Does Artificial Grass Get Hot? Debunking Myths and Facts

It’s a question we hear all the time: “Does artificial grass get hot in summer?”

The short answer? Yes—it can. But the full picture is a bit more complex. At TigerTurf Australia, we believe in being upfront about the realities of synthetic turf so that our clients—whether schools, councils, or homeowners—can make informed decisions.

Let’s clear up the most common myths, share what actually happens on hot days, and explain what you can do to manage heat on your turf surface.

Myth 1: Artificial Grass Gets Hotter Than Asphalt

Fact: Artificial grass can become warm to the touch under direct sun, but it doesn’t reach the extreme surface temperatures of materials like asphalt or concrete.

On very hot days, synthetic turf may feel noticeably warmer than natural grass, simply because it doesn’t benefit from the natural moisture content and cooling effects of live vegetation. That said, the type of turf you choose—and how it’s installed—can make a big difference.

Our TigerTurf artificial grass products are designed with heat-resilient fibres and infill systems to help regulate surface temperatures, even in full sun.

Myth 2: It’s Too Hot for Children or Pets

Fact: Turf can warm up in direct sunlight, but with the right design and a bit of common sense, it’s still perfectly usable—even during summer.

Many schools and childcare centres choose synthetic turf for its durability and low maintenance. In these spaces, we always recommend installing shade sails, trees, or even misting systems in play areas to keep things cool and comfortable. You can also select turf systems with cooling infills, which are designed to lower surface temps by reflecting more sunlight and retaining less heat.

Want to learn more? Check out our artificial grass for schools page to see how we tailor solutions for high-use, child-friendly environments.

Myth 3: There’s Nothing You Can Do About It

Fact: There are plenty of ways to minimise heat on synthetic turf.

From turf colour and fibre composition to the type of infill used, every layer of a synthetic system contributes to its performance in heat.

What to Do When Your Artificial Grass Gets Too Hot

Even though artificial turf doesn’t stay as cool as natural grass, it doesn’t mean you have to put up with scorching surfaces. There are simple ways to manage and reduce heat when the temperatures spike:

• Hose it down – As mentioned earlier, a quick spray with the garden hose can instantly cool your turf. Since synthetic grass doesn’t absorb water, it dries quickly and remains mud-free.

• Create shade – Consider adding shade sails, pergolas, or planting trees around your turf space. These additions not only reduce surface temperature but also create more inviting, usable areas during summer.

• Choose cooling infills – Some infill types, like cork or sand, retain less heat compared to traditional rubber. Pairing the right infill with UV-stable yarns helps keep the surface cooler overall.

• Install misting systems – Especially for schools or high-traffic play areas, integrated misting systems can provide on-demand cooling during peak heat.

• Time your use – Where possible, plan activities on turf surfaces during cooler times of day—like morning or late afternoon—especially in the peak of summer.

While artificial grass can warm up in full sun, a few thoughtful design choices and proactive steps can make your turf surface far more enjoyable, all year round.

At TigerTurf, we offer custom-designed artificial grass for multi-sport facilities and community spaces that factor in environmental conditions and usage needs—heat included.

Is Heat a Dealbreaker?

Not really. While synthetic turf will never stay as cool as natural grass in summer, its year-round durability, all-weather usability, and low maintenance often outweigh this one drawback—especially when simple heat management strategies are in place.

Whether it’s for a school field, backyard, council oval or community pitch, we work closely with our clients to design surfaces that stay comfortable and functional no matter the weather.

Explore our Sports Turf range to see how we approach design across various codes and conditions.

Let’s Design a Surface That Works for You

Considering artificial grass for your school, club, or facility? We’d be happy to talk through options that suit your local climate and usage needs.

Get in touch to chat with the TigerTurf AU team—we’ll help you find the right turf system for your space, and your summer.