Several parts of Europe are experiencing a sweltering heatwave, with temperatures in excess of 40C recorded in popular holiday destinations. Parts of Greece, the Canary Islands, mainland Spain, Turkey, and Cyprus are grappling with the unusually hot weather. In Greece, several tourists have gone missing following 43C heat, with most either now discovered dead or feared to have died after embarking on hikes in the heat.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re unsure whether to go ahead with a planned holiday, from how to stay safe to whether you’re protected if you decide to cancel.
Become a subscriber and, along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times, you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners, especially for Times+ members
Which regions are affected by the heatwave in Europe?
The Acropolis in Athens has been temporarily closed due to high temperatures
ALAMY
Temperatures in excess of 40C have been recorded in several European countries, including Hungary, Greece, Cyprus, and parts of Spain and France. Greece, Hungary and Cyprus have issued official heat alerts, urging caution amid the sweltering temperatures.
In Greece, the heatwave — driven by winds bringing hot air and dust from North Africa — has affected areas across the mainland and islands. In Athens, temperatures have reached 43C, resulting in the temporary closure of the Acropolis to visitors. Rhodes, Samos and Crete are among the Greek islands to have been impacted by temperatures over 40C.
• Greece heatwave 2024: is it safe to travel and should I cancel my holiday?
• Airport 100ml liquids rule: which UK airports have changed restrictions?
Is it safe to travel to Europe during the heatwave?
Wildfires in Rhodes, Greece in July 2023
GETTY IMAGES
Yes, but you should be sensible, following local advice and taking necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. Travellers should also be mindful that some tourist destinations might be closed to visitors during peak hours to protect them from the extreme heat. The Foreign Office is not advising that people avoid visiting countries currently experiencing extreme heat, such as Cyprus, Turkey, and Greece.
In 2023, extreme temperatures resulted in wildfires in parts of Greece, Switzerland, California, and Canada. Wildfires are not a concern for the immediate future in countries such as Greece, but tourists should stay informed about local weather conditions, in the event that one does take place. The country has stepped up its fire protection for 2024, with the number of firefighters expected to double, so it’s hoped that any blazes can be quickly controlled.
Will my insurance cover me if I cancel my holiday because of a heatwave?
Izmir, Turkey is among the European destinations experiencing unusually hot weather
GETTY IMAGES
In most cases, tour operators and airlines will not offer refunds until the Foreign Office explicitly advises against non-essential travel to a destination. However, check your travel insurance policy carefully, as coverage can vary significantly. Many policies have clauses around extreme weather, which means you should be able to recoup some of your costs if you need to cancel. However, many standard trip cancellation clauses do not cover heatwaves unless it results in serious disruption or danger in the destination.
Holiday packages (comprising a combination of flight, accommodation and/or car hire) bought from the same supplier with an Atol certificate should cover you for cancellation, curtailment or repatriation under the package travel regulations. You are more likely to receive compensation for cancellation if the relevant government or local authority in your chosen destination has issued a travel warning because of extreme heat.
Currently, the Foreign Office does not advise travellers against visiting unusually hot destinations such as Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, but in the unlikely event of it updating its guidance to warn against travel, it would be possible to cancel a holiday or rearrange your plans.
• Nine steps to a stress-free holiday
• Travel insurance guide: everything you need to know
What if I have a medical condition?
Temperatures in excess of 40C have been recorded
If you have a medical condition that is making you reluctant to travel to your planned destination because of a heatwave, it is unlikely you’ll be able to claim on your travel insurance — unless you suffer from a declared medical condition and a doctor deems that you are unfit to travel.
What are the health risks in hot weather?
Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, including dehydration, exhaustion, heatstroke, heart attacks and strokes. It can also exacerbate existing conditions, according to the World Health Organisation, including diabetes and asthma. Those most vulnerable to heat-related health issues include older people, those with underlying conditions, babies and very young children.
How to stay safe and cool in a heatwave
Remember to stay hydrated during a heatwave
ALAMY
You should wear light clothes, plenty of sunscreen and go indoors if you feel lightheaded. It is a good idea to keep blinds and curtains closed during the day. Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned or shaded environments where possible, avoid exercise and sunbathing during the warmest times of the day, and avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, which contributes to dehydration.
• How many months do I need on my passport to travel?
• Compensation for cancelled and delayed flights: everything you need to know