Summer in Nevada County means two things:
soaring temps and the threat of wildfire.
But fear not, my sweaty friends— here’s some mom-approved ways to chill without breaking the bank.
Free + Almost Free Options
Cooling Centers + Public Spots
Head to one of Nevada County’s Libraries or your local community center for some A/C refuge. Libraries double as educational sanctuaries for kids—complete with crafts, storytime, and summer lunches for ages 0–18, no sign-up required.
Grocery stores or movie theaters can also provide the comforts of air conditioning, just be sure to not loiter.
Natural Home Cooling System
Open windows at night and early morning to let in cool air; shut south- and west-facing blinds before it gets roasting. Close doors to unused rooms to keep cool air concentrated.
Fans are your friend
Use window and ceiling fans to create cross breezes, and point box fans out of upper windows to suck hot air out. Set ceiling fans to counterclockwise and let that breeze do the work.
Pro-Tip:
Place a fan pointed inwards and directly in front of window or door to draw in cold area rapidly..
Local lakes & rivers
When safe, swimming holes like Scotts Flat Lake or South Yuba River are very well known to locals and travelers alike. Just don’t test the Yuba in early summer—cold water from snow melt can be a shock and even experienced swimmers can struggle with undertows.
Safety first, fun second.
Always.
Low-Cost Life Savers
Pull down those light-colored drapes during the day to keep heat out. Use solar films or blackout curtains for extra protection
Ditch heat-producing appliances mid-day
Bake outdoors on the BBQ, swap laundry to early morning or evenings, and skip the oven during peak sun
DIY Air Conditioning
Place ice or frozen water bottles in front of a fan—or hang damp sheets in front of them—to mimic a mini-AC
Hydration & breathable clothes
Outdoors: Loose, light-colored outfits, big hats, and SPF 15+
Indoors: Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or linen.
Chilly + Smart Investments
Ceiling fans & dehumidifiers
Upgrade to energy-efficient ceiling fans for consistent airflow. Add a dehumidifier if humidity is making heat unbearable
Smart thermostat
Set it at 78°F while you’re home, bumping to 82°F when you’re out. It can slash cooling costs by around 10%
Shade your outdoors
Install pergolas, umbrellas, or misting systems on patios. If you’ve got the budget, include trees or shrubs—they’ll help cool things down and look cute too
Use outdoor spaces wisely
Beat the heat in style: evening farmers’ markets, concerts like Nevada City Summer Nights, and local festivals offer entertainment after the sun dips.
So whether you’re soaking in the river, hiding out in the frozen foods aisle at SPD, or crafting the world’s breeziest homemade A/C, remember:
surviving summer in Nevada County is an art form.
And hey, we’re all just sweaty masterpieces trying our best. Stay cool out there, drink your water, and don’t forget to check on your neighbors (and pets!)
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