It isn’t breaking news to report that Vegas gets hot. Really hot. It IS in the desert, so while that’s kind of a given, not everyone is always prepared for what that means.
We’ve posted about some of the fantastic hiking and parks in the valley (a lot of which have splash pads to help you beat the heat); however, there is a lot more you can (and should) do than finding ways to keep cool.
The #1 rule, though it may seem a bit counter intuitive, is to cover up. Yes, it is hot, but wearing as few clothes as possible isn’t your best option. Wearing cover ups at the pool, hats and longer sleeved lightweight clothes while hiking, and ensuring your sensitive bits aren’t cooking in the sun is a great first step. Rule #2: Sunscreen. Basically, your best friend always (yes, even in the winter). Love it, live it, slather it on and keep it everywhere. Be sure to watch the little ones and though they may wiggle and squirm, be sure their time in the sun is monitored and that they get a sunscreen top-up frequently.
Rule #3: Shades (as in sunglasses). Be sure to cover those peepers – especially if they are blue – and double check that your sunglasses block UV rays (there is usually a sticker that indicates they are, which is predictably stuck to the center of the lens).
Aside from sunscreen, your next best friend should be water. Stay hydrated all! That’s Rule #4. It is beyond easy these days to take your water to go. Fill up your reusable container and be on your way! Just a tip, avoid reusing plastic bottles or containers that are not regularly washed, because germs. And keep it with you – it does little good baking in your car.
Speaking of car… Rule #5: Shades (as in park your car in it). A parked car in the Vegas Valley sun can be 40-50 degrees hotter than the outside temp. When July temps climb to 110-degrees, the last place you want to keep your plastic water bottle is in your 150-degree parked car. And climbing into the car is like climbing into a toaster over. Be sure to park in the shade, in a garage, tint your windows, and use a sun shade in your windshield. You can also get pull-down shades for the back seats to ensure the kiddos are protected during their ride as well. Having a towel or baby blanket draped across the kids’ car seats prevents stings from metal seat belt buckles.
In general, even if you take all of these precautions, it’s still going to be hot. Remember: Las Vegas is the land of Air Conditioning, so you have plenty of in-door options during the hottest months. You’ll find that most people plan outdoor activities to early morning or evening activities to avoid the harshest heat all together.
Last, but certainly not least, ensure you are getting frequent dermatological checks and monitor any freckles or spots. Skin cancer is no joke, and the health of you and your family is so important!