Trips to Europe in July and August, which residents of the UAE usually take to avoid summer heat, have this year served as a reminder that weather conditions can differ from expectations.
Zaina, who visits France annually to see family, chose August because, according to her, it is the hottest month in Dubai. However, this year her experience was different. She noted that the summer was particularly hot, and the heat was felt even in the evenings, unlike previous years when there was always a pleasant breeze.
In Southern France, Zaina had to reduce travel between cities, cancel some planned activities, and spend less time on the beach because leisure options were limited. Nevertheless, tourist crowds, especially in Cannes, were typical for the season, and she noticed visitors from Dubai.
Despite this, the trip did not deter her from the idea of vacationing in Europe in August; she stated that she would prefer Europe but would check heatwave dates more carefully and plan her activities accordingly.
Lisa arrived in the UK expecting typical summer weather but encountered colder conditions in parts of her trip. Temperatures in Scotland and Northern England dropped to 10°C, and Lisa was unprepared for the cold, having bought a hoodie because she only packed a cardigan for the flight.
In London, the weather was different, with temperatures between 27°C and 30°C. Although the heat was noticeable, it did not prevent her from enjoying the trip, despite her makeup smudging. One of the moments she particularly remembers was the long days when the sun set around 22:00, allowing for more time to walk around.
Lisa believes that the crowds in popular spots remained manageable, and she would definitely choose summer again, whether it was July or August, because she loves spending long days outdoors and enjoying the evenings while it is light.
Thus, for Zaina and Lisa, August did not turn out to be an unsuitable month for a summer vacation in Europe; however, trips in August may now require more preparation than initially assumed, considering both periods of intense heat and unexpected cold snaps.