We’re super pleased that winter is over. Summer means long, balmy evenings, even more casual attire than usual and delicious watermelon.

And while it also means scorching heat, sunburn and sweaty people on public transportation, we’ll still take it any day.

July and August are usually the hottest summer months, when temperatures can reach an astounding 40°C (104°F) in the hottest parts of the country, such as the Beit She’an Valley, Dead Sea area and the southern city of Eilat.

In Jerusalem, temperatures average at a more bearable 29°C (84°F), while Tel Aviv usually stands at 30°C (86°F).

However, the high humidity in Tel Aviv and other places along the coastline makes things feel much worse – take our word for it and stay away from your full-length skinny jeans if you’re planning a day out on the town.

A favorite local way to battle the heat is to plunge ourselves in water, be it at the beach, natural water springs, the pool or even at city-center water fountains.

And it’s not a pastime enjoyed only by humans –animals at the zoo enjoy a cool dipduring the summer months too.

Keeping Israelis’ caffeine habits in mind, it comes as no surprise that coffee also plays a central role in keeping cool.

While some prefer it hot year-round, many others switch overto iced versions from May to October. These versions include either a café kar (a regular cold coffee), or an ice café (a sugary, caffeinated slushy). Kids can join in on the fun too by sipping ice shoko (cold cocoa slushy)or even ice vanil (a super-sweet vanilla-flavored slushy).

Of course ice cream, popsicles, watermelon (served with feta cheese!) and other fresh fruits also comprise a major part of Israelis’ summertime diet, not to mention tons and tons of water.

Seriously, drink up – you don’t want to end up all miserable and dehydrated indoors.

Happy summer!