Yes—artificial turf does get hot, often much hotter than natural grass. On sunny days, surface temperatures can climb above 150°F (65°C), creating risks for bare feet, pets, and athletes. But how hot it gets—and what you can do about it—depends on the turf’s materials, design, and environment.
In this guide, we’ll explain why artificial grass heats up so quickly, from plastic fibers and infill to color and pile height. You’ll learn about the safety concerns it poses for children, pets, and direct skin contact. We also compare turf temperatures to natural grass, asphalt, and concrete to help you understand the differences. Then we explore what really helps keep turf cooler—like shade, water, cooling infills, and newer heat-reducing technologies. If you live in a hot climate, we’ll wrap up with key tips to help you choose turf that stays cooler and performs better in the heat.
How Hot Can Artificial Turf Get in the Sun?
Artificial turf can reach much higher temperatures than natural grass—especially under direct sunlight. In many field tests, surface temperatures have been recorded between 140°F and 180°F (60°C to 82°C) on days when the air temperature is just around 90°F (32°C). That’s hot enough to cause discomfort or even burns within seconds.
Compared to turf, natural grass tends to stay 20°F to 40°F cooler, while concrete and asphalt can sometimes get even hotter, depending on surface color and density. Still, artificial turf remains one of the hottest materials in typical outdoor settings, especially in sunny climates.
This extreme heat comes from the turf’s plastic materials, which absorb and trap solar radiation. Unlike natural grass, there’s no cooling from evaporation—so the temperature keeps rising until the sun goes down or the surface is cooled manually.
Why Does Artificial Grass Get Hot?
Artificial grass gets hot because of the way it’s made and how it reacts to sunlight. Unlike natural grass, it doesn’t have a way to release heat. Instead, several factors combine to trap and build up surface temperature. In this section, we’ll break down the main reasons why synthetic turf heats up so quickly:
- the materials used in artificial grass,
- the lack of evaporative cooling,
- the role of infill systems,
- and how surface design influences heat buildup.
Let’s take a closer look at each.
Plastic Fibers Trap Heat
Artificial grass is made from synthetic materials like polyethylene or polypropylene—essentially plastics. These materials absorb and retain heat when exposed to direct sunlight. The denser and darker the fibers, the more heat they collect. Since plastic doesn’t breathe like organic material, the temperature rises quickly and stays high until sunset or artificial cooling is applied.
Artificial Turf Doesn’t Release Heat
Natural grass stays cooler through a natural process called evapotranspiration—it releases moisture into the air, which reduces surface temperature. Artificial turf can’t do this. Once it heats up, it has no natural way to cool down. That’s why even on a mild day, turf can feel much hotter than the air around it.
How Infill Makes Artificial Turf Hotter
Many artificial lawns use infill—such as rubber granules, silica sand, or organic blends—to support the turf blades. While infill improves stability, it also tends to absorb and store heat. Some types, especially black crumb rubber, can raise surface temperatures even more. The infill holds heat under the turf layer, releasing it slowly over time.
Turf Color, Height, and Density Affect Heat
Features like pile height, fiber density, color, and backing material all influence how much heat the turf absorbs. Taller, tightly packed blades may reduce airflow and trap more warmth. Darker shades naturally attract more sunlight. Some newer products use IR-reflective yarns or specialized coatings to reduce this effect—but not all turf has that protection.
Does Turf Heat Pose a Safety Risk?
Yes, excessive heat on artificial turf can lead to safety concerns, especially for children, pets, and anyone walking barefoot. When surface temperatures rise above certain thresholds, the risk of burns increases rapidly. In this section, we’ll explore:
- how turf heat can affect people directly,
- why pets are especially vulnerable,
- and what temperature levels are considered dangerous.
Turf Burns: How Heat Affects Bare Skin
When artificial turf heats up, it can reach levels high enough to cause first- or even second-degree burns. Studies show that skin contact with surfaces above 120°F (49°C) for just a few seconds may cause injury. Turf can easily exceed 150°F (65°C) in sunny conditions—especially mid-day.
Children playing barefoot are most at risk. Their skin is more sensitive, and they may not notice the heat right away. People using the lawn for yoga, sunbathing, or casual lounging can also be exposed without realizing the danger until it’s too late.
Pet Safety: Hot Turf and Sensitive Paws
Dogs and cats regulate body temperature differently from humans. They don’t sweat through their skin and rely mostly on their paw pads and respiration to release heat. Unfortunately, these paw pads are also sensitive to hot surfaces.
Veterinarians warn that when pavement or turf exceeds 125°F (52°C), dogs can suffer burns in under a minute. If your artificial lawn receives full sun exposure, even short play sessions can become risky for pets. Look for signs like paw licking, limping, or refusal to walk on the turf.
Heat Thresholds and Safe Use Guidelines
To better understand the risks, it helps to know what temperatures are considered dangerous:
- 110°F–120°F (43°C–49°C): Uncomfortable to touch, but generally safe for short exposure
- 120°F–130°F (49°C–54°C): Can cause burns in 30 seconds to 1 minute
- 130°F+ (54°C+): High risk of injury in seconds
Experts recommend testing your turf temperature before barefoot use—especially during peak sunlight hours. You can use an infrared thermometer or simply place your hand on the surface for 5 seconds. If it’s too hot to hold, it’s too hot to walk.
Can Artificial Turf Be Too Hot for Dogs and Pets?
Yes, artificial turf can get too hot for dogs and other pets—sometimes dangerously so. On warm days, the surface temperature of synthetic grass can quickly exceed what’s safe for paws. Many pet owners assume turf is more comfortable than concrete or pavement, but it can actually retain more heat than expected and often cools more slowly than pavement.
Dogs don’t sweat through their skin. They release heat through their paw pads and by panting. When turf becomes hotter than 125°F (52°C), it can start burning their paws in under a minute. Smaller dogs, older pets, and those with light-colored fur are often more at risk due to thinner paw skin or increased heat sensitivity.
You might notice warning signs like limping, licking at their feet, hesitation to walk, or trying to avoid the turf altogether. These are all signs that the surface is too hot.
To keep your pets safe, consider adding shaded areas where your dog can rest. Watering the turf before outdoor play can temporarily cool it down. You can also look into pet-friendly turf options that reflect more heat or use cooling infills. Most importantly, test the turf temperature yourself—if it feels too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws.
What Are the Best Ways to Keep Artificial Turf Cool?
If you’re concerned about how hot artificial grass can get, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to cool down synthetic turf and make it more comfortable during warm weather. In this section, we’ll walk through four practical options:
- creating shade over the turf,
- using water to lower the surface temperature,
- installing cooling infills,
- and choosing turf products designed with heat-reducing technology.
Each method has its own benefits and limitations—let’s take a closer look.
Shade: Natural and Artificial Coverage
Shading your turf is one of the most straightforward and sustainable ways to reduce surface temperature. Trees, pergolas, shade sails, or even umbrellas can block direct sunlight, which is the main source of heat buildup. Partial shade throughout the day can keep the turf significantly cooler—often by 20°F to 40°F (11°C to 22°C).
This solution is especially helpful in backyards, playgrounds, and pet zones where permanent or semi-permanent shade structures are possible. It’s also energy-free and low-maintenance. However, shade may not be feasible for large sports fields or open commercial spaces.
Watering: A Quick Cooling Fix
Spraying artificial turf with water can provide instant relief on hot days. Even a light mist or rinse can bring the surface temperature down by 30°F (17°C) or more. This method mimics the cooling effect of natural grass through evaporation.
While effective, watering is only a temporary fix. The cooling lasts around 20–30 minutes, depending on sun intensity and humidity. It also requires a water source and may not be practical for regions with drought restrictions or large turf areas.
Cooling Infill: Built-In Heat Control
Cooling infills are special materials added between the turf fibers to help reduce heat retention. Some types absorb moisture and slowly release it through evaporation, while others use reflective properties to minimize surface heat.
These infills can lower surface temperatures by 15°F to 50°F (8°C to 28°C) depending on their composition and the environment. They’re especially useful in high-traffic areas like sports fields, rooftops, and dog runs. However, cooling infill may add to the initial installation cost and require occasional top-ups over time.
Heat-Reducing Turf Technology
Many advanced turf products now include built-in features to reduce surface heat. These may involve infrared-reflective fibers, lighter color pigments, or specialized coatings that limit solar absorption.
This kind of heat-control technology offers passive, long-term cooling without the need for extra maintenance. It’s ideal for hot climates where surface comfort is critical. If you’re exploring options, make sure to ask your supplier about turf systems with integrated cooling performance.
Are There Types of Artificial Turf That Don’t Get as Hot?
Yes, some artificial turf systems are built with heat reduction in mind. While no turf stays cool like natural grass, certain features—like fiber shape, material formulation, and turf structure—can make a significant difference on hot days.
For example, lighter-colored yarns tend to absorb less heat, and specialized fiber profiles can help reduce the surface area exposed to sunlight. At Jcturf, we’ve worked extensively with S-shaped and U-shaped monofilaments, which not only improve resilience but also enhance airflow between blades—two factors that help manage surface temperature without compromising appearance.
Non-infill turf designs are another innovation to consider. Some of our systems use dense pile structures that provide cushioning and thermal separation from the base layer, which helps lower perceived heat underfoot—especially for pets and children.
If you’re exploring options, focus on turf systems that combine lighter colors, breathable layouts, and proven material stability. Ask suppliers whether their products have been tested under sun simulation—reliable turf manufacturers will be happy to share the data.
Is Artificial Turf Heat a Problem for Sports Fields?
Yes, excessive surface heat is a real concern on sports fields that use artificial turf—especially in regions with intense sun or high summer temperatures. Because synthetic turf can reach surface temperatures above 150°F (65°C), it becomes a safety issue for athletes who are in close contact with the ground for extended periods.
Hot turf can affect performance in subtle but significant ways. Athletes may experience foot discomfort, dehydration, or heat stress more quickly, particularly during practices or games held at midday. Footwear can also degrade faster on overly hot surfaces, and the ball may bounce or roll differently compared to cooler turf or natural grass.
Many schools and stadiums have started implementing measures to reduce surface temperatures. These include installing shaded seating areas, scheduling games outside peak sun hours, or using irrigation systems to cool down the field before and during use. Some facilities also select turf systems with better thermal performance or add cooling infill as part of their long-term surface management strategy.
How Hot Is Turf on a 100-Degree Day?
On a sunny day with 100°F (38°C) air temperature, artificial turf can become significantly hotter—often reaching 150°F to 170°F (65°C to 77°C) on the surface. That means the grass can feel nearly 50% hotter than the surrounding air, depending on sun intensity, turf color, and local wind conditions.
By comparison, natural grass under the same conditions might stay around 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C), while black asphalt can spike beyond 170°F (77°C). Turf sits somewhere in between but is often underestimated because it looks more natural and soft—when in fact, it absorbs and retains heat like plastic.
To put it in perspective: 140°F (60°C) is hot enough to cause skin burns in less than a minute. You wouldn’t walk barefoot on a metal slide at that temperature—and the same caution applies to synthetic grass. If you can’t hold your hand on the turf for five seconds, it’s too hot for bare feet or paws.
Does Artificial Turf Get Hotter Than Grass or Concrete?
Artificial turf can get much hotter than you might expect, especially when compared to other outdoor surfaces. In this section, we’ll compare synthetic grass to natural grass, concrete, and asphalt under sunny conditions to understand how each material handles heat. These comparisons will help you decide what makes the most sense for your specific environment.
Turf vs. Natural Grass: A Noticeable Difference
Natural grass remains significantly cooler than artificial turf in direct sunlight. That’s because living grass uses a process called evapotranspiration—it releases moisture to cool itself, much like how human skin sweats. As a result, natural grass generally stays 20°F to 40°F (11°C to 22°C) cooler than synthetic turf on hot days.
Artificial turf, by contrast, lacks this natural cooling mechanism. It absorbs heat and holds onto it, especially in full sun. Even though it may look softer and more comfortable, the surface can become hot enough to cause discomfort or burns.
Turf vs. Concrete or Asphalt: It Depends
Compared to concrete or asphalt, artificial turf usually falls somewhere in the middle. Asphalt—especially blacktop—can exceed 170°F (77°C) on a 100-degree day. Concrete tends to be a bit cooler than asphalt, but still hotter than grass.
Artificial turf may be slightly cooler than asphalt but warmer than concrete, depending on its color, infill, and surface density. One key difference: turf retains heat longer into the evening, while hard surfaces cool more quickly once the sun goes down.
Which Surface Is Best for Heat Comfort?
If heat comfort is your priority, natural grass is the coolest option by far. Artificial turf can work well if installed with cooling infill, lighter-colored yarns, or shade structures. Concrete and asphalt offer durability but can become dangerously hot in summer.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on how the space will be used. For children, pets, or barefoot activity, surface temperature should always be part of the decision—not just looks or maintenance.
Should You Worry About Turf Heat If You Live in a Hot Climate?
If you live in a hot climate, artificial turf heat is something you should take seriously. In regions with strong sun and minimal cloud cover—such as the southwestern U.S., southern Europe, or parts of the Middle East—synthetic grass can heat up quickly and stay warm long after sunset.
Dry climates often cause turf to heat faster and retain warmth, while humid areas may feel hotter overall even if the surface temperature is slightly lower. Either way, without proper planning, turf can become uncomfortable or even unsafe during peak hours.
Still, artificial grass can work well in hot regions—if installed thoughtfully. Opt for systems with heat-reflective fibers, breathable layouts, or lighter colors. Add shade where possible and cool the surface with water when needed. Ultimately, it’s about choosing the right turf for your local environment.
Final Tips Before Choosing Artificial Grass for Hot Climates
If you’re planning to install artificial turf in a hot region, the right product choice can make all the difference. Here are a few key tips to help you choose turf that performs well under heat:
- Ask for surface temperature test data. Reputable suppliers should be able to provide lab or field test results under sunlight exposure.
- Choose lighter turf colors. Lighter shades reflect more sunlight and typically stay cooler than deep green or multitone blends.
- Look for IR-reflective or UV-stabilized yarns. These technologies help reduce heat absorption and prevent long-term degradation.
- Consider breathable or open-pile structures. Turf that allows more airflow will generally cool faster and retain less heat.
- Use cooling infill or non-infill systems with good thermal separation. These features create a buffer between the hot surface and your feet or paws.
- Don’t skip shade planning. Integrating trees, pergolas, or sails can significantly lower ambient and surface temperatures.
- Think about how the space will be used. For kids, pets, or barefoot traffic, heat comfort should be a top consideration—not just looks or price.
The best artificial turf in a hot climate is not always the thickest or the greenest—it’s the one that balances durability, safety, and thermal performance for your environment.
Ready for Turf That Performs—Even When It’s Hot?
Not all artificial grass is built for heat. At Jcturf, we engineer our artificial turf with thermal comfort in mind—from UV-stabilized yarns to breathable pile structures and non-infill options that stay cooler underfoot. Whether your project faces full sun or seasonal extremes, we’re here to help you choose a solution that works hard when the heat hits hardest.
Let’s talk about what’s right for your climate—and your goals.
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