We all know British festival weather is as unpredictable as it gets. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s raining cats and dogs. Whether you’re rocking up to Creamfields with its legendary rainfall or enjoying the heatwave at Boomtown, the secret to having a great festival experience is simple: preparation.
Here are 9 weatherproof tips to help you survive a festival. Whether it’s a mud-soaked mess or a sun-baked scorcher, we’ve got your back with the ultimate guide to tackle any weather.
Read on to discover 9 key festival weather survival tips
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- 1. Pack a Poncho
- 2. Wear Sturdy Wellies
- 3. Quick-drying Layers
- 4. Stay Hydrated
- 5. Pack Sunscreen
- 6. Bring a Hat
- 7. Use a microfibre towel
- 8. Find Shelter
- 9. Choose your Tent Location
1. Pack a waterproof poncho or jacket
If there’s one thing that’s going to save you during a downpour, it’s a waterproof poncho or jacket. Festivals like Creamfields (42.7mm of rain a year) and TRNSMT (12.7mm) are known for unpredictable showers.
A poncho covers you and your gear, and it’s way more practical than a raincoat when you’re hopping between stages in the mud.
Bonus Tip: Look for a poncho that fits over your backpack – keeping your stuff dry is as important as keeping yourself dry.
2. Wear sturdy wellies (not just any boots)
Trust us, you don’t want to end up stuck in the mud at Glastonbury or Latitude Festival, both of which have their fair share of damp conditions. Your wellies need to be sturdy, comfy, and made for serious festival trekking. Look for a pair that’ll hold up to the wettest conditions.
3. Quick-drying layers for wet days
Denim is not your friend when the weather turns soggy. When heading to festivals in the rain like Wireless (19.8mm) or TRNSMT, you’ll want to rock quick-dry fabrics that won’t leave you shivering when you’re soaked. Go for moisture-wicking synthetics or merino wool for comfort, and avoid cotton – it stays wet way too long.
4. Stay hydrated
When the sun’s blazing at Boomtown Fair (20°C average), keeping hydrated is your #1 priority. Make sure you’ve got a refillable water bottle with you at all times, and aim to drink plenty before you even feel thirsty. If you’re at a festival like Latitude (19.1°C) or Wireless (18.8°C), dehydration can sneak up on you faster than you think.
Drinking plenty of water is an essential festival survival tip to avoid dehydration
5. Pack sunscreen, even if it’s overcast
Just because the weather looks gloomy doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun. Apply sun cream regularly, especially at festivals like Boomtown and Latitude, which often serve up plenty of sun. Don’t be that person who ends up looking like a lobster halfway through the weekend.
6. Bring a hat to protect your neck and scalp
A wide-brimmed festival hat can keep your neck and face cool in the heat, and protect you from rain in the downpours. Whether you’re in the middle of a Latitude Festival heatwave or the rain at Creamfields, you’ll appreciate the extra protection.
Using a hat can help prevent sunburn or keep you dry in the rain
7. Use a microfibre towel for quick drying
You never know when you’ll need to dry off or cool down. A microfibre towel is lightweight, quick-drying, and doesn’t take up much space in your bag. Keep it handy for when the rain hits or when you need to wipe off sweat after dancing all day at a hot festival like WOMAD (17.9°C average).
8. Find shelter when the weather gets rough
When the rain starts pouring down (or when the sun gets too intense), you’ll want to find shelter. Look for covered areas near the stages, food stalls, or other events. At TRNSMT, Creamfields, and even Parklife, finding a dry spot can make a huge difference to your day. A well-organised festival will always offer some sort of shelter.
9. Choose high ground when setting up your tent
If you’re pitching up at a festival like Glastonbury or Download (both prone to sudden downpours), make sure you set up your tent on higher ground. You don’t want to wake up in a puddle. Plus, the ground can get super soggy, especially in places known for heavy rainfall, like Creamfields and TRNSMT.
Set up your tent on high ground to prevent waking up in a puddle
Embrace the weather, whatever it brings
Whether you’re sloshing through mud at Glastonbury or sunbathing at Boomtown, the key to surviving a festival is being prepared for everything. So pack smart, stay hydrated, and don’t let the weather throw you off your groove.
By following these 9 weatherproof tips, you’ll be ready for whatever Mother Nature throws at you. Remember, festivals are all about embracing the chaos, and with the right gear, you’ll be dancing through the rain and soaking up the sun in no time.
