or early evening hikes. With its higher elevation and dense canopy, Uvas Canyon stays cooler than the valley below, making it a favorite local escape during the hottest months.
Closer to town, Uvas Creek Preserve and Christmas Hill Park in Gilroy provide another great outdoor option. Uvas Creek Preserve offers a two-mile paved trail ideal for walking, biking, or jogging. The nearby Christmas Hill Park boasts shaded picnic areas, open fields, and access to the creek, offering space for families to relax and kids to run free— all without straying far from home.
Indoor Retreats: Cooling Centers and Local Hangouts When outdoor temperatures spike into the 90s or above, sometimes the best place to be is inside. During extreme heat waves, the Gilroy Library, located at 350 W. Sixth Street, operates as an official cooling center. Residents can take refuge in the air-conditioned environment, enjoy a good book, use the internet, or participate in community programs designed to engage and educate all ages.
Many local cafés, such as Coffee Guys in Morgan Hill or 5th Street Coffee in Gilroy, also offer cozy, cool spots to unwind with an iced drink. These small businesses provide not just comfort but also a sense of community, and they’ re great places to read, work, or meet friends on a hot afternoon.
Keeping Your Home Cool: Simple Solutions Of course, staying cool doesn’ t always require leaving the house. There are several simple, energy-efficient tricks to help residents keep their homes comfortable during summer. One of the most effective strategies is nighttime ventilation— opening windows at night to let in cool air, then shutting them in the morning along with curtains or blinds to trap that cooler air inside.
Ceiling fans can also play a critical role. In summer, setting fans to rotate counterclockwise pushes cool air downward and creates a wind-chill effect that makes the room feel up to four degrees cooler. Limiting the use of heat-producing appliances, such as ovens, stoves, and dryers, during peak afternoon hours also makes a big difference. Instead, opt for no-cook meals like salads or sandwiches, or fire up the grill outside.
Take Care of Pets Too Pets are just as vulnerable to heat as people, and they rely on their owners to help them stay safe. Avoid walking dogs during the hottest part of the day, when sidewalks can burn their paws. Instead, aim for early morning or late evening walks. Always ensure that outdoor pets have access to shade and plenty of fresh, clean water, and never leave animals in parked cars, even for a few minutes.
Make the Most of Summer Despite the rising temperatures, summer in Gilroy and Morgan Hill offers endless possibilities for fun, relaxation, and community connection. Whether you’ re splashing in a pool, hiking through shaded redwoods, sipping iced coffee in a cool café, or simply enjoying a fan and a good book at home, South County has plenty of ways to beat the heat. So as the sun blazes on, embrace all the cooling adventures our community has to offer, and stay safe while soaking up the best of the season!
Mariam Ndao is a 2025 graduate of TJ Owens Gilroy Early College Academy. She is passionate about appreciating her community and shedding light on important topics through writing. In her free time, she loves to spend time reading, volunteering, dancing, and spending time with friends and family.
gmhtoday. com Gilroy • Morgan Hill TODAY Magazine: Go. Make history... SUMMER 2025 49