Summer is prime boating season in Arizona, and it's also when the desert is at its hottest. Air temperatures at the lakes near Phoenix and along the Colorado River often climb past 110°F, and boat seats, decks and beaches get hot enough to burn.
With a little planning, a summer lake day is the best way to beat the heat. Here's how locals do it.
Time your day around the heat
- Start early. The first few hours after sunrise bring the coolest air, the calmest water and the best surfing. We're open from 7am.
- Take a midday break. From about noon to 4pm, anchor in a cove, swim and rest in the shade instead of running around the lake.
- Go out for sunset. Evenings cool off quickly, the water stays warm and the desert light is spectacular.
- Check the forecast. On extreme heat warning days, plan a shorter outing and keep everyone in the shade and in the water.
Water, shade and sun
- Bring more water than you think. Plan on at least a gallon per person for a full summer day, and drink before you feel thirsty. Electrolyte drinks help too.
- Freeze your ice. Block ice and frozen water bottles last much longer than cubes in a hot cooler, and they double as cold drinking water later.
- Use the shade. Our wake boats have shade for the group. Add hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves.
- Sunscreen on repeat. Use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply after every swim. The sun reflects off the water, so you burn faster on a boat.
- Protect your feet. Wear water shoes for hot sand, rocks and docks, and lay towels on seats that sit in the sun.
- Keep phones cool. Phones overheat quickly in direct sun. Keep them in a shaded spot or a dry bag in the cooler's shadow.
Heat and water safety
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, cramps or weakness mean it's time for shade, water and a cool swim.
- Heat stroke is an emergency. Confusion, hot dry skin, a racing pulse or passing out need immediate help. Call 911, move the person to shade and cool them with water.
- Watch kids and older guests closely. They overheat faster. Keep them in the shade, offer drinks often and plan plenty of swim breaks.
- Engine off when people are in the water. Carbon monoxide from engine exhaust collects around the back of a boat. Never swim, sit or hang on the swim platform while the engine is running, and never hold on to the back of a moving boat.
- Life jackets on. We provide them, and Arizona law requires kids 12 and under to wear one at all times on the water.
- Keep the driver sharp. Heat and alcohol together dehydrate you fast. The driver should stay sober and well hydrated.
Monsoon season
From mid-June through September, Arizona's monsoon season brings sudden afternoon and evening storms. They can build quickly, with strong winds, dust, lightning and heavy rain.
- Check the forecast before you go and keep an eye on the sky, especially in the afternoon.
- Head in at the first thunder. If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. Get off the open water.
- Watch for wind. A wall of dust or a sudden gust means a storm is close. Find a protected cove or get to shore.
- Plan morning sessions. Monsoon storms usually form later in the day, so mornings are your best bet in July and August.
Lakes for hot days
Every desert lake is warm in summer, but some fit the heat better than others:
Rentals that make the heat easy
A wake boat with shade and a big swim platform is the most comfortable way to spend a hot day on the water, and Sea-Doos are a fun way to cool off with every splash.
Summer boating questions
What's the best time of day to go boating in an Arizona summer?
Early morning, from about 7am until late morning, is the coolest and calmest. Evenings are the next best, especially for sunset. Midday is best spent swimming in a shady cove.
How much water should we bring?
Plan on at least a gallon per person for a full summer day, plus ice and electrolyte drinks.
Is it too hot to go boating in July?
Not if you plan for it. Go early or late, bring plenty of water and shade, and spend the hottest hours swimming. The water is warm and refreshing all summer.
When is monsoon season in Arizona?
Roughly mid-June through September. Storms usually build in the afternoon and evening, so mornings are the safest time to be on the water.
Can we rent for sunset?
Yes. We're open 7am to 10pm every day, and evening rentals are one of the best ways to beat the summer heat.