July 2025 ranked as the third warmest July on record globally, with an average surface temperature of 16.68°C — 0.45°C above the 1991–2020 average. While slightly cooler than the record-setting months of July 2023 and July 2024, it remains a clear signal of the planet’s ongoing warming trend.
Over the past 12 months (August 2024–July 2025), the global temperature was 1.53°C warmer than pre-industrial levels (1850–1900). Although this doesn’t officially exceed the Paris Climate Agreement’s long-term target of keeping warming below 1.5°C, it highlights the short-term breach of that threshold.
In Europe, July’s average land temperature reached 21.12°C, making it the fourth warmest July on record for the continent. Countries like Finland and Sweden faced severe heatwaves, while Southeastern Europe grappled with extreme heat and forest fires. Turkey recorded a national high of 50.5°C.
The global sea surface temperature averaged 20.77°C, making it the third highest for any July. Meanwhile, sea ice continued to decline: the Arctic’s sea ice extent was 10% below average — the second lowest in 47 years for July. In the Antarctic, sea ice was 8% below average.
This continued pattern of heat, melting ice, and environmental stress serves as a warning. Without a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, future records — and their devastating consequences — are likely.