Phoenix • Weather Guide

Surviving the Heat: The Ultimate Guide to Summer Tennis in Phoenix (2026)

Last updated: January 2026

Let's be honest: Playing tennis in Phoenix between June and September is an extreme sport. When the asphalt radiates 150°F heat, your shoes can literally melt. But for the dedicated player, the season doesn't stop. You just have to change when and how you play.

The "Vampire" Schedule: Night Tennis

In the summer, the Phoenix tennis community becomes nocturnal. The courts that are empty at 2:00 PM are packed at 8:00 PM. To play effectively at night, you need courts with high-quality LED lighting (older halogen lights can be dim and yellow).

Top Lighted Courts for Night Play:

• Phoenix Tennis Center: Features distinct, bright LED lighting on all 25 courts. Open late.
• Indian School Park: The lights here are fantastic, and the nearby lake provides a psychological (if not actual) cooling effect.
• Gene Autry Park (Mesa): Excellent lighting for the East Valley crowd.

The "Dawn Patrol": Morning Tennis

If you can't stay up late, you have to wake up early. The coolest time of the day is 5:30 AM. There is a massive community of "Dawn Patrol" players who get their sets in before the sun breaches the horizon. This is often when you will find the most serious league players drilling.

Gear Checks for the Desert

Your standard gear won't cut it here. Here is the Phoenix survival kit:

1. Blue Grip (Tourna Grip): Your hands will sweat profusely. Standard tacky grips become slippery eels. The dry, blue "Tourna Grip" is a requirement here.
2. White Clothing: Never wear black on a Phoenix court in July. It absorbs heat.
3. Electrolytes: Water isn't enough. You play in a convection oven. You need salt and potassium replacements.

We Coach on Your Schedule

At Golden Racket Academy, we understand the desert climate. We don't force you to take lessons at noon. We offer early morning and late evening slots to ensure you can improve your game without risking heatstroke.