It’s a question we get every year as the temperature drops: “Is my marquee tough enough to survive a British winter?”
The short answer is yes, but with a few very important “ifs.” While our heavy-duty PVC marquees are designed to be professional-grade and weather-resistant, winter isn’t just “wet”—it’s unpredictable. If you’re planning to keep your structure up from November through March, here is everything you need to know to keep it standing.
1. The PVC Advantage
Unlike lightweight “PE” (polyethylene) gazebos, PVC is a powerhouse. It doesn’t get brittle in the cold as easily, and its weight helps it stay tensioned against the wind.
- Flame Retardancy: Stays effective even in damp conditions.
- Wipe-Clean: Winter stains such as mud and dead leaves are easier to wipe off.
2. The “Big Three” Winter Risks
If you’re leaving it up, you are essentially fighting three bosses: Wind, Snow, and Condensation.
| Risk Factor | The Danger | The Solution |
| Wind | High gusts can turn a marquee into a giant sail. | Use a Heavy Duty Tie-Down Kit and ensure the marquee is bolted or weighted to the ground or Over Straps |
| Snow | Even a few inches of wet snow can weigh several tonnes. | You must clear snow off the roof immediately or use an internal heater to keep the roof warm enough to melt it. |
| Water Pooling | Water “pockets” on the roof stretch the PVC. | Ensure the bungee toggles are tight and the frame is perfectly level so water runs off naturally. |
3. Essential Winter Maintenance Checklist
If your marquee is staying up, you can’t just “set it and forget it.” Follow these rules:
- Check Tension Weekly: Cold weather can cause materials to contract or ground stakes to loosen in soft, wet mud. Give the straps a celebratory “tug” once a week.
- Ventilation is Key: A sealed marquee in winter is a recipe for condensation. It might look like the roof is leaking, but it’s actually just trapped moisture. Open the doors on dry days to let the air circulate.
- The “Flap” Factor: Never leave a marquee partially open during a storm. Either keep it fully zipped up if a gale is forecast or take it down. Wind getting inside the marquee is what causes the most damage.
Pro Tip: If you aren’t using the marquee for an event, consider removing all of the covers and leave the frame. Without any PVC to act as a sail the frame is much less likely go anywhere.
Summary: To Leave Up or Take Down?
If you have a high-quality DIY Marquee with a 500gsm+ PVC cover and a galvanised steel frame, it is more than capable of handling a winter—provided you are willing to keep an eye on it.
However, if you don’t need the space and you aren’t able to check on it after a heavy snowfall, the safest place for your marquee is in its storage bags.