Can You Install Concrete in the Summer in Phoenix, or Is It Too Hot?

It’s summer in Phoenix, and you’ve got a concrete project on your hands—whether it’s a new patio or some other job. The big question is, can you pour concrete during these blazing hot months?

Yes, you can pour concrete in the summer, but it’s important to take precautions. Both the concrete and the workers need extra care to ensure the job goes smoothly and safely.

Let’s explore a little more in depth into what you need to know.

Problems with the Heat and Your Concrete

Summertime in the Phoenix metro area isn’t just hot—it feels like you’re standing next to a bonfire... that is all around you.

With temperatures often soaring above 110°F, working outside can be brutal, especially for tasks like pouring concrete.

The main challenge with pouring concrete in extreme heat is something called flashing, which happens when the concrete sets too quickly. The intense heat accelerates the drying process, which is not ideal when it comes to achieving a strong, and professional finish.

When concrete dries too fast, it can lead to problems, like cracking. If the surface hardens before the underlying concrete cures properly, it creates tension that causes the slab to break.

Here is a prime example of what kind of damage and problems the heat can cause.

This little section of concrete was poured right in the middle of the day during the summer and clearly precautions and curing methods were not taken to prevent this kind of breaking and markings to occur.

To prevent this, many people will keep the concrete slab wet for several days after pouring. Wetting the slab a few times a day slows down the curing process and helps the concrete maintain its integrity. This extra moisture helps in ensuring the concrete has enough time to strengthen without cracking on you.

It does have to crack, you just want it to happen at the joints you work into the slab.

How to Handle Working in the Heat

The heat doesn’t just make it harder to manage the concrete—it also puts a heavy toll on the workers out there doing the job. Pouring concrete is hard work, and in Phoenix's scorching summer temperatures, the risks of heat exhaustion, sunburn, or even heat stroke are real.

Maybe the only people who have it worse than concrete workers would be roofers, but both are tough work in general and more so in the summer.

That’s why staying hydrated and protected from the sun is essential. Workers need to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and it’s smart to wear lightweight, protective clothing and a good hat to cover your skin from the sun.

Working when there is no sun is always an option as well.

For example, I remember we were doing an ongoing project with 84 Lumber in Chandler, AZ. We were pouring a large concrete slab in sections of like 30 to 50 yards at a time, and it was right in the middle of the summer. So since it was larger pours, we decided to start at 2 a.m. to avoid the worst of the heat.

Even at that early hour, the temperature might still be over 100°F, but it allows us to finish before the sun really gets cooking.

As long as the crew stays hydrated, protected, and smart about timing, they can handle the heat. Most experienced teams avoid working in the hottest part of the afternoon and will schedule pours for early morning to beat the sun.

Best Tips to Manage the Heat

So, yes, pouring concrete in the summer is totally doable, but it requires skill, experience, and some careful planning. One key tip is to pour the concrete with a higher slump. A higher slump refers to concrete that’s wetter and easier to work with. It gives you more time to work with the concrete before it starts setting too fast.

Another helpful trick is spraying water on the slab as you finish it, when you need to. Not a lot of water, just as it's drying and you are giving it a finer finish, you might need a little extra cream or moisture to get a good finish on it, so a small amount of water goes a long way on the top.

When it comes to personal safety, make sure you wear long-sleeved clothing to protect your skin, a hat with a wide brim to keep the sun off your face and neck, and, of course, have lots of water on hand. Heat stroke is a real concern, so you can’t be too careful.

Regardless what you do, expect to be beat after the day. I've suffered mild heat exhaustion countless times, but you should be able to bounce back after a few hours' rest.

Finally, try to schedule your pour as early in the day as possible. The morning hours are your best bet to get the job done before the desert heat really kicks in.

We poured this concrete job starting at 3 a.m. in the morning. That is pretty common here during the summer.

But even later in the morning around 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. is still doable if you need to.

If your project isn’t time-sensitive, you might also want to consider postponing it until cooler months. Sometimes it’s often worth waiting if you can afford to, as it’ll make the entire process more manageable for both the concrete and the crew.

In summary, pouring concrete during a Phoenix summer is possible, but you need to be smart about it. With the right precautions and timing, you can get the job done without sacrificing quality or safety.

Good luck on your next pour. Try and stay cool out there!