The Highest Temperatures Recorded in Europe

New records for the highest temperatures recorded in Europe are set every few years. In fact, since 2010, 18 European countries have recorded their highest temperature ever. In this post, we’ll look at the highest temperatures recorded in Europe.

The highest temperature of any European country was recorded in Turkey, but it’s worth noting that it wasn’t recorded in the European portion of the country, instead taking place roughly 200 km southeast of Istanbul.  

The hottest place in Europe ever recorded is in Italy on the island of Sicily in 2021, where the temperature reached 48.8°C. The lowest of the highest temperatures recorded is in Ireland, where the record is 33.3°C, set in 1887.

To learn more about record temperatures around the world, see our posts on the hottest countries in the world and the coldest countries in the world.

The map below shows the highest temperatures ever recorded in each country in Europe.

A vibrant map of Europe shows sunlight or temperature levels through color variations, with a cartoon sun in the corner.
The Highest Temperatures Recorded in Europe

The table below contains the highest temperature recorded in each country in Europe, along with the location and year of the recording.

COUNTRYRECORDLOCATIONYEAR
Albania44.0°CKuçovë2023
Andorra39.4°CBorda Vidal2019
Austria40.5°CAltenburg2013
Belarus38.9°CGomel2010
Belgium41.8°CBegijnendijk2019
Bosnia and Herzegovina46.2°CMostar1901
Bulgaria45.2°CSadovo1916
Croatia42.8°CPloče1981
Czech Republic40.4°CDobřichovice2012
Denmark36.4°CHolstebro1975
Estonia35.6°CVõru1992
Finland37.2°CLiperi2010
France46.0°CVérargues2019
Germany41.2°CDuisburg-Baerl2019
Greece48.0°CAthens1977
Hungary41.9°CKiskunhalas2007
Ireland33.3°CCounty Kilkenny1887
Italy48.8°CSyracuse2021
Latvia37.8°CVentspils2014
Liechtenstein37.4°CRuggell2003
Lithuania37.5°CZarasai1994
Luxembourg40.8°CSteinsel and Remich2019
Malta43.8°CMalta Airport1999
Moldova42.4°CFălești2012
Monaco35.1°CMonaco2022
Montenegro44.8°CPodgorica2012
Netherlands40.7°CGilze en Rijen2019
North Macedonia45.7°CDemir Kapija2007
Norway35.6°CNesbyen1970
Poland40.2°CPrószków1921
Portugal47.4°CAmareleja2003
Romania44.5°CIon Sion, Brăila County1951
Russia45.4°CUtta, Kalmykia2010
San Marino40.3°CSerravalle2017
Serbia44.9°CPodunavlje 2007
Slovakia40.3°CHurbanovo2007
Slovenia40.8°CCerklje ob Krki2013
Spain47.6°CLa Rambla2021
Sweden38.0°CKalmar County1947
Switzerland41.5°CGrono2003
Turkey49.5°CSarıcakaya 2023
Ukraine42.0°CLuhansk2010
United Kingdom40.3°CConingsby2022

Hottest Countries in Europe

An aerial view of the island of Tenerife, one of the hottest places in Europe.
Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife, Spain

Although Europe doesn’t include any countries on the equator, those that are closer to the equator are generally hotter. In Europe, these countries are further south and include Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta, Greece, and Turkey, among a few others.

Europe in winter features a much different climate than it does in summer, something reflected in the lowest temperatures recorded in Europe. It’s still possible, however, to find some measure of sun and warmth on the continent even in the depths of winter.

The Canary Islands of Spain are usually the hottest place in Europe in December and January. Southern Portugal is another good option for those in search of the hottest place in Europe in winter.

If extreme heat is what you’re after, there’s no better time than summer in Europe. The hottest places in Europe in summer are concentrated in the southeastern part of the continent. They include Greece, Malta, Italy, Montenegro, and Albania. The hottest month in Italy is generally July, and August comes in at a close second.

The Effects of Global Warming on Temperatures in Europe

A hand holds a thermometer with a high temperature reading in a city.
Temperatures in Europe continue to get hotter

Global warming is a critical issue facing our planet that is predominantly driven by the increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere. These gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat from the sun, leading to a gradual rise in temperatures globally. This phenomenon has impacts in regions around the world, including Europe.

In Europe and many other regions in the world, global warming has led to notable temperature increases. Summers are becoming hotter and longer, and winters are milder. These changes not only disrupt flora and fauna but also affect human activities. Heat waves pose serious health risks to vulnerable populations, and changing weather conditions can create agricultural challenges.

Since 1880, the average global temperature on Earth is estimated to have increased by at least 1.1° C (1.9° F). This change may seem small, but its implications are profound and far-reaching. It has caused the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, which contributes to rising sea levels and poses a threat to low-lying areas and island nations.

A polar bear balances on a piece of ice in the sea.
Polar bear on melting ice floe

Warmer temperatures also exacerbate the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, droughts, and wildfires. These events not only cause immediate destruction but also have long-term economic and social repercussions.

In Europe, as in other parts of the world, global warming presents significant challenges to the environment, health, and economies. Addressing this crisis requires a concerted effort at both international and local levels, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and policies to mitigate the effects of climate change.

A man splashes water from a fountain in his face on a hot day.
Heat waves pose a health risk as record temperatures rise

Can We Stop Global Warming?

Slowing down the rate of global warming is a much more feasible goal than completely stopping it, and there are several ways to make this happen. The primary method for slowing the warming of the planet is to reduce emissions.

This involves transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources and promoting sustainable energy use. Some of these energy sources include solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Two workers in orange vests walk next to solar panels in a solar power station.
Solar power station

Governments and industries worldwide are investing in renewable energy, and while progress is being made, the pace needs to be significantly accelerated to meet the targets set by international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement.

Another crucial aspect is enhancing energy efficiency in all sectors, from industrial processes to household energy use. This means creating more energy-efficient buildings, vehicles, and appliances.

In addition to reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, reforestation and afforestation are effective at slowing global warming. This is because trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to restore the balance of atmospheric gases.

The UN has published a list of some specific actions most people can take to help reduce the effects of climate change and global warming.

Image Sources and Copyright Information
  • Aerial View of Coastal City with Mountain in the Background: © Serenity-H/Shutterstock
  • Hand Holding a Thermometer in Hot Urban Weather: © aleks333/Shutterstock
  • Polar Bear on Melting Ice Floe: © FloridaStock/Shutterstock
  • Tourist Cooling Off at a Water Fountain: © Massimo Todaro/Shutterstock
  • Solar Power Station Inspection: © Mark Agnor/Shutterstock