Paw Safety Check
Is 25°C Too Hot to Walk Your Dog?
The short answer
At an air temperature of 25°C (77°F), it is borderline. In shade or on grass it’s fine, but on a sunny day dark pavement can climb past 50 °C (122 °F) - hot enough to hurt paws. Treat midday walks on hard surfaces with real caution.
What 25°C means for the pavement
Your dog walks on the ground, not the air - and the gap is large. On a sunny day, dark asphalt at 25°C air can reach roughly 45°C (113°F)–55°C (131°F) in direct sun, while shaded surfaces stay closer to 30°C (86°F). Light concrete sits between the two, and grass stays near the air temperature. This is why timing and surface matter more than the headline number.
What to do at 25°C
- Walk in the early morning or evening when surfaces are cooler
- Stick to grass, dirt and shaded routes
- Keep midday pavement walks short and always hand-test first
- Bring water and watch for overheating
Which dogs are most at risk
Flat-faced breeds, thick or dark-coated dogs, puppies, seniors, and overweight or unwell dogs feel heat sooner and harder. If your dog is in one of these groups, be more cautious than the general advice above - see which dogs are most at risk in heat and the signs of heatstroke.
Always confirm with the hand test
Temperature guides are a starting point, not the final word. Press the back of your hand on the pavement for 7 seconds: if you can’t hold it comfortably, it’s too hot for paws - choose grass, shade, or wait. See the full dog walking temperature chart.
Frequently asked questions
Is 25°C too hot to walk a dog?
At 25°C (77°F), it is borderline. In shade or on grass it’s fine, but on a sunny day dark pavement can climb past 50 °C (122 °F) - hot enough to hurt paws. Treat midday walks on hard surfaces with real caution.
How hot is the pavement when it’s 25°C?
On a sunny day, dark asphalt can sit roughly 45°C (113°F)–55°C (131°F) - well above the air. In shade it’s closer to 30°C (86°F). Always confirm with the 7-second hand test.
What’s the safest way to walk a dog at 25°C?
Walk in the early morning or evening, stick to grass and shade, keep it short, bring water, and do the hand test before stepping onto any pavement.