Marfa Summers: Cooler Than You Think (Literally)
- Rob Sherrard
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
When people hear the words Marfa and desert in the same sentence, they imagine July and August as an endless sweat lodge. Scorching sun. Sizzling lizards. Tumbleweeds spontaneously combusting. You know, classic desert drama.
It’s no wonder many travelers avoid West Texas in midsummer. “Too hot,” they say. “We’ll come in October.” But here’s the twist: Marfa might just be the coolest town in Texas, and not just because Donald Judd said so.
The Myth: “The Desert Will Cook You Alive in Summer”
If you’re picturing the Sahara or Death Valley, I don’t blame you. Desert equals extreme heat in most people’s minds. Marfa sits smack in the Chihuahuan Desert, so it’s easy to assume summer here means unbearable days and nights.
But that assumption keeps a lot of travelers away in July and August, which is a shame, because they’re missing some of the most magical evenings this town has to offer.
The Reality: High Desert = Low Temps at Night
Here’s what the desert doesn’t get enough credit for: temperature swings. Because Marfa sits at 4,700 feet above sea level, the heat of the day doesn’t stick around once the sun drops. Warm air rises, cool desert air slides in, and suddenly you’re grabbing a blanket to sit outside.
Average overnight lows in July and August? Around 60 °F. That’s right. Low Sixties. In Texas. While the rest of the state is stuck in a sticky 74 °F sauna at midnight, Marfa travelers are cracking windows, sipping wine on the porch, and wondering if they should have packed fuzzy socks.
A Texas Showdown: Marfa vs. the Rest
Numbers don’t lie, so let’s do a little comparison shopping:
Marfa days can certainly get toasty, but nights? They’re the kind of cool that makes you forget you’re in Texas at all.
What That Means for Travelers
Stargazing Bliss
You know that whole “Marfa is one of the best stargazing spots in the U.S.” thing? It’s true. And those cool nights make it even better. Instead of sweating through your shirt while watching the Milky Way, you can comfortably lay back and let the universe put on a show.
Better Sleep
In most Texas cities, August means AC running at full blast while you toss and turn. In Marfa, you can crack a window and let the desert breeze tuck you in. The sound of crickets and a cool 60 °F night feels more like Colorado than Texas.
Day vs. Night Adventures
Yes, afternoons can get hot, so plan daytime outings wisely — grab that iced latte at Bordo, wander a gallery or two, or escape to the mountains in nearby Fort Davis. Then in the evenings, it’s game on: outdoor dining, backyard hangs, or a late-night stroll to the Marfa Lights Viewing Area without worrying you’ll collapse from heatstroke.
Packing Tip
Sandals and sunglasses for the day, sure. But don’t forget a hoodie, a light jacket, or even a pair of socks for the evening. It’s the only desert trip where your Yeti cooler might stay warmer than the air around you.
The Science-y Stuff (With Less Jargon)
So why does this happen? Blame or thank the altitude and aridity.
At 4,700 feet, Marfa is literally “closer to cool.” Higher elevations tend to run cooler, especially at night.
Dry desert air doesn’t trap heat the way humid air does. Think of it like leaving a window cracked in your oven; it just won’t hold the heat.
Combine those two and you’ve got nature’s AC working overtime while the rest of Texas is stuck in a convection oven.
A Local Secret
Here’s something longtime visitors will tell you: August nights in Marfa are when the town feels most alive. Restaurants keep patios open late, people gather for backyard drinks, and everyone suddenly remembers what it’s like to breathe fresh air without sweating.
Not exactly the picture of desert misery, right?
A Final Nudge (with a Wink)
So next time someone raises an eyebrow and says: “You’re going to Marfa in August? That’s desert hell.”
Just smile and reply: “Exactly. I’ll be the one wearing fuzzy socks under the stars.”
That’s the secret: Marfa summers aren’t about suffering through the heat. They’re about embracing the swing — warm days, crisp nights, and the kind of desert magic you only discover when you stop believing the myths.
Until next time - Rob and Becca
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