How to Enjoy Arizona When Temperatures Rise
Arizona’s scorching summers can make it tempting to stay indoors, but the heat doesn’t have to limit adventure. Whether you’re a local or visiting, there are plenty of fun and refreshing ways to experience Arizona without overheating.
From cool swimming spots and shaded hikes to indoor attractions and scenic getaways, here’s a guide to the best things to do in Arizona when it’s warm.
1. Cool Off at Arizona’s Best Swimming Holes & Lakes
Arizona might be known for its desert landscapes, but hidden swimming spots and lakes offer the perfect way to cool down.
Best Places to Swim in Arizona:
🏞️ Slide Rock State Park (Sedona) – Natural rock water slides in a scenic canyon.
🏖️ Lake Powell (Page) – Crystal-clear waters surrounded by breathtaking red rock cliffs.
🌊 Fossil Creek (Strawberry) – A stunning turquoise-blue creek with waterfalls and shaded picnic areas.
🚤 Lake Havasu – Perfect for boating, jet skiing, and lakeside relaxation.
🏊 Cibecue Falls (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest) – A remote hike leading to a spectacular waterfall-fed swimming hole.
💡 Pro Tip: Many swimming spots require permits, so check ahead before visiting.
2. Explore Arizona’s Underground Caves & Caverns
Arizona has some of the coolest caves—literally. These underground wonders maintain temperatures around 60°F year-round, offering a perfect escape from the summer sun.
Must-Visit Caves in Arizona:
🦇 Kartchner Caverns (Benson) – A massive, living limestone cave system with guided tours.
💎 Colossal Cave (Vail) – An ancient dry cave with fascinating rock formations and a constant 70°F temperature.
🕵️ Grand Canyon Caverns (Peach Springs) – One of the largest dry caverns in the U.S., offering deep underground tours.
Cave exploring is a great way to stay cool and experience Arizona’s natural beauty from a different perspective.
3. Take a Scenic Drive Through Arizona’s Higher Elevations
Not all of Arizona is hot! The state’s higher-elevation areas offer cooler temperatures and breathtaking scenery, making for perfect road trips.
Best Scenic Drives for Beating the Heat:
🌲 Mogollon Rim (Payson to Show Low) – Pine forests, cool air, and stunning overlooks.
🏔️ Mount Lemmon (Tucson) – 9,000 feet above sea level with temperatures up to 30°F cooler than Tucson.
🌄 Oak Creek Canyon (Sedona to Flagstaff) – Winding roads through lush greenery and red rock formations.
🏞️ Coronado Trail (Clifton to Alpine) – A remote, mountain drive with incredible landscapes and fresh air.
🚗 Pro Tip: Stop in small mountain towns along the way for local food and cool summer vibes.
4. Discover Indoor Attractions & Museums
When it’s too hot outside, indoor attractions offer entertainment, culture, and history while staying cool.
Top Indoor Attractions in Arizona:
🖼️ Phoenix Art Museum (Phoenix) – The largest art museum in the Southwest, featuring world-class exhibits.
🦖 Arizona Science Center (Phoenix) – Hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and planetarium shows.
🏜️ Heard Museum (Phoenix) – A deep dive into Native American art and history.
💎 Pima Air & Space Museum (Tucson) – One of the world’s largest aviation museums, showcasing historic aircraft.
⚡ Biosphere 2 (Oracle) – A futuristic research facility exploring Earth’s ecosystems.
Tip: Many of these attractions offer summer discounts and free museum days—check online before visiting!
5. Escape to Northern Arizona for a Cool Retreat
Arizona isn’t just desert—head north, and you’ll find lush forests, lakes, and much cooler weather.
Best Northern Arizona Getaways:
🌲 Flagstaff – 7,000 feet up with crisp air, hiking trails, and historic downtown charm.
🛶 Pinetop-Lakeside – A lakeside mountain town perfect for kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
🏕️ Grand Canyon’s North Rim – Less crowded than the South Rim and often 10-15°F cooler.
🎢 Williams – Gateway to the Grand Canyon, plus Route 66 attractions and a historic train ride.
🌡️ Temperature Tip: Flagstaff and the White Mountains often stay in the 70s and 80s during summer, making them ideal for escaping the desert heat.
6. Experience Arizona’s Unique Sunset & Stargazing Spots
Arizona’s summer sunsets and night skies are some of the best in the world—and enjoying them is the perfect way to spend warm evenings.
Best Sunset & Stargazing Spots:
🌅 South Mountain (Phoenix) – Drive to the top for a panoramic sunset view of the city.
🌌 Kitt Peak National Observatory (Tucson) – A world-class stargazing destination with guided night sky tours.
🔭 Lowell Observatory (Flagstaff) – The place where Pluto was discovered, offering incredible telescope experiences.
🌠 Sedona’s Dark Sky Areas – A designated Dark Sky Community with minimal light pollution, making for amazing starry nights.
✨ Stargazing Tip: The best time to see meteor showers is July and August—check NASA’s calendar for peak dates!
Final Thoughts: Arizona’s Hot Weather Doesn’t Mean Staying Inside
While Arizona summers bring high temperatures, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the state without overheating. Whether it’s swimming in hidden lakes, taking scenic mountain drives, exploring underground caves, or stargazing in Dark Sky areas, Arizona offers a wide range of activities perfect for hot weather.
🔥 Stay cool. Stay adventurous. Enjoy Arizona all summer long!