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Arkansas spring can lull you into a false sense of security. Mild days, pleasant breezes, a hint of warm sunshine — it’s all glorious until it isn’t. Practically overnight, that gentle warmth transforms into a smothering blanket of humidity and unrelenting sun. There’s no denying it: Arkansas summers are downright HOT. But you don’t have to be miserable all summer long. With a few smart strategies, you can survive the summer heat in the Natural State, and you might even learn to love it.
Our family is a sun-up-to-sundown outdoors family, but it wasn’t always that way. If you’re familiar with my writing, you may remember that I’m originally from Vermont. When I first moved to Arkansas in 1996, I thought the heat might actually kill me! I’m not exaggerating — the first few Arkansas Julys felt like stepping into a furnace compared to Vermont’s crisp, mild summers.
The truth is, the heat here can be extremely dangerous. If you aren’t careful, you can end up with heat exhaustion, dehydration or even heat stroke — true medical emergencies that are no joke. So, how does a girl from Vermont come to enjoy being outside in the hottest part of summer? The answer is training.
We don’t just hit the outdoors in June and July — we’re outside all year round. This helps us to slowly adjust to seasonal temperature shifts, making those triple-digit heat index days a little more bearable. But acclimating is only part of the puzzle. Staying safe in Arkansas’s blazing summers takes a bit more intention. Here are a few of my best tips:
Tips for Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed how easy it is to get dehydrated when you’re active outdoors. Now is the time to let those Stanley tumblers shine! And don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink; take sips throughout the day. Water is my go-to, but I also supplement with electrolytes on especially hot days or when I’ve been doing yard work or other activities that make me sweat a little more than usual. - Dress smart.
Lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing is your best friend. Breathable fabrics like cotton and linen help sweat evaporate and keep you cooler. A wide-brimmed hat is also essential. - Plan around the hottest hours.
Try to schedule strenuous outdoor activities for the morning or evening, when temperatures are lower. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are usually the most oppressive - Enjoy the Shade.
Nothing beats a chair nestled beneath a shade tree where you can rest, relax and enjoy a cool breeze. On days when there isn’t a cool breeze, we’ve been known to plug in a fan to get the air moving. - Take breaks.
Even if you’re used to the heat, your body still needs a break now and then. We often head indoors for a mid-afternoon nap or quiet time where we can enjoy the air conditioning. - Know the warning signs of heat illness.
If you start feeling dizzy, nauseous or develop a headache, it’s time to cool off immediately. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious and require quick action. - Eat light.
Heavy, hot meals can weigh you down. Fresh fruits, veggies and lighter meals feel better on a scorching day and help you stay hydrated. Summer is a great time to enjoy some of that fresh garden produce, and we never say no to ice cream or sno cones! - Keep your cool with water.
Spray bottles, damp bandanas, and even running cold water over your wrists can help you feel cooler fast.
Thriving in the Arkansas Summer
Once you’ve mastered staying safe, you can go beyond surviving and actually enjoy Arkansas in the summer, because let’s face it, summer is a beautiful time here.
One of the best ways to cool off naturally is to find water. Arkansas is full of swimming holes, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and caves that offer relief from the heat and a chance to create lasting memories. Check out these awesome places to cool down:
- 7 South Arkansas Water Parks and Splash Pads
- Arkansas Water Trails
- Splash at 5 Arkansas Water Parks
- Nine Arkansas Waterfalls to Explore
- 15 Refreshing Swimming Holes in Arkansas
- 2-Day Float and Fly Fishing Trip on the Buffalo National River
- 27 Arkansas Splash Parks and Aquatic Centers
- 13 Arkansas Float Trips
- Canoeing the Caddo River
- Visit 52: Diamond Lakes, Arkansas State Parks
- Lakeside Life in Prairie Creek
- Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s Largest Lake
- Cave City’s Crystal River Cave
- Arkansas Caves
When you’re looking to beat the heat but stay active, you can also explore Arkansas’s amazing indoor experiences. Museums are a great way to spend a hot afternoon learning and exploring in a cool, air-conditioned space.
- Summer Bucket List: Arkansas Museums
- Discover the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain
- High Honors for Wings of Honor Museum
- Museum Experiences in Northwest Arkansas
- S. Marshals Museum
- Arkansas Military Museums
- 15 Free Museums in Arkansas
- Jacksonville Museum of Military History
- Little Rock’s Museum of Discovery
- Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff
And of course, nothing beats a good old-fashioned swimming pool day. Whether it’s your backyard pool or a community aquatic center, a quick dip is one of the fastest ways to reset your body temperature on a hot Arkansas afternoon.
Arkansas summers are undeniably intense, but they’re also rich with opportunities for adventure, beauty and connection. By giving your body time to adapt, dressing smartly, staying hydrated, and planning wisely, you can keep yourself safe while still enjoying all that summer has to offer.
So don’t hide inside all summer. Grab your water bottle and get out there to explore. Stay safe, stay cool and remember — a Vermont native can survive the summer heat, and you can, too!
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