How to manage the heat and crowds in Euro summer: 12 tips

In a good news, bad news scenario, I’m a decidedly “bad news first” kinda gal, so let’s start there: summer is the worst time to travel to Europe. The crowds swell to maximum saturation, so entry lines run hours long; navigating sidewalks becomes a contact sport; and you’ll be smashed skin-to-skin against strangers inside museums and landmarks. Prices skyrocket and availability vanishes. In the quaint places you want to stroll along, those cobblestones and castle walls will radiate with thick heat. And, for some reason, Europe still balks at standard air-conditioning and ice. Even the Vatican Museums are not air-conditioned, for (Saint) Pete’s sake.  

So my best advice is to visit Europe in spring or early fall for a better experience of… everything. Yet the very reason for seasonal crowding in the first place is because many people can travel only in summer. If this describes you, don’t despair that your Euro summer will be a misery of sweaty metro rides and lukewarm drinks. Remember—bad news, but also good news. 

With some simple strategy, you can win summer heat and crowds in Europe. Here’s how.

Tote a water bottle with you. 

Hydration is not optional in European summer heat—it's operational. Carry a water bottle with you to refill at plentiful public drinking fountains. We have these easily portable, collapsible water bottles in different colors for each member of the family.

Pack linen, poplin, pants, and long sleeves.

Linen and poplin are lightweight, packable, and look intentional even when you're melting. A wrap dress will look beautiful and appropriate until the end of time, and this one has pockets! Paired with beautiful sandals, this long-sleeved shirt linen dress is perfection for Euro summer. Colin often packs these linen button ups. They're excellent—handsome, well-made, and wash beautifully. And it may seem counterintuitive, but long and loose clothing helps protect your skin from aggressive sun. Think wide-leg pants, long-sleeve linen button downs, loose maxi dresses. Bonus: longer pieces also mean you won't be turned away at churches for bare shoulders or exposed knees. 

Sunglasses with a hat, not sunglasses instead of a hat.

Sunglasses alone will not suffice in many places during peak sun hours, so bring along a wide-brimmed hat. And yes, stylish, packable hats exist. I have and love this one. 

Hang around public fountains.

European plazas, piazzas, and places usually feature a beautiful, flowing fountain where you can splash yourself with blessed refreshment. Meander past fountains as you make your way to designated sites and appointments. You'll also get the fun of observing neighborhood life a bit more closely.

Use laundry service to help you pack light. 

Packing light is unexpectedly tricky in peak summer. You can’t really plan to rewear items unless you have laundry access; your clothes will get sweaty even just walking to and fro. The solution is laundry access. If you rent an Airbnb, make sure it has a washer and dryer available. If you’re in a hotel, ask about the cost of laundry service. You don’t necessarily need this daily, but a few strategic washes can be worth the cost in what they save you in luggage volume. 

• Related: How to choose an Airbnb or hotel in Europe

Verify air-conditioning in your hotel or rental.

The ancient buildings of Europe are both charming and often unequipped with air-conditioning. Don’t assume that AC comes standard. Ask, read carefully, or otherwise verify that your room specifically—not only the lounges or common areas—will have air-conditioning.  

Enter iconic churches for worship, not tourism. 

Many visitors forget that churches are active houses of worship and prayer, not museums. Traveling as a pilgrim instead of tourist allows you to enter iconic churches more quickly. For example, Notre Dame in Paris opens a totally separate, fast-track queue for people entering to attend Mass or venerate the Crown of Thorns. The same is true at St Peter’s Basilica, the Duomo in Florence, and many other churches packed with visitors. Research ahead to find Mass or prayer times and where to queue for these entrances. 

Prebook everything to minimize standing in unshaded lines. 

In summer, prebooking is usually essential to gain access, but there’s another reason to prioritize tickets: avoiding unshaded lines. First entry or last entry are the least crowded and mark the coolest times of day for waiting in a queue. 

Ride metros underground when the sidewalks get too hot. 

One glorious feature of Europe is the underground metro systems in most major cities. When the sidewalks scorch, use the cooler underground metros to get from A to B. 

Take long, long lunches indoors. 

At midday, take up residence at an indoor café or restaurant and fully revel in the European custom of endlessly long lunches. Order a million courses and savor each one. This practice provides both a restful cooldown and cultural immersion without sacrificing precious travel time. And remember that glaces and gelato are not treats, but survival tools. You have no choice but to eat just one more. 

Block your days like a local: early mornings, siesta, late nights. 

If it seems that Europeans stay up very, very late, there’s a reason. Early morning (before noon) and early evening (after 4 pm) are when going out is bearable. To accommodate this schedule, summer brings the midday siesta. For example, many European churches open early around 7 am, then close around noon to 4 pm, then reopen for the evening. Shops and museums often roughly mirror these hours. The siesta is a chance to nap and refresh for the evening shift, which can run past midnight. Embrace the local culture and get up early, nap strongly, and stay out late. 

• Related: How to plan a trip to Europe

Always pack a swimsuit. 

Always. 

Are you dreaming of a more meaningful trip to Europe or another special place? Thy Ship would love to design a perfect itinerary and help you go differently. Let's talk!

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Contact me. I am a Catholic author, artist, speaker, pilgrimage leader, and travel concierge.

I'd love to collaborate with you on your next retreat, day of reflection, pilgrimage, trip, or event.

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