Summer is here!
The world’s favorite season brings possibility, vacation time, fun in the sun, and hopefully a little well-deserved rest.
Embrace the season’s best by enjoying the summer months in all their glory.
What Months are Summer Months?
In the northern hemisphere, summer starts in June and ends in September. That means, technically speaking, June, July, August, and September are all summer months.
Though summer starts in late June, a lot of us still consider June a crucial part of the season. But even though summer lasts until September 21, most of us think of fall as soon as August flows into September.
That makes June, July, and August the quintessential summer months.
What Are the Best Things to Do in the Summer Months?
Summer is the season to seize life. It’s time for fun and adventure, thrill-seeking with friends, or exploring the world.
But it’s also a great time to rest and relax in preparation for the busy fall months.
We’ve already covered the best summer activities, so we’re not going to rehash all that here, but we will highlight the top three things we love doing each month of this iconic season.
June
As spring turns to summer, the kids get out of school, and the busy world stops – if just for a moment.
Embrace it.
Plan Your Summer
I always have whimsical dreams about all the fun things I’ll do in the summer. Maybe I’ll go hiking, swim in one of Austin’s natural pools, take a day trip to the beach, or enjoy a summer festival.
Usually, I don’t do any of it. Not because I don’t want to, but because I don’t actually make a plan, and then when I realize I wanted to do something, it’s too late. Summer is over.
Avoid my failure by making your summer plan in June. Create a summer bucket list and promise yourself that you’ll check things off.
Get Away
June is the ideal month to take that getaway. Book a trip as soon as school ends. You don’t even have to go far – just take a camping trip at a local state park or something.
A getaway at the start of summer will help you and your family recharge and prepare for everything else the season will bring.
Enjoy Time Outside
In most of the country, June has perfect weather. It’s not too hot yet, and too late in the season for winter’s last breath.
So go outside and enjoy.
Take walks. Watch the clouds. Have a picnic. Go camping. Visit a duck pond and watch them go about their day.
Make the most of the nice weather.
July
July is my favorite summer month. It feels the most “summery”, boasting long sunny days that seem to burst with possibility.
I love it.
It’s also the best month to enjoy some of the absolute greatest summer activities.
Celebrate Independence
I know the internet is global, but since I live in the US, I can’t talk about enjoying July without mentioning Independence Day.
Every July 4th, we celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with family, friends, BBQs, and fireworks.
Summer BBQ
But you don’t need an excuse to cook out in the summer. I think you should BBQ every single weekend in July!
Get a small grill and fire up some charcoal. Enjoy charred burgers and veggies. You’ll kick yourself for not taking advantage of the warm weather when the cool fall breeze blows in.
Play
The best way to enjoy summer is to play in it. Unabashedly.
Run through the sprinkles. Go to a splashpad. Blow bubbles. Cover your sidewalk in chalk. Enjoy the playground. Visit fairs and festivals, theme parks, and water parks.
Find time to run around, playing frisbee or catch.
Enjoy the long hours of daylight while you have them.
August
Once August hits, the heat becomes unbearable. I think this is where the dog days of summer come from.
The days are long, hot, sweaty, and feel never-ending.
But they will end, so make the best of this time.
Go to the Beach
About 40% of the population lives near a coastline.
Are you taking advantage of it?
It’s summer. GO TO THE BEACH!
Lie in the sun, play in the waves, and build a sandcastle. Stay until it gets dark and roast marshmallows on a bonfire, sharing thrilling stories.
If you don’t live near the coast, find a lake with similar offerings.
Swimming Pool
The beach is a once-in-a-while summer activity, but you can beat the heat in the water all season long.
Many HOA communities have swimming pools allowing their residents to enjoy swim time as part of their monthly fee. If you don’t have one, get a pass to enjoy your local community’s pool.
Spend your weekends cooling off in the water.
Get Ready for Back to School
The worst part about August is that it ends with the busy rush of back-to-school season. Forget the calendar and Labor Day – the first day of school marks the true end of summer, am I right?
Grab your supply list and pick up a few things every time you shop. Mentally prepare for the start of the new school year in early August so it doesn’t wear you down when it sneaks up on you.
September
Summer officially ends on September 21, but a lot of us feel like it’s over as soon as the calendar turns.
It’s not. There’s still a lot of summer fun to be had this month.
One Last Hurrah
Labor Day weekend, the first full weekend in September, marks the unofficial end of summer.
Make the most of it.
Host a BBQ, spend the day at the pool (especially since most pools close after Labor Day!), or take one last summer vacation.
Have your summer go out with a bang.
Embrace Summer’s Flavors
As summer fades into fall, our favorite summer flavors make their last appearance for the season.
Enjoy them before it’s too late!
Eat all the strawberries and watermelon you can stand. Make fruity tropical drinks while it’s still hot enough outside to enjoy them.
Embrace all the fantastic summer smells and flavors that will disappear when the weather turns. You’ll be glad you got your fill of them when they’re gone.
Prepare for Fall
Preparing for the next season doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, but it is for someone who loves planning!
And even if you don’t, you’ll be glad you did when all the fall activities start piling up. When will you visit the pumpkin patch and haunted house? What will you do for Halloween?
Start preparing in September, and a fantastic autumn will follow your fun-filled summer.
How Will You Spend Your Summer Months?
What’s your favorite summer month? How will you embrace the sunny season?
Share your summer plans in the comments!