Nothing is guaranteed in Iceland, not even in July. A garden party planned for sunshine can get rain, a cold breeze or a gale. The good news is that it doesn't take much for a party to survive any weather, as long as you prepare for it.
1. A tent against the rain
A party tent puts a roof over your guests' heads so the party carries on even if it rains. Our tents have waterproof fabric and a galvanised steel frame, and the window panels let in daylight so it doesn't get dark inside.
If the forecast is good, you can take the sides off and keep the tent open. If it rains or turns cold, you close them.
2. Heaters against the cold
Even in summer it cools down quickly once the sun drops. Our patio heaters run on electricity, so they can be used inside the tent, where open flames and gas heaters are not allowed. A good guide is one heater for the 4×5 m tent and two for the 5×8 m tent, plus one more on a cold evening. Keep the sides of the tent closed so the heat stays in. More in our article on how many patio heaters you need.
3. The wind decides
Rain and cold can be dealt with, but wind is what can stop a tent. For safety reasons we don't put tents up, and we take them down, if the average wind speed goes above 10 m/s or gusts go above 15 m/s. This also applies if you put the tent up yourself.
- Keep an eye on the forecast at vedur.is a few days before the party, and check both the average wind and the gusts.
- Shelter matters. A tent sheltered by a house or a hedge feels the wind less than a tent on an open lawn.
- Anchor the tent at every leg with the fixings provided, even if the forecast is good.
If the forecast looks like it will go over the limits, we'll contact you in good time so we can find a solution together.
4. Plan B
A good garden party always has a back-up plan. Think ahead about where your guests will go if the tent can't go up: the garage, the living room or a covered deck. Tables and benches, the beer tap and the glasses work just as well indoors.
5. The ground
A lawn gets wet and soft in the rain. Put the tent up on level, firm ground and avoid dips where water collects. The 5×8 m tent needs at least 6 × 9 m and the 4×5 m tent at least 5 × 6 m, plus 3 m of clear height.
Weather checklist
- A party tent of the right size, with sides
- One patio heater per 20 m² of tent, plus one more on a cold evening
- Outdoor extension cables rated for the load, ideally one circuit in the fuse box per heater
- Weather forecast checked 3 days and 1 day before the party
- A plan B in case the wind goes over the limits
You can hire all of this in one place and have it delivered to your door. Browse the equipment or get a quote for your party.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a party tent in the rain?
Yes. The fabric is waterproof, and with the sides on, the rain stays outside. It's the wind that decides whether the tent can stay up.
How much wind can a party tent handle?
We don't put tents up, and we take them down, if the average wind speed goes above 10 m/s or gusts go above 15 m/s.
Can you use a gas heater in a party tent?
No, open flames and gas heaters are not allowed in the tent. Our electric heaters are made for this.