Europe’s summer is officially on fire — and not in the good way. Across the continent, record-breaking heatwaves are shuttering attractions, triggering health alerts, and forcing travellers to rethink their itineraries. In Paris, the Eiffel Tower closed for two consecutive days on July 1–2 after France issued a red heat warning — its highest alert level. The mercury topped 100°F (37.7°C) in several cities, and wildfires have prompted evacuations across southern France and Portugal.
Spain has also seen record highs: the town of El Granado hit 114.8°F (46°C) on June 30, setting a new national heat record for June. According to Spain’s AEMET, June 2025 was the hottest June in the country’s history. In Majorca, the heat claimed the life of a tourist. Over in Portugal, the city of Mora recorded an even higher temperature of 115.9°F (46.6°C) — all part of an ongoing climate pattern caused by a Mediterranean marine heatwave combined with a central European heat dome.
Travel advisories have been issued by authorities in Germany, Austria, the UK, Sweden, and Norway, warning travellers to take precautions. Vulnerable travellers — such as seniors, pregnant women, and those with health conditions — are especially at risk during midday heat.
Safety over sightseeing
In many places, the infrastructure simply isn’t built for this level of heat. If your hotel lacks air conditioning, cooling techniques like cold towels, hydration, and midday shade breaks become essential. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, clammy skin, dizziness, and fainting. If symptoms progress to confusion or body temperature soars, it could signal heat stroke — a medical emergency.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the crisis a warning sign, tweeting: “Extreme heat is no longer a rare event — it has become the new normal… No country is immune. We need more ambitious #ClimateAction now.” For travellers, that means checking alerts before visiting high-temperature zones and staying flexible with outdoor plans. In today’s Europe, beating the heat might mean skipping the sights — and redefining what a cool summer holiday looks like.
