The Surface Urban Heat Island (SUHI) is a well-documented urbanization-driven phenomenon, contributing to elevated city temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas. This study investigates the positive impact of green spaces in alleviating ambient temperatures during Skopje’s summer. Conducted from July 22 to July 28, 2022, in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia, our cross-sectional research involved thrice-daily temperature monitoring across various locations with and without tree coverage. Additionally, leveraging Landsat-8 data from July 22, 2022, we extracted and analyzed SUHI patterns.

Among the nine locations studied, four exhibited clear Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. The most significant temperature disparity of 7.9°C was observed between a treeless one-way street and the City Park. On average, temperature differences between the hottest and coolest spots amounted to 6.8°C, consistently showcasing lower ambient temperatures in tree-covered areas.

Our findings underscore the pivotal role of green spaces, including parks and tree-lined gardens, in mitigating thermal stress and offsetting the adverse impacts of UHI on public health. This study emphasizes the critical importance of urban planning strategies that prioritize and integrate green infrastructure to address the challenges posed by UHI, urbanization, and climate change. Policies aimed at promoting and preserving green spaces are indispensable for fostering climate-resilient and sustainable cities that prioritize the well-being of their inhabitants.