, which are common during summer, are recognised migraine triggers. Weather fluctuations can affect the sinuses, blood vessels and neurological pathways associated with migraine pain.
Some people notice worsening symptoms during:
Disrupted routines
Vacations, festivals, later bedtimes and less structured schedules can also play a role.
Lack of sleep and changes in daily habits are common migraine triggers. Even a few shorter nights can increase the frequency of attacks for some people.
Spring and summer may also disrupt the body’s natural rhythm because of longer days and increased exposure to natural light.
Migraine is a complex neurological condition that can present in different ways. Unlike a typical headache, migraines are often accompanied by specific symptoms and can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
Common symptoms include:
About 25% of people prone to migraines also experience migraine aura symptoms, such as flashing lights, zigzag lines, tingling sensations or speech difficulties before the pain begins.
Migraines affect approximately 1.2 million people in Quebec, aged 12 and older.
Some important facts:
While it’s impossible to avoid every trigger, certain habits may help reduce the frequency of migraines and headaches during warmer months.
Helpful tips include:
Identifying patterns before attacks can help prevent future migraines and improve treatment management.
There are now several options available to help treat migraines.
Acute migraine treatments
Acute treatments are designed to relieve pain quickly and stop a migraine attack as early as possible.
Depending on the situation, a healthcare professional may recommend:
In general, treatment tends to work better when taken early.
When migraines are frequent or highly disabling, preventive treatment may also be considered to help reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.
Some people may additionally benefit from complementary approaches and lifestyle adjustments.
If your migraines become more frequent, more intense or start interfering with your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional such as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse practitioner or, when needed, a specialist like a neurologist.
Getting a proper diagnosis not only helps rule out other possible causes of headaches, but also gives you access to treatments better suited to your situation.
To search for an appointment with your family doctor or a nearby clinic, go to the Bonjour-santé website. Also note that with the Bonjour-santé membership, members also have unlimited access to nurse e-consutls for health advice, virtual pharmacist consultations, an online prescription renewal service, and support from a liaison team to help find appointments with specialists.
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