Choosing a tent is a more challenging task than one would think, especially when heading out into hot weather.
Luckily for us, the engineering behind these little wilderness shelters we call home has come quite a long way and includes some very fancy features and qualities. But how’re you supposed to find the tent and features that are best for you?
That’s why we’re here!
We’ll present what we believe to be the best tents for hot weather and summer camping, along with our favorite features of each. Then, we’ll move on to some of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a tent. From there, you’ll have all the information you need to pick out the perfect tent for your next adventure!
Best Tents for Hot Weather (1-4 person)
Coleman Sundome
- Material: Polyethylene (floor/ceiling); Polyester (rainfly); Poles (fiberglass)
- Size/Weight (4-Person): 108 x 84 x 59 inches; 9.75 pounds
- Price: $$
If you are looking for an ideal tent for camping in warm weather, then you have found it! The Coleman Sundome 4 Person tent boasts a ground vent that will accelerate warm air up and out of the large vented windows to keep you comfortable.
Are rain and wind in the forecast? You can relax with the superior WeatherTec system protection that includes a rainfly, welded corners, and inverted seams to keep water from getting in. At the same time, the sturdy frame with Insta-Clip pole attachments stands up to 35+ mph winds.
The dome-shaped tent even has enough room for one queen size air mattress or two to three single air mats and comes with built-in storage pockets to help keep you organized. An E-Port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside the tent.
What I really love about this tent is how easy it is to assemble and how sturdy it is when it’s windy. With two cross poles and two guy lines, this tent should be a great “starter” tent for the beginner and a breeze for the more advanced outdoorsmen. With the weight of the tent being on the heavier side (roughly 10lbs), I would recommend using this only for car camping or shorter hike-in locations.
PROS
- Quick setup – 10 min
- Rain/wind (35mph) resistant
- Included carry bag and rain-fly
- Roomy interior (almost 5-foot height)
- Eyelet inside to hang a lantern
- 1 year limited warranty
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Half door screen air vent (not full)
- Tent stakes could be stronger
Coleman Darkroom Sundome
- Material: Floor: Polyethylene; Rainfly/Ceiling: Polyester; Pole: Fiberglass
- Size/Weight (4-Person): 108 x 84 x 59 inches; Weight not available
- Price: $$
Like the Coleman Sundome listed above, this tent holds almost all of the same qualities, plus some! Its excellent WeatherTec protection for winds up to 35+ mph and rainy conditions are ideal for front country camping. The tub-like floor and welded seams are beneficial for wet conditions and sustainability.
The dome-shaped tent even has enough room for up to six people to sleep with room for two queen size air mattresses or six single air mats. The Coleman Darkroom Sundome comes with built-in storage pockets to help keep your gear organized. An E-Port makes it easy to bring electrical power inside the tent.
There are a few features that this tent additionally includes. One is darkroom technology – ideal for bright and warm conditions. The other new feature is a much thicker and robust rainfly for wet conditions. The darkroom technology allows up to 90% of sunlight to be blocked, ideal for relaxing during your outdoor adventure.
What’s more, families looking for midday naps for the kids on sunny days – while hopefully enjoying a well-earned drink – will be pleasantly surprised by how comfortable this tent is in the sun.
This comfort also goes for cooler temps, which will allow for the heat to stay in and not escape. The thicker rainfly helps facilitate this cozy environment by keeping dry and warm, or cool, depending on the weather.
The price point is also great, considering how many people this tent can house. This tent is ideal for families or couples with pets in the front country and even backyard camping adventures!
PROS
- Quick setup- 15 min
- Rain/wind (35mph) resistant
- Included carry bag and rain-fly
- Roomy interior (almost 6-foot height)
- 2 eyelets inside to hang a lantern
- Darkroom technology blocks 90% of sunlight
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Half door screen air vent (not full)
- Tent stakes could be stronger
Mountain Hardware Mineral King 2 Tent
- Material: Fabric Body: 75D Plain Weave Polyester 1500mm, Pole Type: DAC Pressfit, Fabric Fly: 68D 210T Ripstop Polyester 1500mm PU, Fabric Canopy: 40D Polyester Mesh | 75D Ripstop Polyester, Fabric Tent Floor: 70D Plain Weave Nylon 3000mm Ester Type PU
- Size/Weight: 43 in (h) x 33 sq ft; 5lbs 4 oz
- Price: $$$
The 3-season Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 2 Person Tent has a beautiful high tech design. My favorite feature is the full-coverage adaptable fly offering shade and rain protection in the day but allows you to stargaze at night alongside two large doors that provide unobstructed views of the landscape.
The rainfly protects against the elements while the tent retains superb breathability with the mostly mesh body, making it perfect for warm-weather camping. Dual-sided vestibules have added protection and allow you to leave your shoes or wet gear outside.
If the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can count on the seam-taped waterproof construction to keep you dry. Additionally, you can opt for extra guy lines on the outside of the tent for more windy weather.
Inside, you have five pockets for ideal storage for your travel essentials, gear, and smaller items. The added 5 eyelets on the ceiling give you the flexibility to hang a small lantern or string a clothesline to hang wet clothing.
You pay a little more for this tent, but from personal experience, I must say it’s completely worth it! If you are headed into the backcountry, you can split the body and the fly for weight. Plus, the easy setup in windy conditions is a huge bonus.
Sidenote, setting up a tent in more than 15 mph winds is tricky, so make sure you have a good hold on it.
PROS
- Dual-sided large doors and vestibules
- Fly rolls back and secures halfway for stargazing or shade
- Pre-bent poles improve space and symmetrical architecture for easy pitching
- 5 pockets for ample interior storage
- Head-to-toe sleeping configuration to maximize space
CONS
- Footprint doesn't have grommet corners for secure fitting – extended loops instead
- The tent can be noisy as the floor and footprint are different materials
Kelty Late Start
- Material: (wall) no-see-um mesh (floor, fly) 68D polyester -1800mm (poles) aluminum
- Size/Weight: 85(l) x 40(h) x 30(w) inch; 3lbs, 5oz
- Price: $$
The Kelty Late Start 1-Person is an excellent choice for the independent hiker looking for superior ventilation, easy setup (even in the dark), lightweight carry, and durability at a reasonable price. What I love about this tent is its versatility in both low and high alpine elevations, thanks to the material construction.
There is a single vestibule protecting 6.4 square feet of storage space, a good option for wet gear and shoes.
Additionally, The pre-bent aluminum poles create extra room inside the tent. Pockets at the corners of the tent keep one end of the pole secure as you move around dealing with the other side. This prevents the frequent problem of tent poles jumping out of grommets as soon as you walk away.
The tent has a single side door, and the body is protected by a waterproof 68 denier rainfly, with proven reliability. All seams are sealed to keep the water out. The walls are no-see-um mesh, which allows for exceptional breathability in warmer climates. This is undoubtedly one of the best-ventilated tents out there!
Internal storage includes a ceiling pocket and interior side pockets, more than enough for 1 person. The freestanding design also allows you to pitch the tent and then easily move it as you search for the best tent site.
PROS
- Speedy set up with Kelty Quick-Corner Technology
- 1-door/ 1-vestibule design
- Spacious and roomy design created with pre-bent poles
- Color-coded fly attachment and full coverage rainfly
- "Sharksmouth" carry bag
- Internal storage pockets + ceiling pockets
CONS
- Footprint not included
- No "stargazer" fly system
Marmot Limestone 4 Person Tent
- Material: Polyester
- Size/Weight: 100 (l) x 86 (w) x 61 (h) inches; 10lbs
- Price: $$$
The Marmot Limestone 4 Person is a significant step up from your basic, front country, entry-level four-person tent. That said, it still lacks some “bells and whistles,” which brings it down from being a top of the line tent. However, its price and spaciousness make up for the lack of “fancy”.
It’s roomy, easy to set up, and has large double-zippered doors to make taking things in and out of the tent a breeze. Tent storage is adequate, including 4 (on the smaller side) pockets below and 4 mesh pockets above, giving the “organizer” satisfaction.
The cross ventilation is excellent, with mesh windows from the top and about 30% covered in polyester from the bottom that are cross-angled (please see picture for visual- I know it sounds confusing!).
One door is completely mesh, while the other is entirely polyester. The tent has a large vestibule on the entry mesh sided door and a small vestibule on the polyester door side.
If you’re looking to find a tent that does the job in warm weather conditions, this would be a reliable option. It’s a solid intermediate level option. This is a quality tent that will outshine less expensive and more basic models every time.
PROS
- Two D Shaped Doors/Two Vestibules for Gear Storage.
- Free-Standing Design
- Weatherproof Seam Taped Full Coverage Fly with Vents
- Color-Coded "Easy Pitch" Clips and Poles
- High ceiling and spacious interior
- Affordable price point
CONS
- Could use more internal storage
- Footprint not included (but can be for add-on price)
Best Hot Weather Tents (5+ person)
We’re now going to move onto some larger tents that are able to sleep 5 people or more. One thing worth noting is that the more bodies you have in a tent, the warmer the tent is going to get.
With that in mind, it’s even more important to find a good quality tent when sharing with 4 or more people.
Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6 Tent
- Material: Polyester fly, Poly Taffeta body, Fiberglass poles
- Size/Weight: 10 (l) x10 (w) x 6 (h) feet; 14 lbs, 14oz
- Price: $$
What I love about the Alps Mountaineering Meramac 6-person tent is the 2-pole design, made from aluminum, with fiberglass connectors. The connectors hold the poles together. Using aluminum rather than fiberglass comes in handy as it can never rust.
Using lightweight and robust polyester fabrics enhances the breathability of the tent while using a rainfly. The side walls are uncoated, so the tent can “breathe” under the urethane coated fly with a half mesh and half polyester body.
The fly is full length on all sides for better weather protection. Additionally, the fly uses the extending pole on top, which provides an awning over each door instead of a vestibule while still providing great rain protection. Alps gives you a factory seal on the seams to ensure maximum water resistance.
Entry and exit are enhanced with 2 doors, which gives you the comfort of not crawling over one another at night to get in or out. The second door is also helpful for extra ventilation in hot, muggy weather. Large, durable zippers give you added security when moving gear in and out.
Multiple mesh storage pockets and a “gear loft”- which I love, are included to help you keep your stuff organized.
This budget-friendly spacious tent offers room for 6 single mats or two queen size air mattresses. Standing (up to 6 feet tall) is an added bonus when setting up your tent and moving in gear. Four guy lines are provided on the rain fly for added support in windy conditions. The size and weight of this tent make it a front country “car camping” tent or a fun backyard or beach adventure.
PROS
- Free Standing 2 Pole Design and Fiberglass Poles
- Easy Assembly with Pole Clips that quickly snap over the tent poles
- Easy Entry with 2 Doors
- Great ventilation with zippered windows and mesh panels
- Weatherproof Fly with Awning over each Door
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Floor is thinner than the walls – Recommend tarp or footprint underneath
Coleman Cabin Tent
- Material: Polyester, Fiberglass Poles
- Size/Weight:168 x 79 x 120 inches; 20 pounds
- Price: $$
If you want an easy and fun camping option at a reasonable price, you have found it! The Coleman Cabin Tent has enough space for you and 9 others, housing up to 10 people. Its vast body and high ceilings are great options for large gatherings.
You can assemble and disassemble this tent up in less than 5 minutes with its unique pop-up technology. Its spider pole system comes “pre-attached” and lets you extend each corner while securing the body and guy lines, which also are illuminative for nighttime. The user-friendly assembly process gives even the most novice of campers confidence.
The ground vent and vented mesh windows provide increased ventilation while the large picture doors offer plenty of space for entry and breathability – especially useful in higher temperatures.
The spacious interior fits four queen-sized airbeds or up to 10 single air mats and has an added attached for a room divider for privacy. Additionally, it has plenty of side pocket storage for everyone’s small gear items.
When it’s time to go home, the whole thing fits in the included carry bag. This is a super fun tent for a group gathering. However, I wouldn’t take this tent into very inclement weather or wind.
PROS
- Included rain canopy and carry bag
- Ground vents and mesh window ventilation
- Rapid "pop-up" preset body assembly/disassembly
- Large doors on both sides for cross-ventilation
- High ceiling and room divider
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Rain canopy- not full coverage
- Not intended for extreme weather
Kelty Discovery Dome 6
- Material: 68-denier polyester, fiberglass poles
- Size/Weight: 119 (l) x 106 (w) x 68 (h) inches; 14lbs
- Price: $$
If you are looking for an affordable dome tent with multi-functional capabilities, here it is! The Kelty Discovery Dome 6 is a three-season, 6-person tent. Although this is a 6 person tent, I have found that it’s best suited for 4-5 people with maybe a pet or two, due to its dome shape.
Setup is quick and can be effortlessly done even by one person. The two fiberglass poles slide very well through the enclosed sleeves and secure nicely in their designated grommets.
With only one door, be aware of campers getting crawled over by the other if the outside person wakes up first. The mesh vent at the top of the door does not come with a full screen but rather only the small section at the top which can be opened for airflow, great for warm weather conditions. Floors have taped seams for added insulation and durability.
The center ceiling has a nice utility loop that works very well for hanging a headlamp or lantern. The sides also have pockets that are very nice to keep small gear items in.
I recommend using this tent in the front country during warm conditions over wet weather as condensation and water droplets sometimes sneak into the tent and leave your gear wet. However, adding a footprint or large tarp to the bottom will help if you are in moist conditions.
PROS
- 3-pole frame that is spacious for taller people
- No-see-um mesh canopy blocks bugs and allows ample ventilation
- Pre-attached guy lines make it easy to stabilize
- Interior gear loft loops let you add storage space above your head- we love this feature! (gear loft not included)
- Canopy style rainfly, great for breathability in warm weather
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Not suited for extreme weather
Core 9 Person Instant Cabin Tent
- Material: Tent: Durable 68D Polyester, Floor: Durable 125gsm, Poles- Telescopic Steel
- Size/Weight: 14’ x 9’ x 78 in. ; 27.6 pounds
- Price: $$
This tent is most comparable and similar to the Coleman Cabin 10 person tent we listed above. It has a very similar setup and features the same body style. Its pop-up style and built-in pole functionality make it a great family tent for the beach, backyard, or front-country camping. Another great tent to assemble for the novice camper!
With so many mesh windows around the doors and ceiling, you have phenomenal air circulation that also limits condensation build-up. This is genuinely a warm-weather summer tent.
This tent boasts small storage pockets all around the perimeter for small items and has a privacy separator to divide the tent, especially useful for families.
An added feature is the electrical cord access port on the sidewall, which will be very useful to have in camps where ports are available. When not in use, it has the capability of being fully closed and secured.
PROS
- Collapsible frame for easy assembly and disassembly
- Excellent ventilation with mesh door and windows
- Spacious, high ceiling and useful storage pockets
- Excellent price point and quality
- Water-resistant fly canopy included
CONS
- Footprint not included
- Rainfly canopy vs. full coverage (great for warm weather)
- No vestibules
- Doors only on one side
Eureka Copper Canyon 6-Person Tent
- Material: Polyester Taffeta
- Size/Weight: 120 x 120 x 84 inches ; 23.2 lbs
- Price: $$
Rounding off our list, we have another tremendous 6-person tent for the car campers out there. The Copper Canyon provides a comfortable and roomy interior combined with superb ventilation for those warm nights.
This ventilation is thanks to the large mesh screens on all four sides of the tent. Three are windows, while the forth is the door. Now, a single door is a definite drawback in my book, especially with 6 people potentially sharing the space, but the airflow is simply superb.
What’s more, the rain fly largely does not interfere with your overall ventilation as it doesn’t reach all the way to the ground. This means that you can have adequate rain protection and not create a stifling sauna at the same time! However, I wouldn’t recommend this tent for heavy rains for the same reason, less fly coverage means more opportunity for rain to get it.
Overall, the Copper Canyon 6-Person is a stellar option for warm summer car camping for a family or group of friends. Good airflow, packs down nicely, and reasonably straightforward setup thanks to the pre-bent poles and strategically placed rings and pins.
PROS
- Large mesh screens for airflow
- Electrical power cord window
- Windows stash in their own pockets
CONS
- Only one door
- No rain fly vestibule
How to pick the Right Warm Weather Tent?
Ok, we gave you a ton of information about the best warm weather tents, now how are you going to narrow it down? While a lot of this will come down to personal preference, specific features will be the most crucial factor depending on the type of terrain you’re in, how warm temps will be, and the type of camper you are.
Below you will find a more detailed breakdown before choosing your outdoor home. Remember to know your price point before going in, so you don’t break the bank or your heart on the fanciest one you find.
Materials
There are a bunch of different tent fabrics, some being more expensive than others. How do you know if they are worth it? All of these fabrics have their pros and cons. Which tent material is the best will depend on your needs. For example, do you need a tent that’s easy to transport (weight/packability), or are you looking for a tent to be your outdoor home for a week or more? Are you going into the tundra, or are you staying tree-lined? And so on.
Nylon and polyester are usually the best fabrics for tents. Here’s why;
- You can get a much more affordable tent with man-made fabrics (the exception being some of the tents for extreme weather expeditions).
- Lightweight – from smaller backpacking tents to even larger family tents, these man-made fabrics are a lot lighter and less bulky than natural based fabrics (like cotton/canvas), making tents made from this material a lot easier to get to the campsite.
- Quick to dry out.
- Less maintenance. Often more resistant to mildew and rips.
- Some can be machine washed (please read the labels first!).
Ventilation
If you plan to camp in the summer, having proper ventilation will be key. So before you choose your tent, make sure you do your homework.
Here’s what we recommend; remember that heat rises, so having proper vents on the ceiling or walls/doors will be helpful if you have a tent full of people. More bodies are going to create more heat, so good cross-ventilation will be beneficial.
The best ventilated tents will also have ground vents – something to look for when shopping. If you are solo-backpacking, having mesh walls and a full-coverage fly will keep you cool and ventilated.
Nylon often wicks better and has more breathability. If it rains, remember to open your ceiling vents if you have a fly on, as doing so will prevent condensation and mildew. REI has also compiled a very useful guide to preventing tent condensation.
UV Protection
Having a reliable fly will help you in this department. With a good rainfly, you will keep the sunlight out and coolness in. The best way to do that is by finding a mesh bodied tent allowing for proper ventilation.
The darkroom technology is also one of our favorite features in the best tent for summer camping. This technology does an excellent job of blocking the sun and keeping the interior cool.
Additionally, keep in mind that constant UV exposure will likely degrade your tent’s water-resistance over time. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions, and be prepared to treat your tent occasionally.
Size/Weight
Here is the question, are you car camping or backpacking?
Backpacking: Ok, so ask yourself realistically, can I carry an extra 3-7 lbs on top of my gear for several days? As avid backpackers and experienced outdoor explorers, we will tell you; practice it first before you go!
Go for a long hike with your tent, food, and water for the full day and see how you feel at the end of it. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation that you aren’t ready for and get into trouble. With that said, if you are going as a pair, split up the tent!
Certain tents are very lightweight, so if you plan on backpacking frequently, you might want to splurge for the higher price tag for ultra-lightweight gear. Don’t learn the hard way and carry a 4 person tent into the backcountry for 2 people, you will kick yourself (been there- done that)!
Car Camping: Here, size and weight can be much more flexible, but it’s always good to be realistic based on your situation. If you are an individual or family that will be camping often, it might be helpful to have size options by having two different durable styles of tents for the terrain you’re in. Gauging your frequency of use will also be helpful in your decisions.
Now, if you plan on camping once a year, it might be worth getting a durable tent that will pack down nicely, have welded seams (for extended storage times) and be reliable when you do use it.
Price
Price is always tricky. The best way we can break it down is by frequency of use. If you plan on using your tent every month for long backpacking trips or family holidays, invest in something that will deliver. The worst feeling is getting into your tent and having something go wrong or have discomfort because you opted for a “cheaper” option.
Our recommendation is to know what your bottom line is along with what features are most important and what can be sacrificed before a purchase. Then, you can break down your options and not break the bank either!
Final Thoughts
With all of this information we just threw at you, I’m sure you are thoroughly confused now but don’t be! Make a list of “must-haves” and “can do withouts” before you purchase your best tent for hot weather.
Don’t let one category be the only deciding factor. Being honest with your budget, frequency of use, type of terrain, and style of tent you prefer are all factors that should be looked at in your purchase.
If indeed your preferred tent is out of your budget, it might be a good goal to save up for!
