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.
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
| Rank | City | Avg Summer Max | Peak Temp | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | 39.8°C | 40.7°C | 100 |
| 2 | AlUla, Saudi Arabia | 40.5°C | 41.2°C | 100 |
| 3 | Sweimeh, Jordan | 38.2°C | 38.9°C | 100 |
| 4 | Doha, Qatar | 41°C | 41.4°C | 100 |
| 5 | Dubai, UAE | 41°C | 41.5°C | 100 |
| 6 | Eilat, Israel | 38.6°C | 39.2°C | 100 |
| 7 | Las Vegas, United States | 38.5°C | 39.9°C | 100 |
| 8 | Luxor, Egypt | 41.1°C | 41.4°C | 100 |
| 9 | Palm Springs, United States | 39.3°C | 40.6°C | 100 |
| 10 | Phoenix, United States | 40.4°C | 41.1°C | 100 |
Top 10 Safe Summer Destinations
| Rank | City | Avg Summer Max | Risk Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zurich, Switzerland | 23.7°C | 0 |
| 2 | York, United Kingdom | 19.7°C | 0 |
| 3 | Yellowknife, Canada | 18.9°C | 0 |
| 4 | Wrocław, Poland | 23.9°C | 0 |
| 5 | Whistler, Canada | 20.7°C | 0 |
| 6 | Wellington, New Zealand | 18.4°C | 0 |
| 7 | Warsaw, Poland | 23.8°C | 0 |
| 8 | Vilnius, Lithuania | 22.2°C | 0 |
| 9 | Victoria, Canada | 20.6°C | 0 |
| 10 | Vancouver, Canada | 21.8°C | 0 |