Summer in Arizona: How to Stay Cool!
We all know Arizona is HOT, HOT, HOT. I remember the first time I visited Arizona in summer and I could literally feel a burn on my foot between my thin flip flops and the black top. I’ve been living here for a decade now and I have crafted a list and schedule of things I like to do to “survive the summer.” There are always things to complain about, but I still prefer to see the good in things. There are so many great things about EVERY season in EVERY state.
But It’s a Dry Heat, Right??
Things to Do in The Phoenix Area
As an avid hiker, it is definitely hard for me to admit the summer is coming as this comes with slowing down my hiking frequency. Remember, safety is what is most important. When other people have snowy summers, we have hot summers- that’s just how it is. BUT there is still so much to do in the PHX area. You can sneak in early morning hikes or do night hikes, you can engage in water activities, or enjoy INSIDE activities.
Please note, HEAT is no joke. Mother nature is no joke. There are many heat-related deaths in Arizona each year, much of which are very preventable. I do not hike in weather over 90 degrees, and I don’t bring my dog. PLEASE be smart.
1. Float the Salt River
I’m an outdoorsy gal, so of course I had to start the list with a HIKE. This is one of the most well-known parts of the area, and one of the best things to do in Strawberry, AZ. Fossil Springs is a few miles outside of Strawberry and is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the whole state of Arizona. Please note- this hike requires a permit either days or a month in advance, and the hike is not for the weak. The hike into Fossil Springs from Strawberry is over 8 miles and over 1,000 ft elevation gain. Be prepared, but enjoy!
I’ve Created a Save-able Guide for you!
I’ve created an inclusive guide specifically on Salt River Tubing, along with Kayaking and Paddleboarding down the river. It includes launch locations, time commitments, where to rent, what gear to bring, etc! Use code “saltriver” for a discount!
2. Paddle Saguaro or Canyon Lake
If you’re wanting to get outside and not leave the valley, I suggest checking out Canyon and Saguaro Lake near Mesa and the Superstition Mountains. Now, people are out there all the time in the middle of the day, but I don’t recommend this. I love paddle boarding at sunrise or sunset at either lake. The water cools you off, and sunsets are usually stunning. This is one of my favorite things to do in summer in Arizona. Below is a map of launch sites for paddleboards/kayaks/swimming.
3. Go For a Night Hike
Miss hiking in the Phoenix Area? Check out one of your favorite hikes AT NIGHT. Yes, I said that right. Piestewa Peak is an epic night hike, along with North Mountain in Phoenix and EJ Peak in Mesa. It’s so much fun to sit at the summit of a mountain in the dark to either watch a full moon rise, watch seasonal meteor showers, or see the city lights. Just make sure to bring a headlamp to watch your step and look out for critters!
4. Enjoy Indoor Restaurants
One of the best things to enjoy and pass the time during summer in Arizona is to spend time indoors- HA. Nothing wrong with enjoying the air conditioning. My husband and I like to spend time checking out coffee shops on Sunday morning, and going out for dates to local restaurants on Friday evenings. Check out my favorite restaurants and coffee shops below.
My Favorite Phoenix Shops & Restaurants
5. Don’t Leave Your House
Sorry, had to add some humor to your day, haha. Arizona in the summer means closing the blinds to attempt to save money on air conditioning and napping all day. It is OKAY to not explore as much in the summer. Other states have winter and that is their season to rest. Summer is ours. So rest up :).
Things to Outside The Phoenix Area in Summer
While I do LOVE PHOENIX, I love to leave Phoenix in the summer. Dealing with 115 degrees for months on end gets so old. I try my best to keep a positive attitude, but sometimes you need a break. Let’s go over some of my favorite towns to spend Summer in Arizona.
1. Head to Flagstaff
Flagstaff is typically about TWENTY degrees cooler than Phoenix. That’s a lot! Now don’t get me wrong, it’s still hot in the middle of the day (sometimes up to low 90s), but way better than the Phoenix valley. Whether you camp, stay in a botique hotel, or rent out an airbnb, there is always something awesome to do! Check out my post below for 2 free downloadable Flagstaff Itineraries!
Read More About Flagstaff
2. Swim in Sedona
Sedona is usually about 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley. It is hotter than Flagstaff. To me, way too hot to be hiking during the day. I only sugget spending Summer in Arizona in Sedona if you’re planning to swim, ONLY hike at sunrise or sunset, or enjoy the hotel-shopping life. Always, safety is first.
Read More About Sedona
3. Drive to the White Mountains
I lived in Arizona for a whole 9 years before going to the White Mountains. I just didn’t know about it. But wow, it’s fantastic and now I’ll go back every summer. The “White Mountains” encompasses Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, and Greer. Think beautiful streams weaving through trails, high elevation, lakes galore, and community. It’s one of my husbands FAVORITE area to hike in the entire state. Does that convince you to go?
Read More About The White Mountains
4. Go Camping on the Mogollon Rim
If you’re looking for somewhere to spend Summer in Arizona without all the shops and the hustle and bustle, the Mogollon Rim is perfect. It’s just you and the trees- and whoever else is there haha. There are so many amazing campsites for you to check out, lakes to swim in, places to hike, and views to enjoy.
Read More About The Mogollon Rim
NEED SOMEWHERE TO CAMP??
I’ve created a FORTY PAGE GUIDE outlining all the best free and paid campsites in Northern Arizona, including Sedona.
It can be hard to spend hours researching campsites, trying to figure out were they’re located, what they look like, the price, and the amenities. With my guide, those days are over! I give you everything you need to know, with links to my Google Maps AND it’s in a PDF so you can access it any time!
Places I Don’t Recommend Going During Summer in Arizona…
I know this is a weird thing to say, but some places in Arizona are just still TOO DANG HOT to enjoy much of in the summer. You can always find beauty in everything, but in terms of enjoying your summer weekends, choose one of the locations above instead of these!
1. The Grand Canyon
Yes, I said it. The Grand Canyon can be DEADLY. Many people die each year and each summer of heat-related issues, amongst other causes. It’s popular to do Rim to River or Rim to Rim, but it is NOT worth it between May and early October. You can’t avoid hiking in the heat. It’s not a badge of honor to grit through it, okay. Be safe. If you visit in Summer, take the shuttle to the viewpoints and enjoy views from your hotel and on short walks at sunset.
2. Page, Arizona
Again, it’s still SUPER HOT up there. I actually love visiting Page, Arizona when it’s cooler in the winter- so much more enjoyable. Hiking to Horseshoe Bend or seeing Antelope Canyon is NOT FUN and NOT SAFE in the heat. People do boat on Lake Powell though, that I would recommend.
2. Tucson, Arizona
The Dirty T. That’s what we were trained to call Tucson at Arizona State University (UofA is our rival). It’s maybe 7-9 degrees cooler than Phoenix, but don’t go out of your way to Tucson in the summer. Too hot still.
Final Thoughts About Summer in Arizona
This is how you enjoy state 48 in summer. My state. Arizona. Don’t get me wrong, I love AZ, but summer in Arizona is rough. I hope this post helps you stay safe, have fun whether it’s local or on a road trip, AND help you know where NOT to go. Happy adventuring!!!
