This might sound crazy, but we really love Tucson in the summer.
Sure, it's hot enough to bake cookies in a car and sometimes we can't remember what it feels like to not sweat outside. But dang it, when we see monsoon clouds or think about sipping a raspado at sunset we can't help but live for these months.
And we're not alone on this crazy train, we asked readers to tell us what they love most about living in Tucson during the summer and here's what they had to say...
Monsoon weather
A multi-forked bolt slams to the ground just west of the downtown skyline, part of a monsoon storm that rolled over the area, Wednesday, July 12, 2017, Tucson, Ariz.
Tucson's monsoon season is a beautiful, magical and sometimes terrifying experience we all look forward to. We love watching lightning strike in the distance and hearing the rumble of thunder. We even love how a big storm can take over an otherwise sunny day in a matter of minutes.
Did you know monsoon rain accounts for half of the total rainfall for the entire year? Learn more facts about the monsoons here.
How fresh the desert smells
Water droplets cling to a creosote bush near the Rillito River as a light rain falls in the Tucson area on July 11, 2017.
The whole desert smells amazing after a good rain β kind of like mother nature is giving you a big earth hug. It's probably on the list of all Tucsonans' favorite smells, right next fresh baked cookies and tacos.
One of the reasons our nostrils are doing back flips is because of creosote. These plants produce a coating for its leaves that helps conserve water and smells just like the desert rain. Read more about creosote, including where to buy your own rain-scented products, here.
Spending all day by the pool
Britney Rivera Aldana, 8, takes a leap off the high dive at Mansfield Park Pool.
There's no better feeling than relaxing in the living room after a day full of swimming. You might be a lucky Tucsonan and have a pool or know someone with a pool. But for the rest of us mermaids we know our favorite public swimming pools and splash pads like the back of our hand (in the chance you don't, here is a list of all the water recreation places in town).
Watermelon Eegees
We love the slush so much our very own Mayor asked if we could get this July flavor-of-the-month treat a week early.
Also, did you know you can booze up your Eegees?
Life slows down a little
The snowbirds have flown the coop and college students are spending their summer break somewhere else. There is a lot less waiting in line at the store and your favorite restaurant will be able to seat you in no time. Sounds like easy living to us.
All the summer deals
Hernan Vega, left, and Azura Canez look over the vintage men's goods on sale at the new location for How Sweet It Was, 424 E. 6th St., August 23, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Because of the summer lag, there are plenty of businesses in town that are offering great deals to encourage you to stop by. And we're all about it.
ICYMI, you can pick up aΒ Summer In the City card, which has a bunch of cool discounts and offers from local businesses. We also love to tell you all of the great deals happening every week with #ThisIsTucson's list of things to do.Β Β
Enjoying a sunset after a really great storm
Monsoon sunset over the cactus forest of the Saguaro National Park West, Wednesday, August 10, 2016.
Search #TucsonSunset on Instagram and prepare to get blown away.Β
And falling asleep to the sound of rain
We're dozing off just thinking about it.
Making the trip up to Mount Lemmon to beat the heat
Hikers come across a cool mountain stream along the Marshall Gulch Trail as some summer explorers take to the tall pines and hike the cool upper areas around Mount Lemmon outside Tucson, on June 1, 2017.
Driving up Catalina Highway all the way to the top of Mount Lemmon is a trip all of us taken at least once during a weekend in the summer. How could you not? It's so neat watching your surroundings change from cactus to pine trees in less then an hour. And once you're up there you can visit the peaceful town of Summerhaven, go on a hike, hang by a lake and treat yourself to some cookies from the Cookie Cabin.
If you really want to have a perfect time during your next visit, we've made a guide for that. It's kid and mom approved.
Going to a movie theater because AC
Alyson Hill, the assistant manager at the Loft Cinema, serves up some candy, drinks, popcorn and more to Max and Mia Ramirez.
It's a good feeling knowing even on the hottest day in Tucson there's a theater close to you that's playing a summer blockbuster and pumping out sweet cold air. We love to hide away from the sun, even if it's just for a few hours, to devour popcorn and sit in an air controlled room, we don't even mind if the movie isn't that great.
And there are plenty of cool ways to watch films on the cheap. From outdoor screenings, the Loft Kids Fest, discounted tickets, to dive-in movies (that's right, you can swim AND watch a movies)Β you're sure to find something the whole family will love.
Treating yourself to a raspado any time you feel like it
Sometimes we like to keep it simple and just go for the shaved ice, syrup and fruit, and other times we like to throw in some ice cream or chamoy to keep it tangy.
Want something to go with that raspado? Check out our guide on the best places to get Mexican snacks in town.
Walking around downtown Tucson at nightΒ
Roman Barten-Sherman busks for the passersby at the corner of Congress and Scott at Second Saturdays downtown, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
"Ugh, its too hot to make plans, let's just go see what's happening tonight downtown, k?"
Spending more time indoors
An employee eyes his next turn while learning the racing line of the track at Autobahn Indoor Speedway, 300 S. Toole Ave., on July 6, 2016, in Tucson, Ariz. The all-electric indoor go-kart track plans to open next week. The Italian-style karts reach speeds up to 50 m.p.h.
And no, we don't mean hanging out at home watching Netflix. We taking about going out and having a blast at some of Tucson's indoor recreation and entertainment spaces.
Drive go-carts at Autobahn Indoor Speedway and Events, go rock climbing without ever having to smell nature at Rocks & Ropes or boogie around the the roller rink at Skate Country. Β
Just because it's hot outside doesn't mean you need to stop having fun. Here's a list of other indoor places to check out.
Knowing we're in this together
It takes a lot of guts to stick around this place in the summer, so it's nice to know we're not alone. *cactus hug*
