Think a European summer means Aperol spritzes in Rome and selfies in front of Big Ben? Think again. This year, Europe is on fire – literally. Record-breaking heatwaves have gripped the continent, with cities from Paris to Palermo sweltering under temperatures soaring above 40°C.
“This year’s European summer has exposed the harsh new climate reality,” says Sue Garrett, GM Supply, Pricing & Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa. “The temperatures are impacting comfort, safety, accessibility, and long-term sustainability.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom, according to Garrett. It’s simply a matter of changing the way we approach our European holidays.
A recent Flight Centre global survey shows 72% of South Africans intend to travel outside of peak season in 2025, with many choosing either off-season (49%) and shoulder season (23%) travel to save money, avoid crowds, and now, escape the extreme temperatures.
So, how should you plan a memorable European escape in this new climate era? What destinations are still safe, stunning, and worth every cent? And how do you future-proof your travel plans for the long haul?
The summer that changed everything: What’s happening in Europe right now
Here’s a quick snapshot of what’s transpired over the past couple of months:
- Temperatures hit 46.6°C in Portugal (the highest temperature ever recorded in Mora, Évora) and over 40°C in 17 of Italy’s major cities, including Rome and Milan.
- 2,300+ deaths were recorded across 12 cities in just 10 days (ending 2 July 2025) – around 65% of them directly linked to climate change.
- Tourist landmarks (like the Eiffel Tower’s summit) closed down for safety. Entire airports in Turkey were temporarily shut.
- Hotels without air conditioning became unusable during peak hours, and emergency rooms in parts of Italy reported a 20% spike in heat-related admissions.
“When a destination like Greece starts introducing ‘climate crisis taxes’, and major landmarks close their doors at midday, it’s a clear sign the game has changed,” comments Garrett. “And while Europe isn’t off-limits by any means, South Africans need to travel with new awareness – about heat, timing, and backup options.”
Of course, none of this is happening in isolation. Scientists have confirmed that heatwaves like this are now 10 times more likely due to human-caused climate change. With Europe being the fastest-warming continent in the world (warming at roughly twice the global average rate since the 1980s), summer no longer guarantees a carefree escape.
The silver lining? South African travellers are already showing signs of adapting, and that means smarter travel, better timing, and far richer experiences.
What’s changing?
Traditionally, peak European summer (June to August) has been the go-to for South African travellers seeking long, sunny days abroad – and it’s still a popular option. But, according to Flight Centre’s Travel Experts, Saffers are starting to consider new hotspots, too (that aren’t actually hot):
- Scandinavia & the Nordics: Sweden, Finland, and Norway are seeing a spike in mid-year bookings, offering cooler temps, jaw-dropping landscapes, and 20+ hours of daylight in summer – and far more comfortable conditions than the Med.
- High-altitude escapes: Think Slovenia’s Julian Alps, the Swiss countryside, Austria’s Lake District, or even Scotland’s Highlands. Built-in natural cooling systems. No AC required.
- Underrated Balkan gems: Countries like Albania, Montenegro, and Bulgaria are also exploding in popularity. Why? They’re stunning, far more affordable than Western Europe, have fewer crowds, and yes, they’re still mostly off the heatwave radar.
How to future-proof your European holiday
1. Shift your dates
When to go: April–June or mid-September–early November
Instead of melting in July, picture strolling cobbled streets under spring blossoms or autumn leaves. You’ll experience:
- Daytime highs in the low 20s (°C) – perfect for sightseeing
- Smaller crowds at big-ticket attractions
- Cheaper flights and accommodation
- Easier reservations at those bucket-list restaurants
- Book accommodation that’s built for the heat
AC is no longer a luxury!
- Check that your hotel or guesthouse offers aircon or ceiling fans (especially in older cities where climate control isn’t always standard).
- Look for properties with blackout curtains, shaded courtyards, or pools for post-sightseeing dips.
- Choose stone heritage buildings over top-floor apartments with sunroom conservatories (they’re heat traps!).
If you’re staying in budget or historic hotels, double-check whether climate control is seasonal – it’s sometimes only available in winter!
2. Plan like a pro
A few habits can make or break your day:
- Sightsee early or after sunset: Hit top attractions before 10am or book night tours (many cities, like Istanbul, now offer starlit walking tours and after-dark museum entries).
- Stay hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle; many cities have public refill stations.
- Choose shaded activities: River cruises, garden picnics, canopy-covered markets, or underground city tours are all good options.
Additionally, ask your Travel Expert about air-conditioned tours, skip-the-line tickets, and indoor city passes for those scorching mid-days.
3. Think beyond summer – and beyond “the usual”
Far too often, travellers default to July in Paris or August in Amalfi. There’s a whole continent beyond the clichés:
- Christmas markets in Germany or Austria
- Autumn harvests in northern Spain’s wine country
- Spring tulip season in the Netherlands
- Edge-of-summer Northern Lights (late August) in Iceland
Also, says Garrett, before booking, ask your Travel Expert about:
- Weather-readiness of your destination
- Travel insurance options that cover heat-related delays or cancellations
- New taxes or climate levies (like Greece’s “resilience tax”)
“You don’t have to give up those bucket list dreams – you just have to flip the script. Sometimes, the best version of your dream holiday is when you can slow down, spread out, spend wisely, and feel confident you’re making the most informed choices possible,” Garrett concludes.
