Danielle Haynes

How Do You Prepare for Weather at Outdoor Events?

Planning an outdoor event comes with one unpredictable element: the weather. Whether you’re hosting a food festival, sports event or corporate function, adverse weather can quickly turn even the best-laid plans upside down.

This blog aims to give you some useful information as to how you can best prepare for bad weather and how you can protect yourself financially.

What can I do to minimise the impact of adverse weather?

While you can’t control the weather, you can control how well prepared you are. Here’s what you can do to minimise the impact of bad weather and keep your outdoor event on track.

Choose your venue wisely – is there a history of flooding or waterlogging at this event? Is the venue near a lake/river that could potentially flood in the event of heavy rain? Is the venue prone to heavy winds?
Have dedicated sheltered areas where possible – can visitors seek shelter in a covered food/bar area while they wait for a shower to pass?
Invest in good quality temporary structures – if you’re using temporary structures at your event, have they been wind tested, and do they have secure anchors?
Protect equipment from water damage – Ensure all electrical equipment is covered at all times. If electrical equipment is stored in a marquee, does the marquee have at least 3 sides and a roof that can protect against rain?
Plan your flooring – Does your event have hard standing flooring? Are any hard surfaces nonslip?
Plan your exits – Are there hard standing car parks/roads on the entrance and exit of your event?
Communicate – Are the event staff well versed on what to do in the event of adverse or extreme weather? Have visitors been advised to bring appropriate clothing?

Can I insure against bad weather and is it worth it?

We can include adverse weather cover in our cancellation packages. This cover protects organisers from financial losses if adverse weather impacts or cancels their event. Below are some examples of the types of adverse weather we can insure against:

Heavy rainfall
Strong winds
Lightning
Snow or extreme cold
Excessive heat

Weather is unpredictable, and even the best forecasts can change at the last minute. Without cover, a single downpour or wind advisory can leave you out of pocket for:

Venue and equipment hire
Supplier fees
Refunds to ticket holders
Lost sales and sponsorship income

Final Thoughts

If you’re holding an outdoor event, adding cover for adverse weather to your Cancellation Insurance is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic safeguard. It allows you to plan with confidence, protect your investment, and show that you’re managing risk responsibly.

By planning ahead, investing in weather-resistant infrastructure, communicating clearly, and protecting your finances with insurance, you can minimise the impact of bad weather—and deliver a successful event, rain or shine.

Nature might be unpredictable—but your event doesn’t have to be.

InEvexco Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA, registered number 579079. InEvexco is a wholly owned subsidiary of AssuredPartners International Limited.

Our Mailing address is: 80 Churchill Square Business Centre, Kings Hill, Kent, ME19 4YU