How to Handle Austin Summer Weather
It’s no secret summers in Austin can be brutal. July and August can reach anywhere from 105 – 110 degrees and the humidity rarely drops below 30%. But Texans are resilient and hot weather is baked into our southern culture. Instead of letting the heat get us down, we have learned to rise above. If you are looking for some tips and tricks to beat the heat in Austin, look no further. Here are some suggestions for how to stay cool amidst the sweltering rays of summer.
Plan Ahead
The hottest time of day is between 1-5 pm, so time your errands, outings and even cooking accordingly. This means becoming strategic about going to the grocery store or hopping in your car to drive across town. If you plan to use your oven to cook dinner, do it in the morning. Take care of anything that can be done earlier in the day before that afternoon heat hits. If this isn’t possible, then try to do these things in the evening after the sun goes down.
Time Your Workouts
Similar to other activities, you’ll want to work out either in the morning before the sun comes up or once the sun has set. If you are exercising outdoors, try to find a place to work out near a body of water so you can cool off after you are done breaking a sweat. St. Edwards Park along Bull Creek offers some nice, shady paths. Or take a trail run along Turkey Creek Trail, located in Northwest Austin offering nearly three miles of shady trails along the Colorado River. Workout at Zilker Park, the crown jewel of Austin, and treat yourself to a post-workout dip in Barton Springs Pool. And no matter where you work out, drink up! To compensate for water loss during a workout, it is recommended you drink between two and a half – four liters of water each day. Doing this will ensure even though you may feel hot, your body remains at a healthy temperature.
Ice, Ice, Baby
Cool off with a frozen or icy treat at one of Austin’s many quirky and delicious ice cream, snow cone, and popsicle shops. Treat yourself when you visit Michoacana Natural Ice Cream, a hidden gem serving everything from chocolate-covered frozen bananas to paletas. If you are looking for a scoop of classic, creamy ice cream head to Amy’s for some of the best in Austin. Along with their six standard flavors, they release new seasonal flavors each week, and with 12 locations around town, you are never far from a great scoop of ice cream.
Dine Al Fresco
Dining out during the summer months doesn’t mean you have to subject yourself to a sweat session while you eat. Austin has some great covered, fanned, and misted patios allowing you to enjoy dining al fresco in the summertime. In East Austin, enjoy your meal at Contigos when you dine on either their outdoor or enclosed patio. Olive & June’s is a stunning three-story Italian restaurant with a covered patio set among a beautiful, old oak tree. Located in the historic Clarksville neighborhood, Bar Peached offers Asian Fusion fare and a below-street-level covered patio with plenty of misters.
Head Underground
Escape the sun’s harsh rays when you head underground by visiting Georgetown’s Inner Space Cavern. Hidden for over 10,000 years, this cavern was discovered in 1963 and opened to the public just three years later. It showcases beautiful formations, prehistoric animal bones and remains 80 degrees year-round. Or take a day trip to Longhorn Caverns State Park, just a 90-minute drive northwest of Austin. This state park features plenty of options for coverage when you take a guided tour through its limestone cavern. While it is now a tourist attraction, in years past it was used by Native Americans, Confederate soldiers, and it was even used as a speakeasy by Burnet County in the 1920s.
Stay Cool at a Museum
Known for its vibrant art scene, Austin is home to more than its fair share of fabulous museums. From Texas History at the Blanton to play-based, hands-on learning experiences at the Thinkery, there is a climate-controlled, air-conditioned museum for everyone. Other notable museums to visit include The LBJ Presidential Library, The Elizabet Ney Museum, and the Mexic-Arte Museum.
Lakeside at Tessera
Lakeside at Tessera in Lago Vista, Texas is a living community set along the shores of Lake Travis. When you live at Lakeside you are living among the beauty of the Texas Hill Country. With waterfront properties, your dream home could offer the ability to escape the Texas heat at a moment’s notice. Contact us today for more information.