10 Ways to Prepare for Summer Heat in Europe
- Maria DiCicco
- Jul 12
- 5 min read
Five years ago, we purchased a holiday home in Spain's arid, Arizona-like desert plains in the city of Zaragoza. I thought I'd experienced plenty of heat woes being a Floridian for most of my life, but the heat in Spain in July is simply unmatched. It's a different level of heat due to the often daily triple digit temps and the dry air.
Here's how we've managed to cope over the years, and how you can tackle the worst of the summer heat waves in Europe.
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Before You Go
Book ONLY Hotels with Air Conditioning
This somehow still surprises people. MOST of Europe doesn't have AC in their hotels and restaurants. Period. Do your research in advance and use the proper filters in your hotel search to be sure and include AC.
I also recommend reading reviews for people's real-time response to the hotel's AC offerings. Sometimes they can't keep up, sometimes they are amazing units, and sometimes AC isn't even switched on until certain points in the early summer. While Americans start summer fun around Memorial Day (late May), many Europeans don't open pools or switch from the heat/only window air to AC until July.
Pack for Two Outfits a Day
Bring a change of blouse or top, 2 sets of undergarments per day and plan to do laundry. You'll maybe even want to throw away underwear. I wish I was joking, but I do this all the time (it's part of my pack-and-ditch method of traveling light).
Consider products like Dove's Whole Body Deodorant for chafing thighs and other places where the sun don't shine.
I like the spray version and often bring this on hot trips to Mexico or the Caribbean.
When You Are in the Thick of the Heat
Shade is Your Salvation
As a Floridian, you'll see parking lots empty of cars save for one SUV parked under a 6ft tall tree, hoping for a sliver of shade for when they return to their vehicle. You'll see people walking along the shadow of a light pole, even if it is only three inches wide, and there is no shame in using an umbrella, giant hat, or even a beach towel draped as a giant shade sail above you after a pool or beach day. BE a Floridian.
Chase the shade. Carry the shade. Wear the shade.
But really, everyone needs to be wearing a hat. Not negotiable.
Find the shade when walking around sites as you tour Europe, and don't be embarrassed to cover up. Duck into storefronts for AC breaks on longer walks in the sun, and stop into mini grocery stores for cold drinks. Maybe stick your head in the freezer too...you're looking for a certain ice pop, right?
I'll say it again - no shame. People are dying from stubborn behaviors. Take care of yourself.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking alcohol over lunch is common on European adventures, and on into the evening hours too, but hydration is key. For every glass of wine, down some water at the table. Typically tap water isn't commonly offered, so you'll need to order bottled still or sparkling water with your meals.
For touring, carry water with you. Pour some on your head if you have to. Because carrying water can get heavy, I recommend a small day pack backpack with a water pouch or a sling wallet that holds a water bottle. I like to bring packable backpacks (I buy them cheaply from European brand Decathalon), and they are great for packing away before a trip. Pull them out of your luggage when you arrive.
Don't Wander During Peak Heat
Minimize meandering. I know that is part of the fun of touring Europe - the aimless strolls, the shopping arcades, etc - but save it for the morning hours or after the sun goes down.
During peak heat, take a break in your hotel room, a museum, a shopping mall or a cold restaurant. Scope restaurants with AC or call in advance to ask about their AC. If a restaurant doesn't have AC, request a shaded table on a terrace or move on to something else.
Note what time peak heat is - for us in Zaragoza it was around 3pm until 8pm, and the sun wouldn't set til 10pm!
Use a Hand Fan
At least in Spain, the Spanish women don't go outside without one. You can easily pick one up at any shop in Spain, or in souvenir stores across Europe. Buy it and use it.
Eat Lighter
Don't go for hot soups or hearty meats. Think light salads, gazpacho and cold soups, seafood and shellfish, and other bright flavors.
Many restaurants will serve red wine chilled (at least in Spain) just to battle the intensity of a cozy red wine. Even still, a spritz, white wine or a thirst-quenching gin and tonic is a good way to go if you're drinking in the summer heat.
When you order coffee, it is not uncommon to ask for a glass with ice to accompany it. At least it's common in Spain!
Of course don't forget ice cream, gelato and sorbete as an easy excuse to enjoy summer flavors and cool down at the same time!
Other Hot Tips for Staying Cool in Europe's Summer Heat
Find Municipal Pools (City or Community Pools)
Even if you don't have a pool at your hotel or a beach nearby, there are local town pools you can go to for a small fee. It is a very authentic experience, but one you surely won't forget.
Most of these pool areas also have a whole setup with a restaurant, playground, pool area and of course a bar. Seek these out too!
Be Willing to Change Your Itinerary
Too hot in the city? Be willing to change your plans. Head to the mountains, head to the coast, or move to a hotel with a pool. Sometimes we lose money on travel, but it sure beats a heat stroke in your hotel room in Rome.
Get a Haircut
I know, what? But getting your haircut abroad is not only fun, but it is super cheap and will lighten the load on your head in the heat. My daughter walloped off a good 8 inches and I could tell the dramatic change in her ability to handle the heat.
This haircut took about 10 minutes and cost 10 euros.
Plus, the experience of getting your haircut overseas can be a very memorable one. If you have daughters, it's also fun to get your nails painted. For an additional 5 euros, my daughter got her nails painted too. Another perfect excuse to get out of the heat!
Know Your Limits
These are very basic, almost 'duh' tips, but sometimes just reading it can help remind you that there are easy ways to stay healthy in the heat.
Stay Hydrated
Stay in the Shade
Find Ways to Cool Off
Don't Expect AC
Understanding that Europe has its limitations on good AC will help prepare your mind mentally before you travel. You will be hot. You will be uncomfortable. Just take care of yourself and remember, a hot day in Europe sure beats a hot day at home on the couch.
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