Back in December, I wrote a tongue-in-cheek post titled, “How to Survive a Phoenix Winter”. A couple of folks (from colder climate) said they wanted to see a follow up post in the summer.
Well, as you can see from the image above, summer has arrived in full force.
There really is only one way to survive a Phoenix summer — air conditioning. A swimming pool helps, though the water temperature in my pool will likely hit 93 – 94 degrees in mid-summer, closer to a hot tub than a refreshing dip.
One of the biggest trials in a Phoenix summer is dealing with a parked car. Ever sat in a car that’s had the widows rolled up for a couple of hours in 115 degree heat?
This is the time of year that you’ll see people park their cars in the one shady spot in the lot, even if it means a hike to your final destination.
You’ll see towels draped over steering wheels to avoid searing the flesh of your palms. Sometimes you’ll see people driving with gloves on.
On June 25, 1990, the day prior to Phoenix reaching its all-time high temperature of 122°F, my friends and I cooked a pot roast in a car. It was only 120 that day, but the roast was fork tender in just under the four hours it took us to complete a round of golf. I love golf, but honestly can’t recommend playing when it’s 120 degrees outside. It was a survival test. It should also be noted that cooking a roast in your car, however delicious it might be, will leave a lingering odor in your car for weeks. Also, you can not fry an egg on the sidewalk — it just gets kinda rubbery.
So in the dog days of summer, you stay inside. You swim, you plan your walking route based on the level of shade. You do inside activities — movies, theater, museums. Take advantage of lower rates at area resorts and spas. Go to concerts. In three months the weather will return to idyllic status.
Here’s a few triple digit facts for Phoenix, and following that are some places you can stay cool, seven days a week.
Triple Digit Facts for Phoenix (source)
Highest Temperatures ever recorded in Phoenix
122°F June 26, 1990
121°F July 28, 1995
120°F June 25, 1990
Average annual number of days with maximum temperatures of 100 of higher 1971-2000: 106
Least number of days with maximum temperatures of 100 or higher: 48 in 1913
Greatest number of days with maximum temperatures of 100 or higher: 143 in 1989
Greatest number of consecutive days with maximum temperatures of 100 or higher: 76 in 1993
Average annual number of days with maximum temperatures of 110 of higher 1971-2000: 17
Least number of days with maximum temperatures of 110 or higher: 0 in 1911
Greatest number of days with maximum temperatures of 110 or higher: 32 in 2007
Greatest number of consecutive days with maximum temperatures of 110 or higher: 18 in 1974
Tempe Town Lake, Splash Playground
- One-acre playground for children
- Phone: (480) 350-8625/ Website: www.tempetownlake.com
Heard Museum
- Experience the nation’s most prestigious private Indian arts center
- Phone: (602) 252-8848/ Website: www.heard.org
Phoenix Art Museum
- Visit one of the most celebrated art museums in the southwest
- Phone: (602) 257-1222/ Website: www.phxart.org
ASU Art Museum
- This educational museum is recognized as one of the Southwest’s most significant contemporary art institutions
- Phone: (480) 965-2787/ Website: www.herbergercollege.asu.edu/museum
Water Parks in Great Phoenix
- Big Surf, SunSplash and Waterworld offer valley residents the chance to beat the heat. Each water park offers huge waterslides, wave pools, and lots of room for tanning.
- Phone: (480) 834-8319 Website: www.golfland.com
Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting
- Over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space showing the history and heroes of firefighting
- Phone: (602) 275-3473/ Website: www.hallofflame.org
Phoenix Museum of History
- Learn about the rise of a dusty desert town into a modern metropolis
- Phone: (602) 253-2734/ Website: www.pmoh.org
Arizona Science Center
- Participate in interactive exhibits, watch 5-story tall movies, or take a trip through the stars at the planetarium
- Phone: (602) 716-2000/ Website: www.azscience.org
Challenger Space Center
- Explore the stars, feel what it is like to be in a space shuttle and learn about the space program at this unique center
- Phone: (623) 322-2001/ Website: www.azchallenger.org
Orpheum Theater
- Located in the heart of downtown Phoenix, this multi-purpose cultural facility can house major Broadway productions as well as local and regional performance companies
- Phone: (602) 534-5600/ Website: www.phoenix.gov/STAGES
Herberger Theater Center
- Houses two theaters (seating 815 and 350) and is home to the Arizona Theatre Company, the Actors Theatre of Phoenix, and the Center Dance Ensemble
- Phone: (602) 254-7399/ Website: www.herbergertheater.org
Dodge Theater
- The completely different Dodge Theater promises to change the way you think about live entertainment
- Phone: (602) 379-2800/ Website: www.dodgetheater.com
Arizona Diamondbacks
- Catch the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball team play while in the comfort of a closed, air-conditioned ball park, or even rent out the pool with you and a group of your friends
- Phone: (602) 514-8400, (888) 777-4664/ Website: www.azdiamond3backs.com
Cerreta Candy Company
- Tour Phoenix’s 70-year-old family owned and operated candy company and see how their products are made.
- Phone: (623) 930-1000/ Website: www.cerreta.com
Stuffington Bear Factory
- Visit one of the last remaining stuffed animal factories in the United States and make your own stuffed animal
- Phone: (602) 225-9513/ Website: www.stuffington.com
Tortilla Flat, Arizona
- A historic Old Western Town (population 6) where visitors can find a gift store, an ice cream/candy store, a restaurant and saloon.
- Phone: (480) 984-1776/ Website: www.tortillaflataz.com
Local Lakes and the River
- Arizona’s scenic canyon lakes and waterways offer spectacular desert views.
Saguaro Lake, the Salt River and Lake Pleasant are within one hour of Phoenix; each one provides an opportunity for water sports and some rest and relaxation.
- Self-paddle a 2 person Funyak behind one of the guided rafts for hands on excitement.
- Phone: (480) 998-RAFT/ Website: www.desertvoyagers.com
Resorts & Spas
The Oasis at Pointe South Mountain Resort Arizona Grand Resort
- A six seven-acre water wonderland sensation for the whole family
- Phone: (602) 431-6533/ Website: www.arizonagrandresort.com
Thanks for the corrections Jennifer!
Falls Water Village at Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort
- More than one acre of pools and a 138-foot waterslide
- Phone: (602) 866-7500/ Website: www.pointehilton.com
River Ranch at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
- Features Hole-in-the-Wall River Ranch, a four-acre ranch with pools and water falls.
- Phone: (602) 997-2626 ext. 4571/ Website: www.pointehilton.com
Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa
- Features eight swimming pools including the Catalina Pool (the original to the hotel and features the Frank Lloyd Wright inspired tower with slide) and the Paradise Pool Complex
- Phone: (602) 955-6600, (800) 950-2575/ Website: www.arizonabiltmore.com
Westin Kierland Resort and Spa
- 2 swimming pools, a 110-foot water slide, a 900-foot river ride, hot tubs, poolside cabanas, lap pool
- Phone Toll Free: (888) 625-5144 / Website: www.kierlandresort.com
The Phoenician
- 9 swimming pools (including the Mother of Pearl Serenity Pool) and a 165-foot waterslide
- Phone: (480) 941-8200, (800) 888-8234/ Website: www.thephoenician.com
Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort at Gainey Ranch
- Two and a half acre complex contains 10 swimming pools and a three story water slide
- Phone: (480) 444-1234/ Website: www.scottsdale.hyatt.com
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
Paula Henry 06.14.08 at 6:30 pm
Jay - Here in the Midwest - we don’t want those little clouds in the forecast; it usually means rain. In Arizona - I bet you would welcome a cloudy day.
You are the first person I know who has actually cooked in the Arizona sun
BTW - this is a really great, informative post.
Dru Bloomfield 06.14.08 at 8:41 pm
Jay, I was reading the other day about a lady who bakes chocolate chip cookies on her dashboard. That would be a great smell to have linger for a couple weeks!
Great list of summer activities. Something for everyone.
Brian Brady 06.14.08 at 8:52 pm
Golf in summer?
6:30AM tee time- water, water, water- no beer- just water
The best thing is that greens fees are like 20 bucks
Jamie Geiger 06.14.08 at 10:46 pm
This heat is slowing down progress on the Great Wall of Queen Creek- great post- I have taken the kids over the years to local resorts for the weekend, feels like a vacation, but only takes minutes to get to the destination, great this year with the cost of gas.
Jay - The Phoenix Real Estate Guy 06.15.08 at 12:27 am
Golf without beer. Interesting concept…
You’re right Brian, water (and not alcohol) is critical. And even on days where it’ll hit 110, early morning golf is fabulous.
Back when I used to play more, I played some courses that were $150 - $200 in prime season, but were only $30 in the summer peak. Stunningly beautiful courses.
Charleston Real Estate Blog 06.15.08 at 8:09 am
Jay, did you know that the day I moved to Phoenix in July ‘95, the temp hit 118 the day I arrived setting a daily record and the next day was the 121 you mentioned above.
But it was a dry heat
I didn’t get a chance to play golf for a few days with unpacking and all but believe me, it was great to get out and play some amazing courses for such low green fees.
Because of our spring and summer tourism, Charleston golf course prices are high during high season when the temps are also high but our prices are super low on our mild winter days.
We can still play 365 days per year unless work gets in the way. Darn
Scottsdale Homes 06.15.08 at 11:56 am
Great post Jay!
You forgot to mention to stay away from cars on the road that have their windows down. This is a sign that they have no A/C and are likely already cursing everything in sight.
LOL
Jim Duncan 06.15.08 at 6:09 pm
But how humid is it there?
Charleston Real Estate Blog 06.16.08 at 3:20 am
Jim, the humidity never goes over 100%
Damon Pace 06.16.08 at 3:13 pm
As a lifelong AZ resident I have come to learn there are only 2 ways to survive an Arizona summer…
1. Leave
2. Don’t worry if it’s 110 or 120. It’s going to be hot, so don’t pay attention to the weather. You’ll only begin to notice a temperature decrease when it gets below 100. If you’re lucky that may be sometime in Mid-September.
Teresa Boardman 06.17.08 at 3:54 am
interesting. Here we have sunshine, a light breeze. temperatures are between 70 and 80 during the day and dip down into the 50’s at night. Everything is green, or blue, the 10,000 lakes doncha know. Think Phoenix has more lakes than MN but we do alright if you throw in the rivers. Flowers bloom everywhere. The city puts hanging baskets of flowers on the street lamps too. No need for air conditioning or heat the past few weeks so the utility bills are oh so low. Come for a visit.
Thomas Johnson 06.17.08 at 7:32 am
Ah, it’s a dry heat! In ERAHouston, our moisturizing summer breezes keep the skin with a healthy age defying glow. I am really 85 years old and I don’t look a day over 52 due to our skin enhancing year round golf climate.
By the way, did you know that ERAHouston is the best city to work and live in the US?
http://agent21.featuredblog.com/?p=23
Jayson 06.17.08 at 12:34 pm
I love summer time in AZ - not sure why but it has never bothered me and I doubt it ever will. Great post Jay