Summer in Europe sounds dreamy until the heat hits harder than you expected. From stuffy hotel rooms to sightseeing under a blazing sun, it can wear you down fast if you're not ready.
These simple tips will help you stay cool, comfortable and make the most of your trip.
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The Right Accommodation Matters
Air Conditioning isn't always the fixed norm across Europe. They are definitely more common in Southern Europe, but you will rarely encounter an AC room in Central or Northern Europe.
Major hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriot and Accor (Novotel, Sofitel, Ibis) use central air-conditioning, so you won't have a problem there.
Therefore, if a place (usually smaller ones) doesn't mention air conditioning in their booking profile, it means that they don't have AC's installed.
In those establishments, keep in mind that Europeans are very eco conditions, and therefore you won't be able to keep the Air conditioning on while you are out and about.
In certain areas (Spain, Greece etc.), I highly recommend booking a room in stone built cottages or cave-like rooms. These are incredibly cool indoors.
Things to check before your book:
- Before your room booking, ask explicitly for an Air conditioned room.
- Is an old poorly isolated building? These heat faster.
- Is the room in the top floor? These are always the hottest rooms.
- Can you open the windows? Stuffy rooms in the summer feel like a trap.
Tip: Collect more Hotel booking tips to be prepared for the unexpected.
Smart Attire Choices
Europe is fashion conscious, also on the hottest days of the year, and you will want to look sleek in the cities while taking on the heat on your trip across the continent.
Pack light, breathable, loose attire. Natural fibers such as linen and cotton help you tackle the heat. Stick to brighter colors so that the sun rays and heat get reflected.
Keep in mind that some attractions and establishments require covered shoulders and knees. See Italian church attire rules and what to wear to visit a Synagogue.
Get a breathable straw sun hat (or a cap) and a simple cap.
Wear comfortable sandals or breathable sneakers or special summer shoes, such as espadrilles (men and women).
If you aren't concerned with fashion, or if you're the adventurous hiker type, get flexible, and possibly ventilating, comfortable sports attire such as from Lululemon.
Sunscreen Choice
I don't know about you, but I despise sticky, greasy sunscreen lotions on a sightseeing tour.
They block the pores, and you end up perspiring all the more, but you can't just skip sunscreens altogether.
We love to use a fast absorbing sunscreen that leaves the skin silky smooth. I recommend something like a European sunscreen, La Roche Posay SPF 50 (they have a highly effective tinted version too, which my wife loves), or a Korean sunblock.
Tip: Euro sunscreens are cheaper in Europe, and they use high quality authorized UVA and UVB filters, which are more suitable for the region (think ozone depletion in the alps). You get them in every pharmacy (aka chemist).
Location, Location, Location
Europe is hot in the summer, and people, who visit the continent for the first time, are surprised that the heat seems to hit differently.
While you might catch a breeze at the beach, you will possibly feel stuffy or toasted hot anywhere else in Europe if there is no wind.
Yes, Southern Europe is hot. Yes, Rome, Paris, Munich, and Vienna are hot. Public transport in the cities is horribly frustrating in the heat. Not all Europeans shower daily or use deodorant...
Besides, did you know that the sun is all the stronger in the alps? It literally burns on your skin.
The higher the altitude, the cooler it gets. If you hate the heat, go to the Nordic countries or book a stay at a Swiss alpine chalet at 5000 feet (1,500 m) altitude.
OR...
Avoid Peak Summer Season Travel
Just avoid traveling to Europe during summer at all. Summer is the peak season on the continent. That generally means July and August, but you can add half of June and September to that too.
We typically don't plan trips across Europe in the summer because it gets too hot and for many other reasons. See “Why you shouldn't travel to Europe during the peak season”.
Except in 2024, when we traveled to Hungary and Romania, thinking the Carpathian Mountains were cooler. Well, we were wrong. The temperature record in July was 116 Fahrenheit (ca. 47 degree Celsius).
I don't recommend it.
Seek Out Water and Trees
That might be a no-brainer, but cool waters are a sure heat relief in the summer months.
Most towns across Europe have well-maintained outdoor public pools with slides for the kids, and bars for the adults.
Lake waters can be cold in some areas, but they are super popular among the locals and sometimes gratis to access.
Europeans also jump into rivers and rest along the river bank (as seen in Basel, Switzerland). Only do this if you are a swimmer because there is no safeguard.
When you are in the city, take a break at a public garden. Rest under a tree in the shade or near a fountain.
Plan a trip to a national park to escape high temperatures (e.g., Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria) or plan a high altitude road trip (e.g., Transfăgărășan in Romania). Forests or higher altitudes make a difference in the environmental temperature.
Smart Itinerary
Review your itinerary and keep the following tips in mind:
- Get up early and do your sightseeing before peak heat.
- Visit indoor museums or caves during the hottest hours.
- Avoid queuing outdoors in the sun.
- Take plenty of breaks and sit in the shade.
- Don't over load your itinerary, vacation like Europeans instead.
Food and Drink Recommendations
Avoid alcohol in general in the heat, it will just make it all worse. Even if it's a Sangria with fruits in Spain (which the locals don't drink btw) or an Aperol Spritz in Italy.
Drink plenty of tap water. Try regional cold drink specialties such as Diabolo (France) and Iced Coffee with vanilla ice (Germany). Or sodas & lemonades that you will only ever encounter in specific parts of Europe, such as Almdudler in Austria or a European cola, such as Kofola in Czechia.
Go for seasonal ingredients and light lunch meals. It's ok to just eat a salad or sandwich for lunch. We love caprese salads in Italy, for example.
Cooling fruits, such as melons, are a summer favorite among the natives in Europe and, of course, ice creams are always a delight.
Avoid heavy foods when it's hot in general and once the sun sets, plan a more filling dinner meal.
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