Is Europe Becoming Too Hot for Summer Holidays?

Taylor Burns, Mehri Khosravi

Sustainability Research Institute, University of East London

When planning a summer holiday, most travellers think about flights, accommodation and attractions. However, another consideration is on the rise: Is it too hot to travel? 

Europe’s summer heatwaves in 2026 have demonstrated that extreme heat is no longer just an inconvenience; it is becoming a significant disruption to travel, tourism, and daily life. Just days after the official start of summer, large parts of Europe, including the United Kingdom (UK), experienced a second major heatwave of June 2026, with temperatures in some areas forecast to approach 40°C. 

The impacts have been felt across multiple sectors. Rail operations across the UK, France, and Belgium are being slowed or cancelled, leading to widespread travel disruptions [25]. More than 1800 schools have closed or modified timetables this year to protect children from dangerous temperatures [21]. 

Red heat alerts have been issued in Europe, the UK, France, Spain and Italy as temperatures exceed 40°C. In June 2026, heatwaves reached 40°C in southern and western Europe and Italy (Guardian News & Media, 2026). France reached one of the highest temperatures the country has ever experienced at 44.3°C. Spain faced highs of a sweltering 43°C [26]. 

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, visitors are facing new risks and challenges that can affect both their comfort and overall travel experience. Across Europe, many destinations and tourism infrastructures were designed for historically milder climates and have been slower to adapt to prolonged periods of extreme heat than destinations in traditionally hotter regions. [1]. To understand why extreme heat poses such a challenge for European destinations, it is important to consider the climatic conditions for which much of the region’s infrastructure was originally designed. 

Figure 1. Tourists take cover from the sun outside the Acropolis during a heatwave in Athens, Greece, July 2025 [9]- by Petros Giannakouris

1) Europe’s infrastructure was built for a different climate

Many people travel to Europe to experience its historic cities, cultural landmarks, and architectural heritage. However, much of this built environment was designed for a cooler climate. Approximately 75.4% of European buildings were constructed before 1990, when peak summer temperatures typically reached around 32°C and severe heatwaves were relatively uncommon [1]. Today, summer temperatures regularly exceed 38°C in parts of Europe, while extreme events can surpass 48°C [3].

In 2025, the World Meteorological Organisation identified Europe as the fastest warming continent in the world [16]. Yet many hotels, museums, transport hubs, and historic buildings still lack modern cooling or thermal management systems [14]. For visitors, this can mean overheated accommodation, uncomfortable sightseeing conditions, and reduced access to attractions during periods of extreme heat.

Adapting infrastructure to rising temperatures is increasingly important for maintaining visitor comfort and safety. However, upgrading buildings and transport systems can be expensive, particularly where historic architecture must be preserved. The financial costs and technical challenges of retrofitting older buildings therefore present a significant obstacle for many European destinations [10].

At the same time, the costs of inaction are also substantial. Extreme heat already imposes an estimated €7–8 billion in annual losses across Europe through heat-related illness, healthcare costs, lost productivity, and premature deaths [7]. Investments in measures such as improved insulation, passive cooling, shading, and energy-efficient cooling systems could help reduce these losses while improving conditions for both residents and visitors.

While these long-term adaptation challenges are important, the immediate effects of extreme heat are already being felt by tourists. From attraction closures and transport disruption to heat-related illness, rising temperatures are increasingly shaping the travel experience across Europe.

2. Recent challenges of European tourists

2.1 Attraction closures and limited access to cooling

Extreme temperatures forced the temporary closure or modification of operations at several popular tourist attractions [13]. This year, some parts of major Paris tourist sites, including the Eiffel Tower, introduced temporary restrictions and adjusted visiting hours during peak heat periods [25]. In some destinations, outdoor sites reduced opening hours or restricted access during the hottest parts of the day to protect visitors and staff.

Accommodation also presented challenges. Many visitors reported difficulty sleeping as indoor temperatures remained high overnight, particularly in older buildings without air conditioning or effective cooling systems in 2025 and 2026[2]. To cope with the heat, some intentionally sought refuge in air-conditioned public spaces such as museums, galleries, and shopping centres during the day to escape the relentless heat.

2.2 Heat related illnesses

Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, particularly for older adults, young children, individuals with pre-existing health conditions, and travellers unfamiliar with hot climates [6][FA1] . Some tourists and locals suffered from heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and in extreme cases, fatalities in more severe cases, the heat posed direct health risks. In France, tourists were among those affected during the extreme heatwave, with reports of heat-related fatalities and incidents such as drowning as individuals attempted to cool off in response to the extreme temperatures [21]. These health risks were further intensified by widespread disruptions to transport systems across the region.

2.3 transport and infrastructural disruption

Transport systems also underwent significant strain during recent heatwaves [4]. Rail networks across several European countries experienced heat-related delays and operational disruptions as high temperatures affected infrastructure and operational safety [10]. Journeys took longer than planned and carefully structured itineraries fell apart. For many travellers, this meant extended periods of waiting in oppressive conditions.

3 Practical heat adaptation strategies for UK tourists

A range of practical adaptation strategies is beginning to emerge among holiday-makers in Europe over the last couple of years.

3.1 Consider coolcations & noctourism

One response to rising temperatures has been the growth of coolcations, where travellers choose destinations with milder summer climates rather than traditional hot-weather locations [9]. Recent evidence suggests that tourists from countries such as Italy, France, Portugal, and Spain are increasingly searching for Northern European destinations that offer cooler summer conditions [8]. Popular coolcation destinations include Iceland, Norway, Scotland, Sweden, Ireland, Denmark, Greenland, and alpine regions of Europe [12].

Another growing trend is noctourism, where activities are shifted to evening or night-time hours [5]. There have been reports of growing nocturnal tourism activities, including trips to view the Northern Lights in Norway, full-moon swimming and kayaking in the UK, “aura-chasing” excursions after dark across Scandinavia, and dark-sky stargazing experiences in Portugal [15].

While noctourism provides an alternative means of avoiding high daytime temperatures, there are additional strategies for maintaining safety during periods of extreme heat.

3.2 Pay attention to heat health alerts

Many European countries operate heat-health warning systems that provide advance notice of dangerous temperatures. These alerts are communicated through weather apps, websites, television, radio, and social media channels. Meteorological and public health agencies produce these alerts to warn vulnerable populations of high temperature conditions in the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands [18,19,23, 27].

Before and during travel, tourists should monitor official weather forecasts and heat-health alerts, particularly if travelling during the peak summer season. These warnings can help travellers adjust sightseeing plans, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, and take additional precautions [8].

3.3 Choose heat-resilient accommodation and plan activities carefully

Accommodation can play an important role in maintaining comfort and safety during heatwaves. Travellers may wish to consider whether accommodation offers features such as air conditioning, effective ventilation, external shading, or cooler communal spaces. Simple behavioural adaptations can also make a difference. Scheduling outdoor activities in the early morning or evening, carrying water, seeking shade regularly, and taking breaks in cooler indoor environments can help reduce exposure to extreme heat.

4 What still needs to be done

While travellers can take steps to protect themselves, adaptation cannot rely on individual action alone. Tourism destinations, governments, transport operators, accommodation providers, and the wider tourism industry all have important roles to play in preparing for hotter summers.

Greater attention should be given to heat-resilient infrastructure, such as shading and ventilation, and to passive cooling strategies that reduce reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning.

There is also a need for clearer communication about heat-related risks. Airlines, travel companies, booking platforms, tourism organisations, and public authorities could play a greater role in helping travellers understand potential heat risks before departure and providing practical advice during periods of extreme heat [11]. This approach is necessary to improve tourists’ understanding of heat-related risks and appropriate coping strategies. This can help bridge the gap between awareness and actual protective behaviour.

References

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 [FA1]wouldn't one suffice?