El Cap in the summer? Bad idea?

Was in the valley on Tuesday and saw there was no one on the nose. Thought it might be a good opportunity to give it a go without the crowding. I know it gets sun all day and that the valley is super hot right now, but does it cool off a bit after a few pitches? Just want to know if it's doable with enough water.

Anything is doable with enough water and gumption. Give er!!!

Nighttime will be your friend

The sun is brutal in the morning on the pitches below El Cap tower. After the route traverse left a bit, the pitches will be in the shade in the morning - there will also be more wind and cooler temps on the upper pitches.

The Nose is totally doable in the summer as long as you account for these lower pitches. I would try to get as high on the wall as possible before mid-morning. Expect to need a lot more water on these pitches, unless you're climbing at night.

I suspect people were responding to a particularly hot spell rather than staying off altogether because it's summer.  The only time I've ever climbed the Captain, or any wall in the Valley, is during the summer.  Lower pitches can be hot if you're in the sun, but bring enough water and sunscreen and you'll cope.  Another big issue is how efficient you'll be.  The fact that you just noticed no one on the Nose and asked about it makes me wonder whether you've done any long routes in the Valley before this.  That's clearly for you to decide.  Water is heavy though, so you'll want your system down if you're bringing a large amount of it.  Good luck.  Take your opportunities when you find them.