Is it too hot to walk my dog in Nottingham today?

Nottingham sits snugly inland in the East Midlands, which gives it warm, still summers and crisp, frosty winters. Happily, it is also blessed with grand historic parks, so there is always somewhere good to point the lead.

Take care

Nottingham, East Midlands

24°C

Conditions are warm but manageable. Walk in shade where possible, carry water, and avoid the midday heat.

Estimated pavement temperature 24°C. Always do the 5-second palm test as the definitive on-the-ground check.

  • Carry water and stick to shade where you can.
  • Watch for heatstroke signs: heavy panting, drooling, lethargy or collapse. Contact a vet immediately if you see them.

Best walk windows today

Now · 24°CTomorrow before 12pm · 22.6°CTomorrow after 8pm · 27.2°C
Advice based on RSPCA guidance. View RSPCA hot weather advice →
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Walking your dog in Nottingham

Right now it's the warmer half of the year, so heat and hot pavements are the main things to keep an eye on when walking your dog in Nottingham.

In hot weather

Inland warmth heats the city's stone and paving in a flash. Head for the big estate parks with their grass and shade rather than walking the hot pavements at midday, and your dog's paws will thank you.

In cold weather

Frost and ice are common through winter, with gritted pavements all over. Keep walks shorter when it dips below freezing and wipe those paws clean afterwards.

Good places to walk in Nottingham

  • Wollaton Park. A historic deer park with woodland and a lake, so plenty of shade, just keep your dog steady around the deer.
  • Highfields Park. A lake and tree-lined paths by the university, good for water and cover.
  • Colwick Country Park. Riverside lakes and woodland on the edge of the city.

Quick tips for Nottingham

  • Still summer air holds the heat, so check the pavement before a midday walk.
  • Wollaton's deer mean lead-on in places, so plan your route around them.
  • Below freezing, keep it short and wipe the grit off at the door.

Nottingham's cafe and bar scene is more dog-friendly every year, ideal for a post-walk break.

Read more dog-walking advice →

Dog walking & temperature FAQs

Where are the best places to walk a dog in Nottingham in hot weather?
On a hot day, look for shade and water rather than open pavement. In Nottingham, good options include Wollaton Park, Highfields Park and Colwick Country Park. A historic deer park with woodland and a lake, so plenty of shade, just keep your dog steady around the deer.
Is it too hot to walk my dog in Nottingham today?
Check the live verdict at the top of this page. It uses the current weather for Nottingham to tell you whether it's safe to walk right now, shows the estimated pavement temperature, and lists the best walk windows for the day.
What temperature is too hot to walk a dog in the UK?
As a guide, walking becomes risky for many dogs once it's above about 20°C, and genuinely dangerous above 28°C, especially for flat-faced, large or older dogs. Just as important is the pavement: hard surfaces in direct sun can reach 50°C even when the air feels comfortable, which is hot enough to burn paws. Always check the live verdict and the pavement, not just the air temperature.
How do I test if the pavement is too hot for my dog?
Use the 5-second test: press the back of your hand flat against the pavement for five seconds. If it's too hot for you to hold there comfortably, it's too hot for your dog's paws. This is the definitive on-the-ground check, and the estimated pavement temperature on this page is only a guide.
What are the signs of heatstroke in dogs?
Watch for heavy or frantic panting, excessive drooling, bright red gums, lethargy, stumbling, vomiting or collapse. Heatstroke is an emergency: move your dog to shade, offer small amounts of water, cool them gradually with tepid (not ice-cold) water, and contact your vet immediately.
Is it too cold to walk a dog in winter?
Most healthy dogs cope down to around freezing, but small, thin-coated, very young or older dogs feel it much sooner, and wind chill can make it far colder than the thermometer suggests. Below about -9°C apparent temperature it's unsafe for many dogs. Grit and salt on pavements can also irritate and poison paws, so wipe them after every winter walk.

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Temperatures are estimates. When in doubt, wait for a cooler window.

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