Brits saw the hottest day of the year so far, as temperatures hit almost 35C in London on Monday (May 25) during the first heatwave of 2026. While many people in the UK struggle in 30C heat, the same temperatures often feel far more bearable in holiday destinations.
Experts say there are a number of reasons why UK heatwaves feel hotter than the same temperatures abroad, including humidity levels, lack of air conditioning and how buildings are designed. “It is perhaps how heatwaves in the UK are perceived that makes them less manageable,” Annie Shuttleworth, a Met Office meteorologist, told Stylist. “When we experience heat abroad, we’re usually on holiday, and may be close to a pool or the beach. In general, buildings and infrastructure are also more set up for heat abroad – for example, there is more air conditioning.” According to some experts, one of the biggest factors is humidity. A Met Office spokesperson previously told MyLondon: “The level of humidity can be higher in the UK than in continental Europe. If humidity is high, it is harder for the human body to keep cool as your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
“This is made worse given that we are experiencing more ‘tropical nights’ – nights where the temperature doesn’t go below 20C, meaning we get no respite from the heat and time for our body to recover.”
The body naturally cools itself through sweating, but humid conditions make this process less effective.
Meteorologist Dr Matthew Patterson told BBC Science Focus: “Sweating cools you down because when the water evaporates it transfers energy away from your body. However, sweating is less effective if there is already a lot of moisture in the air.”
This means a humid 30C day in the UK can spark health alerts and feel far more uncomfortable than a drier 30C day elsewhere in Europe.
Meteorologists often use ‘feels like’ temperatures to measure how hot conditions actually feel on the human body, rather than relying on air temperature alone.
Climate expert Prof Hannah Cloke told BBC Science Focus: “Two regions might have identical temperatures, but one might feel okay, while the other leaves people dangerously overheated.
“Measures like the UTCI can provide planners with a much better understanding of where and when the impacts of a heatwave will be felt.”
Another reason the heat feels more intense in Britain is because homes and infrastructure are built to keep heat in during winter, rather than letting it escape in summer.
Unlike many countries in southern Europe, air conditioning remains uncommon in UK homes, offices and public transport.