Arizona is known for sweltering summers, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the beauty of the outdoors when summer arrives. In Sierra Vista, residents enjoy temperatures that are 10-15 degrees cooler than temperatures in Phoenix, but that still puts average daytime highs in the 90s and even the low 100s. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to stay cool when you head out for a hike, bike ride, or other outdoor activities. Continue reading for some tips on staying cool and comfortable during the hot days of summer.
Plan Outdoor Excursions Early in the Day
Whether you’re planning a dog walk, bike ride, or hike, it’s best to start early. The early morning will boast lower temperatures and less intense sunshine, so it’s the best time to head outside. From noon onward, the sun is at its highest angle, driving up temperatures and creating intense conditions in areas with no shade. Temperatures tend to peak between 3 and 6 p.m., so this is the ideal time to plan indoor activities and enjoy the air conditioning.
Head for the Mountains
Sierra Vista is surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges where you can retreat to shaded pine forests where temperatures are much lower than they are in the valley. When you need a break from the hot summer sun, head up to the mountains to cool off. If you’re not up for driving to nearby mountain peaks, you might instead head to areas with water like the San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area where there are plenty of mature trees to keep the area shaded and cool.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key for enduring Arizona’s hot summers, and you may need to drink a lot of water to keep yourself fully hydrated. The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends drinking a minimum of 2 liters of water per day in the summer, but you may need even more water if you are exercising or spending time outside. Be sure to carry plenty of water with you on any outdoor excursion and consider supplementing your water intake with electrolyte beverages.
Use Evaporative Cooling
Long-time Arizona residents will be the first to remind visitors that “it’s a dry heat,” which can be much more manageable than high heat paired with humidity. Because it’s a dry heat, you can cool off with evaporative cooling. Wet a bandana or lightweight scarf and tie it loosely around your neck. As the water evaporates, it will help cool you down.
Wear Protective Clothing
Your instincts may be to go minimal when it comes to summer clothes with shorts, tank tops, and sandals. However, it’s actually better to stay covered with loosely fitted clothing that covers more of your skin and protects it from the sun’s harsh rays. Cotton and linen are great fabrics for summertime, but you might also explore technical fabrics made specifically for outdoor recreation. These may boast added sun protection to protect your skin. Light, reflective colors are ideal, and you should top your outfit off with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. If you’re hiking or biking along desert trails, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes to keep your feet safe and protected.
Bring Along Frozen Snacks
If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, consider freezing some of your favorite snacks so that they’re still cool and ready to eat by the time you get to them. Cheeses, fruit slices, and veggie sticks will all freeze well, and these foods make the perfect trail snacks to keep you fueled up for a longer excursion.
When you’re done with your outdoor adventures, your Castle & Cooke home will offer all the amenities you need to relax and stay cool. Our Holiday community offers three swimming pools, and our homes are built with details like covered porches, energy-efficient windows, and tile flooring to enhance your comfort during the warmest months of the year. Homes in the Holiday community also utilize xeriscape landscape designs with drip irrigation and low-maintenance ground cover like gravel to minimize the need for yardwork during the hot summer months and reduce your home’s overall energy usage. Contact us today to find your perfect new home in Sierra Vista.