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As Europe braces for another brutal heat wave, tourists may have to change their plans because of heat-related closures.

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Updated: June 19, 2026, 1:10 pm EDTPublished: June 19, 2026, 10:57 am EDT

These European attractions may close due to heat

Headed to Europe this summer for an epic vacation? Hot weather may cause more of an issue than just sweating and sunburns.

As Europe braces for another brutal heat wave this weekend, tourists may have to change their plans last-minute because of heat-related closures. And with it being only the beginning of astronomical summer in Earth's fastest-warming continent, this certainly won't be the last European heat wave of 2026.

A women ties her hair as a men holds an umbrella above her at the Trocadero's Human Rights square facing the Eiffel Tower in Paris where temperature rose above 30 degres celsuis as a record-breaking early heatwave scorches a swathe of western Europe on May 27, 2026. The UK and France have reported their hottest ever May days this week as a "heat dome" brought sizzling temperatures more typical of midsummer to western Europe. UN climate chief Simon Stiell said the heatwave was "a brutal reminder of the spiraling impacts of the climate crisis. "The science is clear that human-induced climate change is making these heatwaves more frequent and extreme," Stiell add in a statement. — A women ties her hair as a men holds an umbrella above her at the Trocadero's Human Rights square facing the Eiffel Tower in Paris where temperature rose above 30 degres celsuis as a record-breaking early heatwave scorches a swathe of western Europe on May 27, 2026.
(Ludovic MARIN/AFP via Getty Images)

During a scorching heat wave at beginning of July last year, temperatures reached 104 degrees in Paris, causing perilous conditions at one of the world's most popular tourist attractions, the Eiffel Tower. For days, the tower's hours were reduced, the summit was closed to all and visitors who hadn't bought their tickets in advance were turned away, as reported by USA Today.

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Just a week later, another heat wave caused another enormously popular European attraction t0 partially shut down. The Acropolis is routinely closed during hot afternoons to protect workers and tourists, as reported by the Associated Press. Sat atop a hill without shade, the ancient site of world renown is known for its unrelenting heat in summer.

Across many Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Italy and Spain, local governments often implement extreme heat protocols that shut down or highly restrict outdoor work: this includes outdoor tours and visits to unshaded historical sites. The restrictions are there for good reason, too: On a 97-degree day near Milan last July, a 44-year-old roadworker collapsed while working during the hottest part of the day. He later died at a nearby hospital, the AP reported.

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So, when you hop across the pond, it's important to plan ahead for extreme heat:

Make outdoor plans for early morning or after 5 p.m.
Check the landmark’s website before you go
Plan indoor, air-conditioned activities for the afternoon
Stay hydrated
Wear light clothing
Protect your skin from the sun

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