Australian music festivals are legendary experiences, but they come with equally legendary weather challenges. From the scorching heat of Splendour in the Grass to the unexpected deluges at Falls Festival, outdoor events test your weather preparation like nothing else. The difference between an unforgettable weekend and a miserable one often comes down to how well you've prepared for Mother Nature's mood swings.
This guide covers everything you need to know about staying comfortable at Australian festivals, with a focus on rain preparation—because nothing ruins a festival faster than being cold, wet, and unprepared in a muddy field far from shelter.
Understanding Australian Festival Weather
Festival weather in Australia is notoriously unpredictable. Events that have historically been sunny can experience freak storms, while festivals known for rain occasionally enjoy perfect conditions. The key is preparing for everything.
Summer Festival Challenges
Summer festivals (December-February) face a unique combination:
- Extreme heat: Temperatures can exceed 40°C, creating genuine health risks
- Afternoon storms: Summer thunderstorms can appear rapidly with intense rainfall
- Humidity: Particularly in Queensland and northern NSW, humidity makes everything feel worse
- UV exposure: Australia's UV levels are among the world's highest
Autumn/Winter Festival Challenges
Cooler-season events (March-August) present different issues:
- Cold rain: More likely to cause hypothermia than summer showers
- Persistent dampness: Less evaporation means things stay wet longer
- Mud: Cool, wet conditions create notorious mud situations
- Temperature swings: Days can be pleasant while nights become genuinely cold
When rain hits festival grounds, mud happens fast. Once thousands of feet churn up wet grass, conditions deteriorate rapidly. Pack as if mud is inevitable—because statistically, at some point in your festival career, it will be.
Essential Rain Gear for Festivals
Festival rain gear has different requirements than hiking or camping gear. You need protection that works in crowds, handles dancing, and survives being stuffed in bags between showers.
Choosing the Right Poncho
Ponchos beat rain jackets at festivals for several reasons:
- Easier to put on and remove in crowded spaces
- Better ventilation for dancing and moving in warm rain
- Cover your bag and belongings underneath
- Available in fun colours and patterns that suit the vibe
- Generally cheaper, so less devastating if lost
Look for festival ponchos with these features:
- Hood with a brim to keep rain off your face
- Bright or unique colours so friends can find you in crowds
- Lightweight material that packs small in your bag
- Arm holes or sleeves for easier movement
- Adequate length to protect your legs somewhat
Bring two ponchos: one good quality reusable poncho for heavy rain, and a cheap disposable backup. Cheap ponchos tear easily but work fine for brief showers, and you won't care if they get destroyed.
Beyond the Poncho
Complete rain protection includes:
- Dry bags: Keep phone, wallet, and essentials waterproof
- Gumboots or waterproof shoes: Essential for mud survival
- Quick-dry towel: Multi-purpose for drying off or sitting on
- Spare clothes in waterproof bags: Clean, dry clothes are festival gold
- Plastic bags: For wet items you need to carry
Packing Your Festival Weather Kit
Organisation is key when you need to find rain gear quickly in deteriorating conditions.
In Your Day Bag (Always Carry)
- Compact poncho in its own pouch
- Dry bag for phone and valuables
- Sunscreen (rain often follows sun in summer)
- Water bottle
- Basic first aid items in waterproof container
At Your Campsite
- Gumboots for mud situations
- Complete spare outfit in waterproof bag
- Extra towels
- Tarp for additional ground protection
- Hand warmers for cold rain events
Always keep your day poncho accessible in your bag, not buried at the bottom. When rain hits suddenly, you need it immediately—not after excavating your entire pack while getting soaked.
Campsite Weather Preparation
Your campsite is your base of operations, and keeping it functional in rain makes everything else easier.
Tent Setup for Rain
- Choose high ground that won't pool water
- Fully stake out the rain fly with all guy lines
- Add a groundsheet (footprint) under your tent
- Create a vestibule area for wet items if possible
- Position tent so door faces away from prevailing wind
Creating Dry Zones
A tarp between tents creates valuable covered space for:
- Changing in and out of wet clothes
- Storing muddy boots out of tents
- Socialising during rain without being inside tents
- Drying items that got wet
Surviving the Mud
Mud is a festival rite of passage, but smart preparation makes it manageable rather than miserable.
Footwear Strategy
- Gumboots: The gold standard for serious mud. Wear with thick socks for comfort.
- Old sneakers: Acceptable sacrifice footwear you don't mind destroying
- Avoid: Thongs (they get sucked off), nice shoes (they get destroyed), bare feet (glass and infections)
Movement Tips
- Lift feet high and straight up rather than sliding
- Watch where veterans walk—they know the less muddy paths
- Accept that you'll get muddy and embrace it
- Keep one pair of shoes clean and dry at camp for sleeping
Dealing with Temperature Swings
Australian festivals often experience 20°C+ temperature variations between day and night, compounded by wet conditions making cold feel colder.
The Layering Approach
Pack layers rather than single heavy items:
- Base: Synthetic or merino t-shirt that dries quickly
- Mid: Fleece or light insulating layer
- Shell: Your poncho or rain layer
This allows you to adapt as conditions change throughout the day.
Night-Time Comfort
Even summer festivals can get cold at night. Bring:
- Warm sleeping bag rated below expected temperatures
- Sleeping pad for insulation from cold ground
- Beanie and warm socks for sleeping
- Extra layers to add if you get cold
Hypothermia can occur at surprisingly mild temperatures when combined with wet conditions and wind. If someone is shivering uncontrollably, get them dry, warm them up, and seek medical help if symptoms persist. Festival medical tents handle this regularly and take it seriously.
Making the Most of Rainy Sets
Some of the best festival moments happen in the rain. With proper preparation, you can enjoy them rather than endure them.
Embracing the Experience
Rain at festivals creates unique energy:
- Crowds thin, giving you better positions
- The atmosphere often becomes more intense and communal
- Artists frequently rise to the occasion with memorable performances
- You'll have stories to tell for years
Practical Tips for Rainy Sets
- Position yourself away from low points where water pools
- Secure valuable items in waterproof bags before the set
- Dance—movement keeps you warm
- Accept you'll be wet and focus on enjoying the music
Post-Rain Recovery
After rain passes, proper recovery sets you up for the rest of the festival.
- Change into dry clothes as soon as possible
- Hang wet items to dry if sun returns
- Check tent for any water ingress and dry if needed
- Eat something warm if available
- Give yourself time to recover before the next session
With the right preparation and attitude, rain becomes just another part of the festival experience rather than a disaster. Some of the most memorable festivals are the wet ones—and you'll be the one still dancing while unprepared festival-goers hide in their tents.