Ever See People Park Like THIS? Arizona’s Weird Summer Parking Habits Explained

When it gets hot in Arizona, you'll see a lot more change than just the thermometer. Life begins to slow down, air conditioners come on, and even wildlife starts to behave differently. And by 'wildlife', I mean Arizona drivers.

A Strange Anomaly in Arizona Parking Lots

You'll see it in parking lots across the state. When drivers are looking for a place to park, one of the most important factors is usually the distance from the venue. Whether that venue is a concert, a mall, or a grocery store, most drivers tend to look for the closest possible parking space.

For most of the year, that's how things go in Arizona. Unless you're one of those "sneak in some extra fitness during your day and get more steps" types, you're probably not parking in lot Q at the mall.

READ: 5 Tips to Help You Prepare for the Summer Monsoons

The Strange Behavior the Hotter Arizona Gets

However, as spring transitions into summer, parking habits across the Grand Canyon State begin to change. Forget the hummingbirds returning, this is the surest sign summer is coming.

Have you seen this happen? Instead of just parking, you notice drivers making making the rounds of the parking lot, making yet another pass, leaving perfectly good spaces in their wake.

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That nice, close, spot next to the handicapped space? Nope.

That slightly further, yet still pretty close space proximal to the shopping cart return corral? Keep looking.

That slightly shady spot next to the sports card taking up three spaces? Getting warmer.

Waiting for the slow-moving vehicle to finally back out of the space sitting under the fully-leafed-out parking lot tree? That's the one!

READ: The Summer Hack Only Arizona Natives Know

Parking in the Shade Wins Over Distance in Arizona Summers

It may take you 10 minutes to walk into the grocery store when you park in the south forty at the Safeway, but you're under a tree. You've got your comfort water bottle! You can make it.

Now, combined with the windshield shade, the slightly cracked windows, and the oven mitts, your car might actually stay cool enough to drive home!

This is a true victory in Arizona Summer!