Phoenix, Arizona, is a colorful desert with breathtaking landscapes and mild winters. But don’t be fooled: This city has some of the highest temperatures in the country. During the summer months, you can expect to feel an average high of 100° F. So, to keep cool in the Phoenix heat, follow these five tips and tricks to beat the triple-digit temperatures. From pool dips to smoothie sips, follow along for relief from the Arizona sun.

1. Stay Hydrated

Start your summer with the essentials: hydration. Keep yourself safe by simply drinking plenty of water, especially if you plan to exercise or spend time outside. Proper hydration maintains brain function and helps prevent heat stroke. To make regular water more alluring, flavor it with lemons, berries, mint, or cucumber. You can also up your intake of hydrating foods, including cucumbers, spinach, peaches, and berries. On the flip side, also try to avoid overindulging in sugary snacks that may cause dehydration.

2. Invest in Quality Outdoor Accessories

When you’re out and about under the Phoenix sun, don't settle for sweating it out. Consider investing in a mist fan. It's your cooling, secret weapon wherever you go, whether you’re sitting on the back patio or off on an Arizona adventure. A portable fan or pop-up tent can make all the difference in the Phoenix heat.

3. Protect Your Skin from the Phoenix Heat

In scorching temperatures, it's essential to be mindful of your clothing choices. Wear hats and light-colored, loosely fitting apparel. Basically, you want to opt for nothing too heavy or snug; you don’t want to be hotter than necessary. A wide-brimmed hat or cap can provide even extra defense against those harmful UV rays that could otherwise lead to painful burns and unwelcome damage. Excessive sweating can contribute to dehydration, too. For extra precaution, there are even nifty hats with vents or an attached fan system. Beat the sweltering summer days like never before; technology has you covered.

Protect your skin from Phoenix's notorious sunrays by using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Don't forget to apply it 15 minutes before stepping outside, and reapply when needed; set a timer if you have to. 

4. Play in the Water

Contrary to popular belief about this desert area: You can enjoy the fun and adventure of jet skis, kayaks, or tubes at some of the lakes and springs around Phoenix. Canyon Lake and Lake Pleasant offer nearby opportunities to swim, paddleboard, and tube, and the indoor waterpark at Great Wolf Lodge in Phoenix is less than an hour from Centex’s new homes in Phoenix. You could also stick with something simple and toss out some slip-n-slides and or battle in a classic water-balloon fight. If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your backyard or neighborhood, take advantage!

5. Host a Car Wash

Beat the heat and get some extra cash by hosting a car wash. You can have fun and make some money for yourself or a local charity. If you're thinking of setting up shop, the first priority is to make sure that permission has been granted by both your property owner and local homeowners' association (or by an approved other location, such as a local business). Then attract customers with colorful signs with all the important information. Get the water flowing, soap sudding, and don’t forget to crank the tunes. Your community is sure to thank you later.

Discover the perfect home for your family in sunny Phoenix with Centex. With attractive floor plans in affordable new homes, let us help you make your dream of living in this exciting city come true. Come explore all that our wonderful communities have to offer and browse New Homes Communities in Phoenix today.

Looking to explore more areas? Browse Centex’s Lifestyle Explorer blogs today.

Written by: Divine Bunch