Summer in Europe is fantastic, but in recent years, heat waves have unfortunately become a common part of the travel season. In fact, the issue has become so widespread that major publications, including The New York Times, have asked whether travelers should rethink summer trips to Western Europe all together. I don’t believe that’s necessary. With a little planning, you can still enjoy everything without letting the heat take over your vacation. Here are my favorite tips for staying comfortable while making the most of your trip.

Before You Go

Quiet residential Paris street in soft early morning light

Prioritize air conditioning when booking accommodations. Many European hotels and apartments advertise "air conditioning," but it may only cool to around 75°F (much higher than most Americans are used to), may be centrally controlled, or may not run until evening. One of the first things I do when planning a client's trip is read the most recent accommodation reviews to see what travelers are saying about the air conditioning.
Choose your neighborhood carefully. A quieter neighborhood makes it easier to sleep with windows open if it cools off overnight — busy nightlife districts tend to be much noisier.
Consider splurging on accommodations if possible. A hotel with reliable AC and/or a pool or spa can dramatically improve your experience during a heat wave.

While You're There: Plan Your Day Around the Heat

Schedule Around the Sun

Schedule outdoor sightseeing before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. — skip midday walking tours in favor of early morning or late afternoon outings.

If self-touring, save shaded, narrow-street neighborhoods (like the Marais in Paris or Trastevere in Rome) for the warmest afternoons.
Plan lunch and/or museum visits during the hottest hours (roughly 1–4 p.m.).
Return to your hotel for a shower or short break before evening activities.
Early evenings are ideal for wine bars, a rooftop aperitivo, a river cruise, or a walking tour.
Reserve timed-entry tickets for major attractions first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon — you'll beat both the heat and the crowds.
Don't overlook churches as a cooling strategy. Thick stone walls and high ceilings keep cathedrals and even small neighborhood churches surprisingly cool, no matter how hot it is outside. Ducking into one for ten minutes is a free, air-conditioned-feeling break — and you'll often stumble onto beautiful architecture or art you wouldn't have otherwise seen.

“Try Musée Rodin in Paris or The Courtauld Gallery in London — you’ll spend less time in line, have more room to explore, and get a welcome break from the heat”

Shaded outdoor café seating in a Paris plaza on a sunny summer day

Hydrate Like A Local

Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it often. Many European cities have excellent public drinking fountains:

Rome's famous nasoni
London's refill stations
Paris' Wallace fountains

Don't Be Afraid to Use Mass Transit

A few stops on the Métro can save more energy than you'd think.

Many visitors assume they'll walk everywhere, but on extremely hot days, using the Metro, Tube, or bus for a few stops can save energy and make the trip more enjoyable. Most mass transit systems in Europe are safe, easy to navigate, and cost-efficient.

Seek Out Green Spaces

Luxembourg Gardens proves a shady bench can be the best stop on the itinerary.

Most major European cities have large green spaces that feel notably cooler than the surrounding streets, often with plenty of public seating and shaded cafés. Think Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris, Retiro Park in Madrid, or Villa Borghese in Rome.

Adjust Your Dining Schedule

Instead of grabbing lunch at noon, consider a leisurely late lunch around 2 p.m. in an air-conditioned restaurant or hotel dining room. Rooftop dining after sunset — when temperatures are more comfortable — is also a great option, or consider later reservations to let things cool down.

Make the Most of Long Daylight Hours

Long summer evenings mean the best light of the day comes after the heat has passed

Throughout summer, sunset in places like Paris and London can be around 9:30–10:00 p.m. That means you don't have to cram everything into the middle of the day. Start early, take a midday break, and enjoy sightseeing again in the evening when temperatures are more pleasant — many landmarks are beautifully lit after dark, and the atmosphere is often more relaxed.

Prefer to Skip the Heat Entirely?

If all this talk of heat waves and no air conditioning makes you want to stay home, consider these destinations, which tend to run cooler even when the rest of Europe is baking:

Scotland
Swiss Alps
Iceland
Norway
Ireland
The Dolomites (Italy)
Austria (Salzburg, Innsbruck)
Slovenia (Lake Bled and the Julian Alps)

One of the biggest benefits of working with a travel advisor is having someone think through the details you might never consider. From choosing accommodations with reliable air conditioning and selecting the best neighborhood to planning sightseeing around the weather, securing timed-entry tickets, and recommending hidden gems away from the crowds, I design itineraries that are as comfortable as they are unforgettable. My goal is for you to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your trip. If a European adventure is on your wish list, I'd love to help you plan a trip that's tailored to your travel style — and thoughtfully designed for every season.

Let's Design Your Itinerary