Europe is Getting Hotter: What Health Experts Say You Should Do

The world is getting hotter. The European State of Climate (ESOTC)'s most recent data from the 2025 calendar year clearly shows it.

For those traveling to the world's fastest-warming continent (Europe), hot weather is something to really consider and prepare for. After all, 95% of Europe experienced above-average temperatures last year, and temperatures continue to rise each and every year.

Making sure you're ready for a summer in Europe is more important than ever, especially looking at the numbers from the United Nations. Europe sees over 175,000 heat-related deaths a year. In fact, heat stress is the leading cause of climate-related fatalities.

The US vs Europe: Handling the heat

Before we take a deeper look at the data, it's worth talking about how the US and Europe (a vast generalization, but for all intents and purposes) handle heat differently.

It's also worth saying that the US, UK, and Canadian Governments all highly encourage travelers to take out travel insurance before heading to Europe. In some situations, it's even required.

Air conditioning; and the lack-there-of

In the States, there are often more accessible ways to withstand the heat because the buildings are typically newer, and many have efficient, modern HVAC systems built in. Of course, this isn't true in every state, but air conditioning is much more common in the US than it is in any European country you're planning to visit.

In cities like Paris, for example, the buildings are much older, and they weren't designed to work with modern air conditioning systems.

You'll find that many stores don't even have air con, or if they do, it's in a constant hissing battle to cool the room down. Hopefully, it at least takes the edge off.

Many hotels do offer air conditioning, but keep in mind that it doesn't always work as effectively as it does in the US or some other places around the world.

Access to ice

In the US, ice is heavily used. In coffee, water for the table at a restaurant, and in soft drinks. In Europe, ice is far less used, and you usually won't get any unless you explicitly ask for it.

Even when you do ask for it, you may only get 2-3 cubes - not an entire cup full.

Stairs, hills, and walking

European cities are based on medieval planning. This means that many cities have winding roads and narrow streets. If the city is hilly, it also means stairs. The great thing is they're walkable. But, walking can be rough in direct, hot sunlight.

Due to the size, design, and age of many buildings in older cities, adding an elevator isn't possible. So, some hotels and many short-term rentals like Airbnbs do not have elevators. This can mean 2, 3, 4, even 6 or more flights of stairs required just to go in and out of your lodging.

Most people who are able to end up walking a lot when they visit European cities, which means more physical effort (especially where stairs are involved).

Even when you opt for public transportation, AC isn't always guaranteed - and there are still likely stairs to go up and down into the metro if it's underground, like it is in Paris or Barcelona.

Higher-than-average temperatures in Europe

Europe is warming more than twice as quickly as the global average, and some areas are seeing faster warming than others.

The table below shows the most recent data released by the ESOTC. It is a breakdown of which countries or regions are warmer than usual, and to what extent.

Nordic countries are seeing the most extreme impacts of climate change. Norway, Sweden, and Finland had 21 days over 86℉ (30℃), the worst heatwave on record.

Both the Norwegian Sea and the Mediterranean Sea have had strong maritime heatwaves, too.

Official guidance for dealing with heatwaves

As we adapt to a warmer climate, and for heatwaves in general, there is actually government and organization-provided advice on what to do and how to prepare.

We took a look at guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK Government, the National Weather Service (US), the American Red Cross, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, US).

The table below comprises the advice and suggestions found from each, so you can take a look at what is recommended by various, trusted sources.

You'll notice that all of these government bodies and organizations have similar recommendations based on their data and expertise.

Keep an eye on the forecast

Before you travel, keep an eye on the forecast. If you're traveling during the shoulder (May and September) or summer months (June-August), you'll want to pay attention to any heatwaves or high heat advisories.

Weather apps on your phone will often show alerts, but make sure to check official sources (like local news stations and governments) too.

Stay out of the heat

The WHO (World Health Organization) clearly says that you should do what you can to stay out of the heat, especially when the sun is at its hottest (usually midday to late afternoon, depending on the area, the UK says 11 am to 3 pm there). If in the heat, avoid any strenuous physical activity, even if that means you need to change your plans or move your schedule around.

If you are going to be outside, stay in shaded areas.

You can check your weather app's by-hour forecast to see which time the temperature is expected to peak.

Cool off for a couple of hours

Grocery stores will often have air conditioning, and the same is true for large shopping centers or very commercial buildings. Libraries may have air conditioning, too. The WHO recommends "cooling off" for two to three hours specifically.

Keeping your home/lodging cool

If you don't have air conditioning, open the windows at night to let the cooler air in, then close them up in the morning, or when the temperature outside begins to rise again.

Shutters and blinds can help keep the heat out. Electric fans can help too, but take note of the advice just below (about what to do if it is over 90℉).

Preparing your body for the heat

Every major source we looked at recommended wearing loose-fitting clothing during heatwaves. The British Government says to avoid unnecessary layers like socks and jackets, especially if you're feeling yourself overheat.

Like all warm weather, make sure you're properly hydrated. The WHO also recommends avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and sugary drinks because they can dehydrate you. That said, the UK Government does recommend drinking sports or rehydration drinks, or even water-rich foods like otter pops.

Both the American Red Cross and the CDC encourage you to check your urine color to see how hydrated you are. You should aim for light yellow or clear.

If you're able to, it's also recommended to take cool baths or showers, or even use ice packs, spray bottles, or sponges to add cool water to the skin.

If you're feeling too warm, the UK Government suggests wrapping an icepack in a towel and placing it in your underarms/on the neck to help cool the body down more quickly.

Check on others

Each and every source encourages you to check on others during climate events like heatwaves.

In general, if you're traveling, it's a good idea to let others know your schedule so they can also keep in touch with you. This is especially true if you're traveling alone.

Use fans - until it reaches 90℉

According to the CDC and the American Red Cross, electrical fans are a great tool to help cool off, so long as the temperature in your house/room is lower than 90℉. Once temperatures are higher than that, fans can actually increase body temperature.

Preparing medications and monitoring conditions

A best practice when you're traveling in general, but especially in the summer months, where heat can become a problem, make sure you talk to your doctor about any conditions you have and medications you take.

Your doctor might have specific advice or suggestions on how to approach your trip and what to do in case of high-heat days.

Understanding symptoms of heatstroke

Heat exhaustion is when the body is too hot, and you cannot cool down. According to the UK Government, if you overheat and cannot cool down within 30 minutes, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.

If you think that you are suffering from heatstroke, contact emergency medical services immediately. The emergency number in the ER is 112. In the UK, it's 999.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness, fatigue, muscle cramps, feeling faint, headaches, heavy sweating, and intense thirst.

The symptoms of heat stroke are similar, but also include confusion, lack of coordination, fast breathing/shortness of breath, hot skin without sweat, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.

Advanced risk

Some groups of people are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heat stroke than others.

• Babies and children under the age of 5
• Anyone over the age of 65
• Pregnant women
• People with heart or kidney disease
• People with breathing problems or asthma, especially children
• Anyone working or exercising outside
• People taking specific medications (talk to your doctor)
• Individuals with drug or alcohol addictions
• Individuals experiencing homelessness
• People with Parkinson's and/or mobility issues
• People with dementia
• Individuals who might find it hard to tend to themselves, such as those with serious mental conditions or who are bedridden.

It's absolutely possible to travel during the hottest time of year, even if a heatwave occurs. Following the official advice is the best thing that you can do to prepare.