30YearWeather
Heatwave Risk 2026
Original Research

Heatwave Risk Index 2026:
Which Cities Are Too Hot?

A data-driven analysis of summer heat extremes across 473 global destinations. Know before you go: some places are dangerously hot in peak summer.

MV
Michal Vesecký
| Jan 5, 2026| 473 Cities
18
Extreme Risk
Avoid in summer
15
High Risk
Caution advised
28
Moderate Risk
Stay hydrated
412
Low Risk
Safe for summer

Key Finding

18 destinations around the world experience extreme summer heat with average maximum temperatures exceeding 40°C. The Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia are particularly dangerous for summer travel, with heat-related health risks significantly elevated.

Why Summer Heat Matters for Travel

When planning summer vacations, most travelers check average temperatures but fail to account for extreme heat events. Our analysis goes beyond averages to reveal which destinations pose genuine health risks during peak summer months.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious concerns in high-risk destinations. The elderly, children, and those with health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Knowing the risk level before booking can literally save lives.

The Extreme Risk Zone

Destinations scoring 80+ on our Heatwave Risk Index experience average summer maximums above 40°C, with multiple extreme heat days exceeding 45°C. These are places where outdoor activities become dangerous and air conditioning is not optional. It is essential for survival.

Top 10 Extreme Heat Destinations

RankCityAvg Summer MaxPeak TempRisk Score
1Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates39.8°C40.7°C100
2AlUla, Saudi Arabia40.5°C41.2°C100
3Sweimeh, Jordan38.2°C38.9°C100
4Doha, Qatar41°C41.4°C100
5Dubai, UAE41°C41.5°C100
6Eilat, Israel38.6°C39.2°C100
7Las Vegas, United States38.5°C39.9°C100
8Luxor, Egypt41.1°C41.4°C100
9Palm Springs, United States39.3°C40.6°C100
10Phoenix, United States40.4°C41.1°C100

Top 10 Safe Summer Destinations

RankCityAvg Summer MaxRisk Score
1Zurich, Switzerland23.7°C0
2York, United Kingdom19.7°C0
3Yellowknife, Canada18.9°C0
4Wrocław, Poland23.9°C0
5Whistler, Canada20.7°C0
6Wellington, New Zealand18.4°C0
7Warsaw, Poland23.8°C0
8Vilnius, Lithuania22.2°C0
9Victoria, Canada20.6°C0
10Vancouver, Canada21.8°C0

Cite This Article

Vesecký, M., & 30YearWeather Research. (2026). Heatwave Risk Index 2026: Summer Heat Danger Rankings. 30YearWeather Research. https://30yearweather.com/research/heatwave-risk-2026