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Austin and Central Texas present a wealth of outdoor activities for people of all interests. The area also presents temperatures in the summer months that range from around 90 to, let’s say, 1 million degrees and a sun that seems to be purposefully trying to scorch your skin and retinas.
So here we have the summer dilemma in Austin: to go out and play or to stay in the air conditioning? It is possible to enjoy the outdoors in Austin between June and September with a little planning, a few supplies and a lot of water. Here's how.
Pick Your Poison
Don’t choose a 100-degree day for scaling shade-free Enchanted Rock. Instead of getting third-degree burns on your hands, simply save that activity for the fall or spring.
Instead, on hot, sunny days, your best bet is to opt for an outing that will provide shade. For example, take a hint from the bats and visit one of the caves in Central Austin (have you ever seen a bat sweat?), or go for a row on Town Lake. Hike in a particularly shady park, like some areas of Balcones Canyonlands. And, most importantly, end your outing with a swim.
Looking forward to a swim will help you enjoy hiking, biking, climbing, walking or whatever you’re into, even on the hottest day. Rather than thinking “I’m so hot, this is never going to end, why am I here, I hate everything,” you’ll be able to just think of that cool dip you’re going to take and how refreshing it will feel. Your mind can convince you of anything.
Water: You Need It
Don’t even think about going anywhere outdoors in Central Texas in the summer without water. It’s smart to keep a bottle with you and an additional supply in the car or in your pack. If you're not carrying a pack, a water bottle sling is a useful tool to keep your water with you but out of your hands. They can be purchased, or you can make your own using our DIY guide. For long outings, think about investing in a portable water supply, like a CamelBak.
Your water supply isn’t only for drinking though. If you start to feel overheated, throw some water in your face or, even more effectively, down the back of your neck. If you’re wearing a hat, dunk it in water and then put it on your head. It’ll cool your body temperature down and set your mind at ease.
Click here for our easy guide to making your own water bottle sling.
Get the (Right) Gear
REI is like a candy store for outdoors lovers. You wander around, looking at things you didn’t even know existed, and all of the sudden, you need all of the things. You’re like these guys. In reality, you probably already have what you need to brave the heat and sun.
Here’s a rundown of what you actually need to spend a day outside in this melty weather:
- Light, loose clothing: Light colors will reflect the sun’s rays away from you, and loose clothing will allow your body the much-needed ability to breathe.
- Sunscreen: Everyone needs sunscreen. Yes, even you, with your olive-colored, never-burning skin. It’s true; everything is bigger in Texas, including the chance for skin cancer. Slap that SPF on every time you go in the sun and protect yourself from burns, wrinkles and disease.
- Good shoes: The right shoes make such a difference. Bring hiking boots for hikes, and store a pair of sandals in the car for after the hike, to give your feet some breathing room. Water shoes are also a good investment if you’re looking into post-hike swimming holes.
- A hat and sunglasses: We often forget about the skin on the top of our heads, which can also get burned (and then peel and look like dandruff … who wants that?). A light, loose-fitting hat, like a mesh or canvas one, can help you out in that department. Your skin isn’t the only place the sun can cause damage. Protect your eyes from the sun’s glare with a pair of good sunglasses.
- A bathing suit: Remember, we’re going swimming after this desert death march! If you decide to go suit-less, double up on that sunscreen.
Trust Your Gut
You know your body, so listen to it. Ease into any outdoor activity in the summer at your own pace. If you begin to feel tired or overheated, take a rest. Find some shade, drink some water and sit for a few minutes.
Figure out the best time for being outdoors for you. Mid-afternoon is the hottest time of the day, so if you’re not down with the heat, reserve that part of the day for swimming or being inside. The nice part about summer is that the days are long, so there’s more opportunity for outdoor activity, from morning until almost 9 at night. In fact, early morning can be a nice time to play tennis or go for a run as the world really doesn't become scorching until late morning.
Finally, just try it. If you’re not acclimated to outdoor activity in the heat, it’ll be harder at first. Like anything else though, you’ll get used to it. Don’t miss out on everything the area has to offer in the summer months.
