By 2100, summer in Europe could stretch to almost eight months. A new study suggests that global warming will drastically reshape seasonality, climate patterns and tourism — and the consequences will be anything but idyllic for travellers.
Researchers analysed 10,000 years of climate records and found that the current lengthening of summer resembles conditions seen 6,000 years ago, when Europe experienced roughly 200 days of warm weather due to weakened atmospheric and oceanic currents in the Arctic. Today, however, the process is accelerating — and driven by human activity.
According to projections, the warm season could expand to 242 days by the end of the century. This is linked to the rapid decrease of the latitudinal temperature gradient: the Arctic is heating up four times faster than the rest of the planet, slowing the jet stream and allowing warm air to linger over Europe.
Scientists warn that such an extended summer will strain agriculture, water supplies and public health, bringing more heatwaves, droughts and water shortages.
Tourism is already showing signs of shift. In recent years, extreme heat, wildfires and water scarcity have made Mediterranean destinations less appealing in summer. Travellers are increasingly opting for cooler northern alternatives such as Scandinavia, Iceland, the UK, Ireland and the Netherlands — regions offering mild climates, nature and reliable infrastructure. This trend is expected to grow as summers become hotter and longer.