2025 Set to be UK’s Hottest Year on Record, Impacting Tourism and Travel

Published on December 23, 2025

As 2025 nears its end, the UK is on track to record its hottest year since records began, with the temperature forecast to hit an average of around 10.05°C. This is slightly higher than the previous record of 10.03°C set in 2022. With only a week left in the year, the UK’s heatwave has significantly impacted tourism, reshaping travel patterns across the country. As the Met Office predicts, the record-breaking temperatures are largely driven by human-induced climate change, setting a precedent for future travel trends.

The effects of this summer’s extreme temperatures have been felt most in popular tourist destinations across the UK. Coastal regions like Cornwall, Brighton, and Wales saw a sharp rise in visitors, who flocked to the beaches and countryside to make the most of the warm weather. These areas, known for their outdoor beauty and coastal escapes, were highly sought after during the summer months. As the temperatures reached their peak at 35.8°C, more people turned to nature, taking advantage of the longer days to explore the natural wonders that the UK has to offer.

However, the summer heat has also come with its set of challenges for tourism. While the warm temperatures boosted travel to outdoor destinations, they also brought significant risks, including droughts and wildfires. Areas with limited resources for handling extreme conditions have seen a decline in visitors. Some rural locations, in particular, struggled with water shortages and environmental stress, leading to reduced tourism activities in those regions.

The UK government has been proactive in addressing these concerns. Local authorities have been working with tourism boards to encourage travel to areas less affected by the heat, such as the cooler regions of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands. These areas, while less well-known, offer lush landscapes, cooler weather, and a range of outdoor activities perfect for those looking to escape the heat.

In response to climate challenges, UK tourism has started embracing more sustainable practices. Eco-friendly accommodations, nature-based tours, and low-carbon travel options are becoming more popular, with travelers seeking responsible ways to enjoy the country. The government’s focus on promoting green tourism aligns with the growing demand for sustainable travel. Visitors to cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester are now being encouraged to explore eco-conscious options, from bike tours to public transport passes, which help reduce the environmental footprint of their visit.

The tourism sector is also adapting by promoting off-season holidays. As temperatures rise during the summer, travelers are increasingly looking for alternative times to visit. Winter tourism has gained momentum, with attractions such as Christmas markets, winter hikes, and festive events in cities like Bath and York seeing a boost in visitor numbers. These quieter months now provide an opportunity for those who prefer to avoid the summer heat while still enjoying all the cultural and historical wonders the UK has to offer.

Experts have noted that the trend of more extreme weather will only continue in the future. Amy Doherty, a climate scientist at the Met Office, has highlighted that the trend of breaking heat records is likely to become more common in the years ahead. This means that UK tourism will need to adapt to a changing climate by offering more flexibility in travel options. As hot summers become the new norm, it’s likely that many tourists will shift their travel schedules to take advantage of cooler months, further diversifying the UK’s tourism offering.

The growing heatwaves also offer an opportunity for new types of tourism to emerge. Nature-based tours, wellness retreats, and eco-tourism activities are increasingly becoming central to the UK’s tourism strategy. These trends align with the global shift towards more sustainable and mindful travel, catering to the demands of conscious travelers who want to experience the country’s beauty without compromising its future.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, the UK is set to face even hotter summers. Tourism boards and businesses are already preparing for these changes by investing in infrastructure and services that will support year-round travel. Innovations in green technology, sustainable accommodations, and transportation options are being prioritized to ensure that the UK remains a top destination for eco-conscious travelers. The future of tourism in the UK may be shaped by the changing climate, but with strategic planning and sustainable development, it can thrive in the years to come.

While the heatwaves of 2025 have brought both challenges and opportunities to UK tourism, they have also set the stage for a shift in travel behavior. As tourists adapt to hotter summers and seek cooler destinations, the UK is embracing sustainability and eco-friendly practices to ensure that its tourism sector remains vibrant, diverse, and resilient.