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From heatwaves to 10°C: UAE travellers rethink Europe holidays in August
From cancelling plans in the French heat to buying a hoodie in the UK, Gulf travellers share how unpredictable Europe's summer weather has become
- PUBLISHED: Fri 21 Aug 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Fri 21 Aug 2026, 1:40 PM
One traveller cancelled plans because it was too hot. Another had to buy a hoodie because temperatures dropped to 10°C. Both were travelling in Europe this summer.
For UAE residents who usually head to Europe in July and August to escape the summer heat, this year's experience came with a reminder: the weather might not be what you packed for.
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This summer has already brought unusually high temperatures across much of western Europe. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, June and July combined were the hottest on record for the region, with temperatures well above average across France, England and parts of Italy.
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Zeina, who travels to France every year to visit her family, chose August for a simple reason. “August is usually the hottest month in Dubai, so I prefer to travel during this month,” she told Khaleej Times.
She travelled to the south of France before heading to Paris, but this summer felt noticeably different. She noted: “This year was the hottest. Even in the evening it was hot, unlike every summer when there is a nice breeze.”
The heat soon started affecting her holiday.
In the south of France, Zeina travelled less between cities, cancelled some plans and spent fewer hours at the beach.
“We had limited options with what to do,” she said.
The crowds were less surprising. She described them as usual for the season, particularly in Cannes, where she noticed tourists from Dubai among the visitors.
Still, the experience has not put her off travelling to Europe in August.
“I would choose Europe, yes, but I would check the heatwave dates again and plan my activities around it.”
Italy's heat changed the daily schedule
Ryaan Aldhanhani, who travelled to Rome and Florence this summer, also found the weather hotter than expected.
“The weather was very hot and sunny. I expected warm weather, but honestly, it was hotter than I thought, especially in the afternoon,” she said.
The heat changed the way she planned her days. Most sightseeing was done in the morning, followed by a break during the hottest afternoon hours before heading out again in the evening.
Crowds and prices also stood out during her trip. Ryaan said famous tourist attractions were particularly busy, while hotels and restaurants in popular areas were more expensive than he expected.
Unlike Zeina, Ryaan said she would probably avoid August next time.
“I enjoyed the trip, but I probably wouldn’t choose August again. I would prefer to travel in May, June or September because the weather would be more comfortable, and I think it would be less crowded too.”
From summer clothes to buying a hoodie
Liz arrived in the UK expecting summer weather. Instead, parts of her trip were much colder than expected.
“I think I just missed the heatwave when I reached there. I didn’t expect it to be so cold!”
Temperatures in Scotland and northern England went as low as 10°C, and Liz had packed almost nothing for the cold.
“The only warm thing I had was a cardigan I brought for the plane, so I ended up buying a hoodie.”
London was a different experience, with temperatures around 27°C to 30°C. While she could feel the heat, it was not enough to change her plans.
“My makeup was smudging! But it didn’t stop me from enjoying the trip.”
And there was one part of the European summer she particularly enjoyed: the long days.
“The sun didn’t set until around 10pm. It felt magical and gave me so much more time to explore.”
Crowds in popular areas were noticeable, but Liz said they remained manageable.
“I would definitely choose summer again, whether July or August,” she said. “I love being able to spend long days outdoors and enjoy the evenings while it’s still light.”
So, is August becoming the wrong month for a European summer holiday?
For these three travellers, there is no single answer. Zeina would return but plan around heatwaves, Liz would happily choose summer again, while Ryaan would rather travel in a cooler month.
From cancelling plans in France to changing sightseeing hours in Italy and unexpectedly shopping for a hoodie in the UK, their experiences show just how different a European summer can look — even within the same season.