Parts of Greece, Italy and Spain are currently experiencing a sweltering heatwave, with temperatures in excess of 40C recorded in popular holiday destinations. The Italian health ministry has issued a Level 3 heat alert — the highest level — for cities including Rome, Perugia and Palermo in Sicily. Meanwhile in Greece, several tourists went missing as temperatures rose to 43C, with many since discovered dead or feared to have died after embarking on hikes in the heat. Cyprus and Turkey have also experienced high temperatures in the last week but these have now fallen slightly.
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.
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Which regions are affected by the heatwave in Europe?
Temperatures in excess of 40C have been recorded in several European countries, including Hungary, Greece, Cyprus and parts of Spain and France this year. Greece, Hungary and Cyprus have issued official heat alerts, urging caution amid the sweltering temperatures. Parts of Italy, including Rome, are on a level 3 heat warning, indicating possible “negative effects” on normally healthy, active people.
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 so far.
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Is it safe to travel to Europe during the heatwave?
Yes, but you should be sensible, and follow local advice and take 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, however, advising that people avoid visiting countries currently experiencing extreme heat, such as Spain 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?
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 they result in serious disruption or danger in the destination.
Package holidays (comprising a combination of flight, accommodation and/or car hire) bought from the same supplier with an Atol or Abta 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.
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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 should be possible to cancel a holiday or rearrange your plans — speak to your travel provider about the possibilities.
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What if I have a medical condition?
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. Again, coverage varies so check your policy.
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
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.
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