In most places, summer is thought to have the best weather of the year; people can spend all of their free time outdoors hiking, biking, and traveling without having to even think about those cold winter days that just recently passed. But the hottest weather in Arizona comes during the months of June, July, and August. It’s the weather that scares away visitors, and residents resort to figuring out their daily activities based on when it’s “safe” to be outside under the unforgiving sun rays.

Locals know that during the high temperatures in Arizona with over 100-degree days, there is no going back for several months. The streets in Arizona cities get very quiet and rapidly less populated. Snowbirds go home, students flee the state, and that leaves the rest of us trying to figure out how to enjoy this season without being fried to a crisp!

Here are some excellent ideas to help battle those triple-digit days of summer weather in Arizona and attempt to stay cool until we make it back into jacket weather again (the 70-80 degree range, of course).

1. Spend some time at Roosevelt Lake.
Flickr/ Broderick Delaney
Roosevelt Lake is a haven northeast of Phoenix, and it often shocks people when they find out that there is such a large body of water out there! Technically speaking, Roosevelt Lake is a reservoir, but It’s actually fairly large - over 22 miles long - and is an ideal location for boating and camping if you are looking for a spot that isn’t too far away from the big city. It’s the perfect place to feel like you’re not in the desert anymore, and would be an exciting place for a day trip, even if you don’t want to stay there overnight. In addition to that, you can take a boat cruise, rent a kayak from a local outfitter, go water skiing, and even go camping here. To learn more about Roosevelt Lake, visit the webpage.
2. Pack a picnic for lunch on Mount Lemmon in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
Flickr / Denny Armstrong
Tucsonans love to tell outsiders that there is a ski resort in the area because it hardly sounds believable. Yet, Mount Lemmon, also known as "The Island in the Sky," is one of the town’s best-kept secrets and does actually have functioning ski slopes during the winter months! It’s not as far away as you might think; a 30-minute drive out of Tucson will take you up the mountain and you’ll see the scenery drastically change from cacti and sand to tall pine trees and wooden cabins. It’s almost as if someone was able to transport you to the Rocky Mountains (along with the cooler temperatures too). On average, Mount Lemmon is about 20 degrees cooler than what it is down in the desert, which makes it the perfect place to escape to during the high temperatures in Arizona. It's also a great place to bring a picnic for lunch. Some great spots to check out: Rose Canyon Lake or anywhere up in the Summerhaven area at the top. You can read more about Mount Lemmon in our full coverage.
3. Head out for a refreshing weekend in Flagstaff.
Flickr / Martin Ely
Flagstaff is another one of Arizona’s environment anomalies, as people who have never been to the state might be unaware that there are actually regions that don’t include the desert terrain. Flagstaff is located in the northeastern part of the state and is home to the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks, who love their mountainous woods and lush tree-filled environment. A weekend up in Flag might be the perfect way to get out of the heat for a while as it’s usually much cooler up there than most other places in Arizona. During the winter, it isn’t uncommon for them to get blizzards and residents rock the snow gear for several months (like the rest of the country). There are tons of great hiking trails and other opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as several fantastic breweries in town! It's the perfect place to find outdoor things to do when it's hot in Arizona.
4. Dunk in at Wet n’ Wild Park at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Glendale.
Flickr / Jeremy Thompson
The Wet n’ Wild Park is Phoenix’s version of a water park, and it's slightly more elaborate than Breakers in Marana in order to accommodate the larger population. There are several thrill rides for the adrenaline lovers, a wave pool, and a fantastic lazy river with a lovely little current that makes for a refreshing experience during the hot summer months. Season passes are also available for the people who plan on spending lots of time here, and rest assured that there are plenty of snack stations on the grounds to feed your appetite all day long. For more information on this water park where you can beat the hottest weather in Arizona, read our full coverage.

Related Stories

8 Refreshing Natural Pools You’ll Definitely Want To Visit This Summer In Arizona

8 Refreshing Natural Pools You’ll Definitely Want To Visit This Summer In Arizona

 There's No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 9 Hidden Arizona Spots

There's No Better Place To Spend Your Summer Than These 9 Hidden Arizona Spots

 This Secret Lakefront Summer Destination Is An Oasis Within An Arizona City Park

This Secret Lakefront Summer Destination Is An Oasis Within An Arizona City Park
5. Hang out at Southern Arizona’s malls and outlet centers.
Flickr / Groupon
If there’s one thing that Southern Arizona got right, it’s their mall set up and shopping amenities, and there is way more to do than just shop. There are several large malls within the Phoenix and Tucson area, including a few outlet malls that offer great deals on big name brands. The Tucson Premium Outlets just opened at the end of 2015, and are a great place to wander for a few hours between the many store options. Another great mall is Tempe Mills just outside of Phoenix, where a person could get lost window-shopping (or actual shopping) for hours. Not only are there stores at Tempe Mills, but there are other attractions in there, including a movie theater, a LEGO DIscovery Center, and an aquarium!
6. Explore the Grand Canyon Caverns in Peach Springs.
Flickr / Lauri Valn
The Grand Canyon Caverns are another hidden gem in the state of Arizona, and they are located just northeast of Kingman. What’s special about this place is that it’s the largest dry caverns system in the United States! They welcome thousands of visitors each year to come and explore the caves below ground, which is the best place to be during the high temperatures in Arizona. There are several different types of tours to go into the caves that accommodate hikers and spelunkers of all levels of expertise, and they offer a little relief from the sun for a good part of the day. In addition to exploring the caves, other activities nearby include horseback riding, river rafting, camping, and taking a journey to see beautiful waterfalls. Learn more about Grand Canyon Caverns in our previous coverage.
7. Take a trip to Lake Powell in Page.
Flickr / Wolfgang Staudt
Lake Powell is an outdoor lover's dream come true, as this magnificent lake (which rests on the Arizona-Utah border) is full of opportunities for excitement and seeing some of Arizona’s natural beauty. This lake is an ideal spot for vacationers to rent a houseboat, kayak, fish, and even camp out on a picturesque white sand beach without even needing to leave the desert! There are endless spots to explore and get the full "staycation" experience, even though many Arizonans will have to drive four or five hours to get to the lake. Needless to say, it’s one of the most perfect places to relax by the water and get out of the high temperatures in Arizona for a day or a long weekend.
8. Learn something new at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix.
Wikimedia / Visitor7
Phoenix is one of the hottest cities in the entire state of Arizona, so it only makes sense that there would be plenty of indoor activity options. The metropolis has several very interesting museums that are both good for family trips or spontaneous "get out of the house" excursions. They range in a variety of themes, but one in particular is a favorite among locals. The Arizona Science Center is right in the heart of downtown and is entertaining for children and adults alike. Take a look around and check out their numerous hands-on displays to learn and play with. There’s also an IMAX theater, which features rotating presentations on different topics, so repeat visitors will always have something new to see! The first Friday of every month is the "Adult’s Night Out" event, where the museum sets up for grown-ups to enjoy a few alcoholic beverages on site to make learning even more fun.

There’s no reason to become a “summer hermit” when there are so many excellent ways to get out of the house without baking in the relentless heat or breaking the bank! These are just a few of the many great activities and opportunities to make the most of the hottest weather in Arizona, even when the thermometer hits terrifying highs.

Do you have a favorite spot to beat the Arizona heat? Tell us about it in the comments below and help your fellow Arizonians enjoy their summer to the fullest!

 

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Hottest Weather In Arizona

Melissa M. | June 29, 2021

What is the weather like in Arizona?

One thing people think of when Arizona is mentioned is the heat which can be quite oppressive during the summer months. The sun is intense but as they say, “It’s a dry heat.” Regardless of how dry the air is, hot is hot, especially in the low-lying desert areas! The highest temperature ever recorded in the state was actually 128 degrees Fahrenheit on June 29, 1994. Yikes! But during the other months of the year, temperatures can be quite pleasant. Daytime temperatures in the fall are usually between 64-89 degrees Fahrenheit while winter brings lower temperatures of 42-65 and springtime temperatures average between 55-85 degrees. Summer is really the only season where residents may question why they live there and try to get out of town as much as possible!

What are the best things about living in Arizona?

There are many great perks to living in Arizona. For one, we have some of the best sunrises and sunsets in the country turning the sky into a beautiful canvas of colors. Year-round hiking opportunities are abundant here in all parts of the state. So if it’s hot in Phoenix, then head up north to Flagstaff and beyond where you’ll find plenty of trails to hike without the oppressive heat. And then there are all the natural attractions like Antelope Canyon, Saguaro National Park, and of course, the Grand Canyon!

Are there any natural lazy rivers in Arizona?

Tubing is quite a popular activity in Arizona, especially in the summer. Many people love to head to Salt River where they can embark on a float trip with Salt River Tubing. The inviting blue-green waters of the Verde River make for an incredibly scenic tubing tour with an outfitter in the area. You can learn about additional lazy rivers in Arizona in this article. 

 

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
Theodore Roosevelt Lake, Arizona, USA
Mount Lemmon, Mt Lemmon, Arizona 85619, USA
Flagstaff, AZ, USA
4243 W Pinnacle Peak Rd, Glendale, AZ 85310, USA
South Mill Avenue, S Mill Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA
Tucson Premium Outlets, 6401 Marana Center Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85742, USA
Grand Canyon Caverns, AZ 86337, USA
Lake Powell, AZ 86040, USA
Arizona Science Center, 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA