Barcelona, Marbella, Granada… Spain ranks among the most popular summer destinations for travelers each year. But this summer, vacationers will need to exercise extra vigilance. Indeed, a fresh heatwave is set to strike the country, bringing extreme temperatures and several associated risks. Spain’s national meteorological agency, AEMET, foresees the heat wave intensifying, with temperatures expected to climb to a peak on Thursday, July 30, 2026. This comes after a summer that has already been exceptionally hot, with average temperatures from early June to mid-July about 3.3°C above the seasonal norm, making it one of the hottest starts to summer ever recorded in Spain.
According to forecasts, southern regions are expected to be the most affected, notably Andalusia and popular tourist destinations such as Seville. Forecast models indicate temperatures could reach 47°C or 48°C in parts of the region, approaching or surpassing the all-time Spanish record of 47.6°C recorded in Córdoba province in August 2021. Some parts of Catalonia are also expected to see temperatures well above 40°C in the coming days, and popular tourist hubs like Malaga could experience peaks around 45°C. It is therefore strongly advised to check the weather regularly, especially if you are traveling to one of the affected areas, so you can take precautions.
Is it reasonable to travel to Spain this summer?
In addition to the heatwave, several wildfires have also ravaged various regions of southern Europe, notably in Spain. In Almería, Andalusia, a fast-spreading blaze has claimed at least 12 lives and destroyed more than 6,600 hectares. It ranks among the deadliest fires the region has seen in recent years. Another fire broke out in Aragon, near Zaragoza, burning about 15,400 hectares since it began on July 15. In the province of Guadalajara, the La Mierla fire has already consumed over 32,000 hectares. In total, these fires forced the evacuation of 34 municipalities.
The European Commission has deployed this year what it describes as its most substantial wildfire-fighting arrangement, mobilizing 777 firefighters from 14 countries, along with 22 water-bombing planes and 5 helicopters, in high-risk areas, notably in Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Cyprus. For the moment, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued no travel advisories against heatwaves or wildfires in Spain, and no major disruption to air traffic has been reported in connection with the current fires.
However, conditions can change rapidly during a heat wave; it is therefore advised to check your airline’s website before departure and to follow local news once on site, especially if you are headed to Andalusia, Aragon or Castilla-La Mancha. If you are traveling during the hottest parts of the day, take precautions by avoiding sun exposure from around 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and wearing light clothing.
Cancelling Your Trip to Spain: What Are Your Rights?
Facing the current situation, you might decide to opt for another destination for your summer holidays after all? Here is what you need to know before canceling your stay, along with the rights you have. Refunds and cancellations are generally possible only if the government officially advises against travel to the region, in cases of a nearby wildfire near your accommodation, or if your flight or transport is canceled due to a fire.
Moreover, if you booked your vacation through a travel agency, don’t hesitate to contact them to explore the options available to you. Some agencies may offer flexible solutions even without a formal cancellation, especially if your destination is near a fire. However, remember that canceling as a precaution, in the absence of an official travel advisory against travel, makes obtaining a refund unlikely.
Published by Amelia Brille 
