2026 Summer Nationals in Sacramento- Outdoor or Indoor Pool?

The Natomas Aquatic complex is great. 
Sacramento Masters ran a the 2024 Pacific Masters Short course yards championships which had 770 swimmers compete over a three day meet (not 43). For running such large meet for the first time they did an exceptional job.

Yes, Sacramento does get hot in August. Being a San Francisco boy, anything over 72F is hot, but the humidity in Sacramento, like most of the California Central Vally is low. August averages Zero rain days. With low humidity, the daily temperature has a large daily range, If you are very much concerned about the high daily temperature, swim in the morning, The daily high is about 4PM and the 9am temperature is 15 to 20 degrees cooler.

For those who are thinking about flying to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) it is only a 15 minute drive away. If one takes the train, AMTRAK is a 15 minute drive the pools.

For those thinking about going, think in bets, there is a very high percentage that the average temperature will be about 93F, but then it could be over 100, It could also be in the mid 80. Have your nickel, buy your ticket and take your chance.  :-). 

~michael
Michael Moore

The Natomas Aquatic complex is great. 
Sacramento Masters ran a the 2024 Pacific Masters Short course yards championships which had 770 swimmers compete over a three day meet (not 43). For running such large meet for the first time they did an exceptional job.

Yes, Sacramento does get hot in August. Being a San Francisco boy, anything over 72F is hot, but the humidity in Sacramento, like most of the California Central Vally is low. August averages Zero rain days. With low humidity, the daily temperature has a large daily range, If you are very much concerned about the high daily temperature, swim in the morning, The daily high is about 4PM and the 9am temperature is 15 to 20 degrees cooler.

For those who are thinking about flying to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) it is only a 15 minute drive away. If one takes the train, AMTRAK is a 15 minute drive the pools.

For those thinking about going, think in bets, there is a very high percentage that the average temperature will be about 93F, but then it could be over 100, It could also be in the mid 80. Have your nickel, buy your ticket and take your chance.  :-). 

~michael
Michael Moore

Elaine Krugman, hope you can join us at other upcoming indoor events such as Federal Way (2025 Summer Nationals) or Greensboro (2026 Spring Nationals). We typically have ~50/50 split between indoor/outdoor Nationals locations since many swimmers prefer one or the other (among many other variables to consider when selecting locations). Naturally, large outdoor aquatic centers also tend to be in warmer locales. 

michaelmoore, thanks for the additional information. Typo on my part, but I meant 743 swimmers for the Pacific SCY Championships (based on these results). Looking forward to a great event in Sacramento!

Thanks, Jay!