Mum Rachel Leach said the Sydney family had adjusted their plans to suit the hotter than usual weather.

"We wanted to try and cycle around the lake and hike up Red Hill, but I think it's going to be a bit hot for that," she said.

"We'll go to the Australian War Memorial and look at the inside space then we'll come back to the hotel for a swim."

ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly reminded Canberrans to look out for their young and elderly relatives ahead of the hottest day of the month.

He advised people to drink plenty of water, wear light, cool clothing, slap on sunscreen and avoid outdoor exercise.

"There are many health risks associated with heat-related illness, which can range from mild to very serious," he said.

"People with illness and chronic medical conditions and pregnant women may also need extra monitoring and care during hot weather.

"Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, headaches and vomiting. People with these symptoms should be assisted to seek urgent medical attention by calling triple zero for an ambulance."

The mercury is set to dip to 31 degrees on Saturday, heralding the end of Canberra's low-intensity heatwave.

But don't celebrate too soon - the temperature is forecast to rise to 36 degrees again on Tuesday.

Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Rob Taggart said Canberra may experience more days above 35 degrees than average for January if the forecast proved correct.

"Canberra's been feeling it since Friday 6 January where every day has been above 30 degrees," he said.

"At the moment we're in a low-intensity heatwave, and that's ending from Saturday, then from early next week we start to return to heatwave conditions."

But the capital does not look likely to break any temperature records. That goes to February 1, 1968, when the temperature was 42.4 degrees. The January record was reached the day before at 41.4 degrees.

ACT Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones encouraged people working outside or in hot conditions on Friday to keep an eye on their and their colleagues' safety.

"Workers should keep hydrated during the day and wear appropriate sun safety and protective clothing," he said.

"Employers should also consider a range of measures to support workers such using shaded areas, reorganising work for cooler times of the day if possible and rotating jobs so workers spends less time on heavier tasks."