Hosting a Rainproof BBQ in the UK: Smart Tips for Wet Weather and Sizzling Grills

You spend all week looking forward to a chilled-out BBQ in the garden. Saturday arrives. The food’s prepped, the playlist’s ready—and then? Clouds. Drizzle. Typical. 

Honestly, we’ve all been there. 

But just because the British summer is playing hard to get doesn’t mean you have to cancel your cookout. In fact, a bit of rain can make things even more memorable (and let’s face it, very British). 

Here’s how to host a BBQ in the rain, UK style—without soaked sausages or soggy spirits. 

Cover First, Grill Later 

Let’s start with the obvious. If the grill’s wet, no one’s eating. 

So, get something over it—gazebo, pergola, even a big patio umbrella will do in a pinch. If your space is small, don’t worry. There are clever waterproof BBQ shelter ideas for small patios that don’t need a ton of room or a team of people to set up. 

And when you’re not cooking? A decent BBQ rain cover will save you from cleaning off puddles of rainwater every single time. Trust us—it’s worth it. 

Oh, and while you’re at it, cover the serving table too. Nobody wants raindrops in the coleslaw. 

Make It Cosy, Not Cold 

Rainy BBQs don’t have to mean damp jeans and shivering guests. 

Think cosy. 

• Pull out those outdoor blankets you forgot you owned. 

• Light some candles or lanterns. 

• Use garden chair covers and outdoor cushion covers, so everyone actually wants to sit down. 

• If you’ve got a fire pit, great. If not, maybe now’s the time to look at one (and yes, get a custom fire pit cover to keep it safe later). 

It’s about creating a vibe where people want to hang out—even if the weather isn’t ideal. 

Don’t Let the Grill Boss Get Soaked 

Cooking in the rain? It’s doable—but you’ll need a bit of backup. 

Here’s what helps: 

• Long-handled tools so you’re not leaning in too close 

• A prep tray you can keep covered nearby 

• An umbrella (bonus points if someone’s kind enough to hold it for you) 

• And, of course, a grill that’s not soaked through—thanks again to outdoor BBQ cover solutions for rainy days 

You can also keep warm drinks nearby. Tea, mulled cider, or even a sneaky flask. Rainy grilling doesn’t have to be miserable—it can be a whole mood. 

Make Rain Part of the Fun 

Sure, sunny BBQs are nice. But rainy ones? They’ve got charm. 

Here’s how to lean into it: 

• Make a playlist with mellow, rainy-day tunes. Acoustic stuff. A little old-school soul. 

• Serve something warm alongside the burgers—maybe corn on the cob fresh off the grill or baked potatoes wrapped in foil. 

• Have some backup games ready under cover. Think trivia, card games, or even just conversation starters. 

Honestly, some of the best BBQs we’ve had were the ones where we all huddled together under a canopy and laughed about the weather. 

Tidy Up Without the Stress 

When it’s all over, you don’t want to be the person stuck wiping down soggy furniture. 

So plan ahead. 

• Use garden furniture covers, outdoor sofa covers, and table top covers to protect the important stuff. 

• Keep extra throws and soft items in storage bags that are easy to stash under a bench or indoors. 

• And if you’ve got an outdoor speaker or screen setup, don’t forget the outdoor TV covers. 

It’s the small stuff that makes the biggest difference the next day. 

Last Thought: Don’t Let Rain Cancel the Good Stuff 

A BBQ doesn’t need sunshine to be a success. What it does need is good people, hot food, and a setup that can handle whatever the sky throws your way. 

So next time the forecast looks iffy, don’t stress. Fire up the grill anyway. Put on your wellies if you have to. And remember—this is the kind of BBQ people talk about long after summer’s gone. 

Need help staying dry? 
Check out our range of BBQ covers, garden furniture covers, and custom outdoor gear built for real UK weather. Because the grill’s always on—even when the weather’s not.