Outdoor string lights are an easy and affordable way to add ambiance to an outdoor seating area or walkway. But are all outdoor string lights waterproof and, if so, what degree of weatherproofing is it reasonable to expect?
Most outdoor string lights can tolerate light to medium rain exposure; however, they are not all waterproof. String lights with a low IP (Ingress Protection) rating between 1 and 3 will state they are “Suitable For Outdoor Use” but they are not fully waterproof. String lights with a higher IP rating between 4 and 8 would be classified as waterproof.
It’s safe to assume your outdoor string lights can handle a little bit of moisture. But to find out if they’re weatherproof, you can check manufacturers guide for their IP (ingress protection) rating. I will discuss this in more detail later.
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Can Outdoor String Lights Get Wet
The degree of moisture your outdoor string lights can tolerate is shown by their IP (ingress protection) rating.
Specifically, the second number in the IP rating. It ranges from 1 to 8 with eight denoting the highest possible level of waterproof protection. String lights with an IP48 rating are safe to use outdoors even if you live in an extremely wet climate.
Conversely, an IP42 rating means the string lights can tolerate small amounts of rain occasionally but not heavy, persistent downpours.
An IP41 rating denotes the lowest possible level of waterproofing. These outdoor lights can tolerate humidity and very light drizzle but they’re the least waterproof of all.
Remember, it’s the second number in the IP rating that relates to waterproofing. The first number represents a product’s level of dustproofing.
If you’re willing to spend more for top quality outdoor string lights, look for a product with an IP68 rating to get the highest level of water and dust protection.
Whether or not the highest level of water protection is something you need depends on what type of climate your home is in.
If it’s hot and dry year-round, with rain falling just a handful of times per year, it doesn’t matter so much if your lights lack waterproofing. Match their IP rating to the needs of the environment.
Are All String Lights Waterproof
It depends on the type of string lights you choose to buy. The majority of products are waterproof, as having this quality makes them safer whether they’re installed indoors or outdoors.
Don’t forget, there are water hazards inside the home too. It’s useful for all plug-in lights to have some degree of waterproofing.
If you plan to install colorful string lights outside, look for a product that specifically mentions ‘outdoor’ use. These products have outdoor rated LED bulbs that are safe for use in moist and/or wet environments.
Depending on the strength of their waterproofing and the type of weather you’re used to, it may be safe to leave them outdoors indefinitely.
LED bulbs are by far the best choice for outdoor lights. Incandescent bulbs can be used outdoors but only in dry conditions. These bulbs shouldn’t be left outdoors permanently unless the climate is very dry and exposure to rain is unlikely.
Here are some common types of waterproof outdoor string lights:
1 – LED Waterproof Festoon Globe Lights
Festoon lights, sometimes called cafe lights, are those big bulb garlands often seen at fairgrounds or hanging above outdoor terraces.
They’ve got a classic, almost vintage look and turn up in lots of Hollywood movies to signify old world magic and romance.
Festoon bulbs tend to be quite large so there are fewer to a string than you’d get with contemporary fairy lights. They have a clean, classic aesthetic.
2 – Solar LED Waterproof Lantern String Lights
Lantern string lights are popular because they combine traditional designs with modern technologies. It’s quite common these days for lantern string lights to be solar powered.
The bulbs are large so there are fewer lights per string. However, their size means they can house the components necessary to store and convert solar energy.
The big advantage of this is they don’t need to be plugged in. While it’s still important to make sure your lantern lights are waterproof, rain will damage paper and some canvas products, issues of safety are a moot point with these.
3 – Colorful Waterproof String Lights
These are the type of low-duty lights you’re used to hanging around your Christmas tree in winter. They come in a huge variety of colors and styles but they’re relatively cheap and not designed for year-round illumination.
Some of the more expensive fairy lights will last a surprisingly long time but, generally, they’re a low use product.
There are lots of small bulbs per string because each individual bulb has a low wattage. You might need several strings of fairy lights to illuminate even a relatively compact space.
I recommend buying something a little more robust if you plan to use your outdoor string lights year-round.
4 – Vintage Waterproof String Lights
Also known as “Edison Bulb Lights”, these retro string lights feature antique-style bulbs that produce a soft, golden glow. They’re similar to festoon globe lights insofar as they have a deliberately sparse, minimalist aesthetic.
Like festoon globe lights, they tend to be designed for heavy-duty outdoor use, so most are robustly weatherproofed.
Just make sure to buy string lights with LED bulbs rather than authentic Edison bulbs because they’re much more durable.
5 – Outdoor Waterproof Fairy String Lights
Outdoor fairy string lights are perfect for adding romance and ambience to outdoor spaces of all varieties. They work in the same way as standard fairy lights but tend to have much more dramatic and eye-catching designs.
Each bulb is still small and relatively low wattage. However, fairy lights designed for outdoor spaces pack hundreds of tiny bulbs very close together.
Some of the most popular designs create an enchanting “shower” of light and can be draped over tree branches, fences and furniture to add lots of flair and sparkle.
Are Outdoor String Lights Safe In the Rain
The IP rating on your outdoor string lights will tell you if they can be safely used in the rain. Remember, IP ratings vary from not suitable at all (1) to completely suitable and tolerant of intense moisture (8).
Your outdoor string lights don’t need to have the highest rating to be suitable for wet weather conditions.
Make a judgment call based on your location’s climate and weather patterns and how often you think you’ll use the lights.
If you want to install them outdoors and leave them up all year, spending more on a heavy-duty set is a really good idea.
Provided the outdoor string lights are designed for wet weather use, you should have no problems installing and using them even in the rain.
But there are some other factors to consider:
- Outdoor lights (unless they’re solar powered) will need to be hooked up to a power socket or a generator. If you’re using an extension cable, it must be rated for outdoor applications. If there’s even a slight chance of rain, you need a cord with a weatherproofed exterior. Look for a ‘W’ stamp.
- Any bulbs included with wet weather suitable string lights will be robustly weatherproofed. When replacing broken bulbs, you’ll need to check the ratings and capabilities for yourself. Damp rated LEDs can be used in moist and/or humid environments. Wet rated LEDs are safe for use in extremely wet conditions and can tolerate direct exposure to water.
- Individual bulbs will break or burn out from time to time. It’s always best to leave non-functioning bulbs in their sockets until you’re ready to swap them for new ones. Leaving the sockets open exposes the wiring and other components that are more sensitive to dust and moisture.
- Where possible, use plastic mounting clips, hooks or screws to install outdoor string lights. Metal hooks will hold the string lights up securely, but they will also conduct too much heat unless they’ve got an insulated coating. Overheating will melt the light fixture’s protective exterior and expose its sensitive wiring to the elements.
Helpful Tips To Know About Leaving Outdoor String Lights In the Rain
It’s easy to find outdoor string lights that are safe for use in wet weather. Waterproofing is a common feature of all electric products so even indoor rated lights will have some degree of weatherproofing.
To keep yourself and your garden guests safe, remember these tips when installing outdoor string lights:
- Check the IP rating. The second number tells you how much tolerance the lights have for wet conditions.
- Where possible, replace broken bulbs with the same brand. Leave the broken bulbs inside the sockets until you’re ready to swap them out for new ones.
- Make sure any power cords you’re using are robustly weatherproofed and have a waterproof exterior.
- Spend a little more for outdoor string lights that last no matter the weather. Value and budget lights can be safe for use outdoors, but they tend not to last as long. Consider whether you’ll leave your lights up all year round, for half the year or just for a couple of months in the summer.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor string lights are an easy and affordable way to add interest to an outdoor space. Whether you want to liven up a patio or add sparkle to a backyard water feature, they’re a versatile and striking way to do it.
To make sure your string lights are truly waterproof, take some time to check their IP rating. The higher the number, the stronger the weatherproofing.