It's not just the UK that is experiencing a scorching heatwave this summer – a number of countries in Europe are experiencing even hotter weather than us right now. While England recorded its warmest-ever June this year (with temperatures reaching a maximum of 37.7°C in Norfolk), countries such as Spain, France and Portugal have also experienced severe heat spikes, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in some areas. Earlier this month, a wildfire outbreak forced an evacuation of over 10,000 people in Southern France; there are also reports of blazes in Portugal, Greece and Spain.

While the climate news can make for heavy reading, it's important to remain informed in order to stay safe this summer – here’s the latest travel advice and information you need if you are currently holidaying in Europe or you have an upcoming trip planned.

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Which European countries are experiencing heat waves?

Spain

According to Aemet, Spain’s principal meteorological service, the country's temperatures are only rising – with both orange and red weather alerts being issued so far this July. Barcelona registered a maximum temperature of 40.7°C on 8 July, the highest in 112 years, while forecasts are predicting 40°C+ heat for the coming days, particularly in Andalusia and North East Spain towards the border with France.

Portugal

Similarly, parts of Portugal have seen blistering heat in 2026 – the country reported its highest-ever May temperature (40.3°C) earlier this year. But Portugal is currently not being affected by the worst of the European heatwave – southern regions are generally experiencing their usual temperatures of around 29-32°C for July. Current guidance is that Portugal is not expected to experience the most extreme temperatures this time around, though it remains advisable to keep an eye on the weather forecast, as conditions can change quickly.

France

France has arguably been the most affected by this summer's heatwaves. The majority of the country currently has orange weather warnings in place, according to Meteo France. Temperatures in Bordeaux are expected to reach highs of 38 and 39 degrees this week, with similar highs in Nantes and Perpignan. In June, the Eiffel Tower was forced to close and 68,000 households were left without electricity in western France as temperatures rose beyond 43°C.

Italy

Like other parts of Europe, Italy is currently experiencing its third heatwave of the summer, with temperatures already reaching 39 degrees. The country is currently under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms – temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s in the coming week.

Greece

Greece has been affected by extreme heat so far this summer, with a number of wildfires breaking out across the country – though, like Italy, it is currently more at risk of thunderstorms than extreme heat (yellow weather warnings are in place in Skiathos, Athens and Thessaloniki). However, experts predict that Greece is likely to be affected by ongoing heatwaves in future, so it's always best to check the forecast and local guidance.

The Balkans

Those in the Balkans have also witnessed record-breaking temperatures this summer, with highs of 39 degrees in Serbia and wildfires breaking out across Croatia and southern Albania. Currently however, temperatures in the Balkans have largely returned to normal for this time of year – though there are weather warnings for thunderstorms in parts of Romania.

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Latest travel warnings

As of July 2026, the Foreign Office has issued wildfire warnings for anyone travelling to France, Greece and Portugal. It advises checking the fire risk index for your location (if available) and monitoring local authority advice during your stay – always familiarise yourself with details of the country's emergency services, too.

Weather warnings

A number of European countries are currently sharing orange or red weather warnings (as of 9 July 2026). Here's a breakdown, though you can see a full European weather map via Accuweather here:

• France: most of the country is under an orange warning for extreme high temperatures
• Spain: the majority of the country is under a yellow weather warning for storms, though northeast Spain and other regions, including Andalusia, are displaying an orange warning for extreme high temperatures (see the map here)
• Switzerland: under orange warning for extreme high temperatures
• Slovenia: under orange warning for wildfire risk
• Italy: mainland Italy is currently under a yellow warning for thunderstorms, though Sardinia falls under an orange weather warning for extreme high temperatures

According to Air Help, Europe's June heatwave delayed 3,410 flights and cancelled 140 – with Barcelona El Prat Airport and Amsterdam Schiphol Airport being the worst affected. In the UK, following thunderstorms delayed hundreds of flights from Heathrow and Gatwick.

At present, there is no reported significant airport disruption in the countries affected by the current European heatwave.

Rail disruption

Extreme heat very commonly causes chaos on European railways, particularly here in the UK. This week, East Midlands Railway has suspended a number of services due to "heat-related issues", with passengers being advised to only make essential journeys. Cancellations have also occurred in Essex and Sussex.

In France, officials have advised vulnerable people to avoid the railways in extreme heat, where service cuts have also been more prevalent. Always check your planned journey before you travel, and arrive with plenty of time before departure.

Wildfires

Currently, France is the European country most severely affected by wildfires, with red warnings in place in the Languedoc-Roussillon region and orange warnings for the majority of central France. Earlier this month, a wildfire outbreak in the foothills of the French Pyrenees caused a mass evacuation of locals and tourists, while a fire in Fréjus, near Cannes, caused 1,700 holidaymakers to be evacuated from three campsites. France has a live tracker wildfire index which you can use to check the risk factor of your destination, if needed.

The Foreign Office has also issued wildfire warnings for anyone travelling to Greece and Portugal, while blazes have been reported in parts of Spain, and Slovenia is currently under an orange warning for forest fires.

Can you cancel your holiday?

A spokesperson for Aviva told Condé Nast Traveller that while travel insurance is designed to help customers in the case of an unforeseen emergency, it doesn’t automatically mean that everything is covered by your policy.

They explained: “If, as a result of the heatwave, you were to fall ill abroad, your travel insurance would cover medical treatment, as well as the cost of getting you home if medically necessary. In this scenario, travel insurance would also cover any unrecoverable costs relating to your unused travel and accommodation.

“Travel insurance won’t cover you, however, if you decide not to travel and cancel your holiday because of the heatwave. Instead, it may be worth contacting the airline or travel provider to see if you can reschedule your trip for another date.”

If, however, you have a pre-existing condition (that you have declared) that could be worsened by the heat, you may have a chance at a claim – though it's not guaranteed.

As for wildfires, many policies will have some sort of cover for natural disasters, which might reimburse cancellation or curtailment costs… though only in serious situations. It's best to check the fine print.

How to stay safe in extreme heat

There are a number of provisions you can take to ensure your safety in adverse weather, including:

• Avoid going outside – especially between 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its hottest
• Stay in the shade where possible
• Wear loose-fitting clothes and breathable materials
• Drink plenty of fluids and always carry a bottle of water with you, sipping little and often
• Keep your home or hotel room cool – close windows, draw the curtains, blinds or shutters, and use the air-conditioning unit when you are in your room
• Invest in sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and high-factor sunscreen – and be sure to regularly reapply it

For more advice on how to stay safe in a heatwave, you can visit the World Health Organisation’s website here, or the NHS website here.