Three in four Brits think parts of Europe will soon be too hot for holidays

Three in four Britons (75%) think some European holiday hotspots abroad will soon be too hot to visit within the next five years, according to new research.

 

The survey findings from InsureandGo show that many are considering travelling to cooler countries or – for those who can – taking holidays at a different time of year.

 

The poll was taken during the extreme heatwave that hit the UK last month, which heightened concerns about high temperatures and wildfires during the summer months.

 

When respondents were asked which European countries they thought would be too hot to visit in five years’ time, they said:

1.     Greece - 32%

2.     Turkey - 32%

3.     Spain - 31%

4.     Cyprus - 25%

5.     Portugal - 17%

6.     Italy - 17%

7.     Malta - 16%

8.     UK - 14%

9.     France - 6%

10.  Croatia - 6%

 

The survey also asked respondents what steps they would take with their holiday planning.

 

A quarter (24%) said they would stick with peak summer months but would consider visiting cooler countries.

 

Just over a quarter (27%) said they would look to go on holiday at a cooler time of year in spring or early autumn – while 12% said they would be switching to winter holidays.

 

The remaining 37% of respondents said they would stick to summer for their holiday but take steps to be prepared for the hot weather.

 

Garry Nelson, head of corporate affairs at InsureandGo, said: “Europe has been hit by extreme heat for a number of years now during the summer months – and climate change could see different travel trends in the future, as more people consider countries that have cooler climates.

 

“Whilst many people are considering changing their usual holiday plans, it is noteworthy that people’s determination to have a family holiday abroad endures unchanged.

 

“What may change is a rise in the percentage of people that move dates to early or late summer – and those that are considering countries with more temperate climates.”

 

The research was carried out by UK Omnibus Group among a nationally representative sample of 2,000 adults in May 2026.

 

More: Two thirds of Britons alter holiday plans to avoid extreme heat [June 2025]