Is it too hot to travel in the summer?

Has anyone noticed that temperatures in parts of Spain, Greece, and Turkey have pushed past 44 °C? The heat is impacting travellers, airports and their bookings. It may be too late for the UK to issue its advice. On July 2, it issued a formal warning for British travellers heading to Cyprus, Greece and Turkey,  citing extreme temperatures, fire risk, and possible disruptions. On July 2, it issued a formal heat warning for British travellers heading to Cyprus, Greece, Spain, and Turkey — citing extreme temperatures, fire risk, and possible disruption. It wasn’t overreacting. This was a response that was too late to an already-in-motion situation.

This heat has caused ferries to be grounded, planes to be stranded, and villages to be emptied. The heat this year didn’t arrive early; it stayed. It lasted long enough to exhaust fire crews and shut down ports. Resorts were left gasping. What does this mean for 2025’s holiday season? Who’s at the greatest risk? How have countries and travelers adapted to the new climate, which does not respect the calendar,? 

What is the cause of the alert?

Although the official warning was issued on July 2, symptoms began weeks before that for many travellers. A wildfire on Crete forced more than 1500 people to flee in June. Days later, southern Spain recorded 46°C. Portugal’s inland dry districts have entered the red alert zone

Local media in Turkey reported that there were massive evacuations as fires closed on residential areas around Izmir. The UK Foreign Office released its alert for Greece Cyprus Spain and Turkey. 

• • Extreme temperatures
  • Wildfires are a high risk.
  • Possible disruption of services and travel.

The heatwave does not only affect one country, or even one week. It is the second wave of summer and it is still early July. 

Real-time disruption of the holiday season 

In southern Spain, Renfe issued heat-related rail warnings as the steel tracks near Córdoba began expanding due to prolonged exposure to the 44 °C sun. As a result, travellers who bought tickets early to avoid heat, found themselves on the platform with no shade and no updates. Their skin temperature was also rising.

Even beaches can be dangerous. Municipalities in Cyprus and Turkey are now issuing early afternoon alerts for heat shelters. They advise people to leave the open beaches by the afternoon. The heat is causing this, but the stress is also showing in subtle ways. 

• Heraklion airport paramedics and Alicante airport paramedics report that more travellers arrive at the airport dehydrated and sunburned.
• The local shops in tourist centers are running out. Rehydration oral salts You can also find out more about the following: Electric fans.
• In the south of Turkey, some hotels are moving. Check-out earlier Reduce AC stress during peak hours.

What travellers are doing different 

Travellers are changing their travel plans and destinations faster than infrastructure. 

• Book your stay in Northern Europe — including Norway and the Baltics — have spiked since early June, according to travel platform Hopper.
• Choose from a wide range of options Shoulder Seasons, avoiding peak July–August trips.
• Train companies across Europe are seeing an uptick in overnight and early-morning bookings — not for comfort, but to avoid midday sun.
  

Not only tourists are moving.

• Local Businesses You can cut hours.
• Tour guides In Athens, sunset walks are being rescheduled.
• Airlines They are assessing whether flights at certain southern airports should be rescheduled to take into account tarmac temperatures and cabin pressure.

Travellers no longer wait for official guidance. They have adapted, because systems are too slow to respond. They’re also increasingly treating the south of Europe as a place to avoid and not chase.

The boiling point isn’t just a number on a thermometer — it’s when people stop seeing July in Greece, Spain or Turkey as irresistible… and start seeing it as uncertain.

Discover Tailor-Made Tours

Simply Holiday Bookings offers a wide range of personalized vacation experiences.

Book Now