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.

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

COUNTRY	RECORD	LOCATION	YEAR
Albania	44.0°C	Kuçovë	2023
Andorra	39.4°C	Borda Vidal	2019
Austria	40.5°C	Altenburg	2013
Belarus	38.9°C	Gomel	2010
Belgium	41.8°C	Begijnendijk	2019
Bosnia and Herzegovina	46.2°C	Mostar	1901
Bulgaria	45.2°C	Sadovo	1916
Croatia	42.8°C	Ploče	1981
Czech Republic	40.4°C	Dobřichovice	2012
Denmark	36.4°C	Holstebro	1975
Estonia	35.6°C	Võru	1992
Finland	37.2°C	Liperi	2010
France	46.0°C	Vérargues	2019
Germany	41.2°C	Duisburg-Baerl	2019
Greece	48.0°C	Athens	1977
Hungary	41.9°C	Kiskunhalas	2007
Ireland	33.3°C	County Kilkenny	1887
Italy	48.8°C	Syracuse	2021
Latvia	37.8°C	Ventspils	2014
Liechtenstein	37.4°C	Ruggell	2003
Lithuania	37.5°C	Zarasai	1994
Luxembourg	40.8°C	Steinsel and Remich	2019
Malta	43.8°C	Malta Airport	1999
Moldova	42.4°C	Fălești	2012
Monaco	35.1°C	Monaco	2022
Montenegro	44.8°C	Podgorica	2012
Netherlands	40.7°C	Gilze en Rijen	2019
North Macedonia	45.7°C	Demir Kapija	2007
Norway	35.6°C	Nesbyen	1970
Poland	40.2°C	Prószków	1921
Portugal	47.4°C	Amareleja	2003
Romania	44.5°C	Ion Sion, Brăila County	1951
Russia	45.4°C	Utta, Kalmykia	2010
San Marino	40.3°C	Serravalle	2017
Serbia	44.9°C	Podunavlje	2007
Slovakia	40.3°C	Hurbanovo	2007
Slovenia	40.8°C	Cerklje ob Krki	2013
Spain	47.6°C	La Rambla	2021
Sweden	38.0°C	Kalmar County	1947
Switzerland	41.5°C	Grono	2003
Turkey	49.5°C	Sarıcakaya	2023
Ukraine	42.0°C	Luhansk	2010
United Kingdom	40.3°C	Coningsby	2022

Hottest Countries in Europe

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

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.

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.

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.

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.