Trying to capture the experience of an Arizona summer in one photo or just a few words is difficult, mostly because it’s not the same everywhere. Some parts of the state are roasting under the sun while other areas are a cool respite before the winter snows kick in. Summer can be harsh, beautiful, intense, welcoming, and deadly. It just depends on where you are and how you deal with it.

However, there’s a few common experiences most of us can relate to when the summer season is in full swing. Here are a few photos that illustrate what an average summer is like when living (or even just visiting) Arizona.

1. Let’s start with one of the most anticipated events each summer and one that’s kind of disappointed us this year: the monsoon.
Jasper Nance/Flickr
Dust storms aren’t exactly the favorite but they are iconic enough to earn national and international headlines.
2. Don’t forget those thunderstorms!
Abbeenormal/Flickr
3. On a good day, though, this is what your summer afternoon will look like.
Alan Levine/Flickr
4. Summer means scorching heat and for every parent, that means this at some point.
Dave Emerson/Flickr
You can also forget ordering anything in the mail that might melt.
5. There is no greater struggle than trying to eat ice cream or a popsicle on a hot day. Or trying to get it home before they melt!
saragoldsmith/Flickr
6. You know that no matter how careful you are, these things WILL burn you.
Chris Martin/Flickr

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7. But you can always take advantage of that heat by doing some cooking...in the car.
Joel Kramer/Flickr

8. Or you could always try the street. I’d recommend using a pan first.
Lori Grieg/Flickr
9. A day off will be spent like this in one of the rivers.
Becca Kumar/Flickr
10. Or floating in any pool, as long as the water is cool.
Julien Haler/Flickr
11. But not all areas of the state are on fire. Places like Flagstaff, Greer, Williams, and even Summerhaven down near Tucson are quite nice this time of year.
Deborah Lee Soltesz/Flickr
12. Camping in the summer is perfect! Unless your old camping gear isn’t entirely waterproof.
Alan English CPA/Flickr

Still feel like you haven’t done enough fun things this summer? Check out our suggestions for an Arizona style summer bucket list!

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