It’s no secret summers are hot in Austin. In fact, the heat is one of the few things keeping Californians in California. The mild winters are great, but boy, do we pay for it in the summer. If you’re going to be miserably hot in June, July and August, you might as well sweat it out in one of the greatest cities on Earth.
Here are some of the signs that summer is coming to Austin.
10. The sunsets get later
Photo: Flickr user Jim Nix, creative commons licensed.
They don’t call them the dog days of summer for nothing. Each day, it stays lighter later into the evening, so you have more time to get home from work to watch the beautiful Austin sunsets from your own place.
9. Traffic gets better with most of the UT students gone
Photo: Flickr user Derek Key, creative commons licensed.
Why does your commute suddenly take 10 minutes less? Well, the majority of the 50,000+ University of Texas students went home. Sleep in a few extra minutes, but don’t get used to it. Even more students will be back in the fall.
8. Grass allergies flare up
Photo: Flickr user Niyantha Shekar, creative commons licensed.
If you’re feeling sneezy these days, chances are you have grass allergies. The dormant grass has awakened and is begging to be mowed.
7. The sundresses and boots come out
Photo: Jenni Roberts, courtesy Jenni Roberts Photography.
Whether strolling on South Congress, hitting up their favorite food truck, or relaxing at a park, women in Austin match their favorite cowgirl boots with cotton sundresses. These figure-flattering frocks keep the ladies stylish and comfortable.
6. Neighborhood pools fill up with kids
Photo: Flickr user Sean Davis, creative commons licensed.
Cannonball! Kids love pools. As soon as school lets out, kids want to swim. Once mom packs the sunscreen and towels, the race is on as to who can jump in first.
5. Snow cone stands appear all over town
Photo: Jenni Roberts, courtesy Jenni Roberts Photography.
Syrup and ice. What could possibly go wrong? Nothing. Add a Styrofoam cup and you have a snow cone. When the weather gets warm, snow cone stands pop up and dish out sugary goodness.
4. Your car turns into a solar oven
Photo: Flickr user Joel Kramer, creative commons licensed.
This sun beating down on your car all day can turn your car into a solar oven. It is actually hotter inside than it is outside. And that’s why your seatbelt can burn you, and your car’s thermometer reading is something outrageous like 108 Fahrenheit.
3. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks fill Lady Bird Lake
Photo: Flickr user diveofficer, creative commons licensed.
Stand-up paddleboarding has really taken off in the past few years, and as the heat increases so do the number of stand-up paddleboards and kayaks on Lady Bird Lake. It can get a little crowded but not enough to prevent people from having fun.
2. Restaurant patios turn on the misting fans
Photo: Flickr user Joe Schlabotnik, creative commons licensed.
Austinites love patio seating at restaurants and bars. Sometimes a bottle of beer isn’t enough to cool you down, so many restaurateurs invest in misting fans to keep patrons cool and comfortable. If you don’t know where to go, try one of these 10 awesome patio bars in Austin.
1. Summer concerts really hit it big
Photo: Flickr user Sanjoy Ghosh, creative commons licensed.
Concert series such as Blues on the Green and Unplugged at the Grove start in the spring and build momentum over the summer. If you want to catch free shows by big name artists, summertime in Austin is your time.
Featured photo: Flickr user garann, creative commons licensed.
