How to Stay Cool During Arizona Summers

We love calling Arizona home… most of the year. It’s those scorching summer months that only sometimes make us want to escape to the north in search of cooler weather. For all of you feeling our pain, there are ways to stay just a little cooler during Arizona’s most brutal months. And every bit counts when it comes to triple digit temperatures.

Start the Day with a Cool Shower

While you might have to wait a few minutes for the water to cool down, your body will thank you if you start the day with a refreshingly cool shower. This will help to bring down your body’s core temperature and get your day started on the right foot. This is also a great way to bring down your temperature midday after an outdoor activity, or in the evening to cool down before bedtime.

Stay Out of the Sun

This one might be a no-brainer, but it’s important. The hottest time of the day is from roughly 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Plan any of your must-do outdoor activities like yard work or your daily run for early in the morning or later in the evening. If you’re enjoying the pool to stay cool, try to sit under an umbrella during the hours the sun is the strongest.

Stay Hydrated

You’d be surprised how quickly you can become dehydrated during those wickedly hot days in Arizona. Avoid overheating by drinking plenty of water. If you’re having trouble getting your family to drink water all day, try something with a little more flavor like dropping your favorite fruits into a glass of cold water. Iced tea can also be a nice change from just water and is made almost entirely of water so it will keep you hydrated as well.

Head Out for Some Mexican Food

This may sound like a terrible suggestion, but eating spicy foods can actually cool down your body. Hot chilies or curries stimulate the heat receptors in the mouth which increases circulation and sweating, and cools down your body more quickly.

It might be a good excuse to sit in the air conditioning with an ice-cold virgin margarita as well, since alcohol tends to heat up the body. Some of our favorite Mexican joints in Phoenix are Fuego Bistro, Barrio Café and Chelsea’s Kitchen.

Enjoy Some Water Sports

If you are brave enough to step outdoors during the hottest hours of the day, you might want to engage in some of Arizona’s many water activities. Go whitewater rafting on the Salt River, enjoy some area kayaking, or take a dip in one of Prescott’s many lakes. Don’t forget to slather on that sunscreen and stay hydrated while enjoying many of Arizona’s natural swimming pools.

Catch a Flick

There is no shortage of movie theaters in Arizona and it might just be the perfect solutions to a hot day in our sunny state. Dark rooms, cold air conditioning, iced drinks… it doesn’t get much better than that! Check out the summer blockbusters while enjoying the ice-cold drinks and air conditioning at your local movie theater.

The hot summer months of Arizona won’t keep us away from our favorite state. With a little planning and a few hot-weather tips, we will all survive the desert summer and come fall we will remember why we love living in Arizona so much!