Summers in the Sonoran Desert hold a magic all their own. The heat slows you down just enough to notice things—the way the golden light filters through the mesquite trees, how the air smells after a monsoon, and how the cactus flowers put on their boldest display.
While many snowbirds head back home in April or May, I’m just getting excited—this is when Arizona truly feels like home to me. The landscape greens up, wildlife gets active, and the slower pace of summer feels like an invitation to be present.
And yes, it gets hot—like, triple-digit hot. But when people ask us, “How do you live in Arizona in the summer?” the truth is: we don’t just survive, we genuinely enjoy it. We’ve found a rhythm that lets us unwind, explore, and stay cool—even in the hottest season.
Here’s a little glimpse into what our summer weekends look like and how we make the most of desert living when the heat is on.
Slow Mornings on the Patio
Desert mornings are one of our favorite rituals—and honestly, they feel sacred. We always start early, before the sun climbs too high, with coffee on the patio and the cool air still lingering from the night. It’s peaceful, quiet… sometimes the only sounds are mourning doves cooing and a gentle breeze rustling through the mesquite trees.
Ozzy, our fluffball kitty, is always right there with us—lounging out in the sun while we sip and listen to the birds.
And I’m convinced coffee just tastes better when it’s in a cozy, beautiful mug. If you’re like me and love that handmade, earthy feel, I found these mugs that I absolutely adore. They have that perfectly imperfect shape, like something you’d find at a little pottery shop—total morning mood.
With coffee in hand, sitting in our rocking chairs as the desert slowly wakes around us, these slow starts are what ground us before the rhythm of the day begins.
Morning & Evening Walks
We still get outside every day, we just work around the sun. In summer, our morning walks start early—usually before 9 a.m.—and evenings pick up again around 7 p.m.
We’ve learned to shift yard work and errands into these cooler windows of time. And when we can’t avoid the sun, our wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen or UPF shirts come out. These cooling long-sleeve tops are a favorite—they’re lightweight, breathable, and make sun protection easy.
Water is Life
When it’s 90°+, you’ll find us near some kind of water. That might be launching our pontoon for a lake day or floating around our stock tank pool in the backyard.
A few must-haves that make water days even better:
✔️ Swimsuit cover-up dresses, I love these so much, I have multiples
✔️ A YETI cooler to keep drinks cold all day
✔️ A wide-brim hat for extra sun protection and style
It’s our favorite way to reset, recharge, and cool all the way down.
Patio Dining (Yes, Even at 100°)
One of the most surprising things to people is — yes, we still dine outside, even in the middle of summer. As long as there’s shade and a little breeze, we’re happy to have lunch or dinner on the patio.
We keep it simple: shredded chicken tacos, fresh salmon & butternut squash, or a raspberry chicken salad. Plus, a glass of ice water with freshly squeezed citrus. Staying hydrated is key, and I always have this insulated water tumbler within arm’s reach all day long.
Desert-Ready Summer Style
Summers here mean dressing smart. We swap out jeans for flowy cotton dresses or athletic shorts and tank tops. Think:
• Light, breathable fabrics
• Sunglasses 24/7
• And if we’ll be out long? Either lathering on my favorite skin-friendly sunscreen or wearing UPF clothing
We’ve learned that the right gear makes all the difference in comfort.
Creating Summer Magic, Desert Style
Summer in the desert isn’t about doing more. It’s about slowing down, being intentional, and leaning into what feels good—even when it’s 108°.
Our days aren’t packed or perfectly planned. But they’re filled with things we love: early mornings, fresh air, good meals, time on the water, and slow evenings under the stars.
If you’re spending your first summer in Arizona—or just need a reminder that there’s so much to love about this season—I hope this post gives you some inspiration for finding your own rhythm in the desert heat.
What are your favorite ways to stay cool in the summer? Let me know below or connect with me on Instagram.
–Jeanie Marie
