Colombians have been warned not to have sex because it is too hot.

Health officials in a coastal city issued the recommendation for people trying to remain cool during an intense heatwave.

Santa Marta city health secretary Julio Salas’s comments have been keenly debated after he called for residents of the Caribbean tourist hotspot to forego sex during the daytime.

He issued the plea as part of a list of recommendations that also included staying hydrated and wearing loose clothing to avoid overheating.

“Avoid making love or having sex at times when the temperature is high, especially at noon, because this activity places physical demands on you and increases your heart rate,” Mr Salas said on a local radio station.