Skip to main content

Health library

Back to health library

Is summer diverticulitis season?

A woman's hands folded against her abdomen with a drawing of the digestive system superimposed.

July 16, 2026—Summer's health risks go beyond heat. The warmer months may also raise your risk for diverticulitis, a painful abdominal condition, according to a review of earlier studies published in JAMA Surgery.

What is diverticulitis?

It starts with diverticulosis, when small pouches form in the colon walls. Diverticulosis is extremely common, especially as people age. It usually causes no symptoms. But, in up to 20% of people with diverticulosis, the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons reports, the pouches become inflamed or infected—a condition known as diverticulitis.

Symptoms of diverticulitis may include:

Seasonal surges

Researchers reviewed eight studies. Together they included data on more than 1.1 million diverticulitis cases from four continents.

A key finding: Diverticulitis attacks increased by as much as 27% in the summer or fall. This occurred in both hemispheres, even though the seasons happen at opposite times of the year.

There could be many reasons why diverticulitis strikes more in the warmer months, the researchers noted. These include:

  • Hotter weather can lead to dehydration and constipation. This raises pressure in the colon, which may make diverticulitis more likely to occur.
  • Summer food choices and mealtimes may play a role. Summer gatherings often include less fiber and more barbecued meats, processed foods and alcoholic beverages. These changes in what people eat&emdash;and when they eat&emdash;may affect how quickly stool moves through the colon. They may also alter the balance of bacteria in the gut. These changes might increase the risk of diverticulitis.
  • Some digestive tract infections may be more common in summer. This could throw off the normal balance of gut bacteria, irritate the colon and increase the risk of diverticulitis episodes.

More studies are needed to better understand the reasons for the findings and find ways to prevent diverticulitis.

Preventing diverticulitis

Your doctor can help you manage diverticulosis and prevent diverticulitis. If you have a diverticulitis attack, treatment may include medicines and (for a short time) a liquid diet. Severe diverticulitis may need hospital care.

You can take steps to lower your chances of diverticulitis. These include:

Aiming for a healthy, fiber-rich diet. A high-fiber diet hasn't been proven to prevent diverticulitis. But it may reduce constipation and pressure in the colon. Eating less red meat and drinking less alcohol also may lower your risk. You don't have to avoid nuts and seeds, though, as recent studies show this does not prevent diverticulitis.

Making other healthy choices. Exercising regularly, not smoking and keeping a healthy weight also may help reduce your risk of diverticulitis.

Sources

Read more breaking news Related stories
Featured Topics
Quick Links
Providers