Whether decorating for a party, wedding, or just accenting your home, fairy lights are a great option. These lights go a long way to bring some extra sparkle and personality to any setting. No wonder they’re all the rage!
But before you join the fairy light bandwagon, it makes sense to find out a thing or two about these lights, and one of the most critical questions is whether or not they’re waterproof. After all, you don’t want to buy them only for them to get ruined the first time it rains!
So, are fairy lights waterproof? I took it upon myself to find the answer to this question. And yes, I even discovered some of the market’s best waterproof fairy lights. Read to the end to learn everything about fairy lights and waterproofing.
Are My Fairy Lights Waterproof?
Your fairy lights are waterproof if marked as “IP65” or higher. Fairy lights with an IP65 rating can withstand light to medium rain showers. So, if that’s what you have, you can use them in the rain!
Before I proceed, someone could be reading this and wondering, is there a difference between “waterproof” and “water-resistant?” After all, most people use these terms interchangeably. But well, there’s a slight difference between the two.
Waterproof means an object can come in complete contact with water for extended periods and still not sustain any damage. On the other hand, water-resistant means an object can only withstand a certain amount or level of water exposure before it gets damaged.
Now, the waterproofing of an object is usually measured using the “IP” rating. IP stands for “ingress protection” and is usually denoted as IP, followed by a two-digit number. The first number runs from 0-6 and represents the object’s solid particle protection. The second number, on the other hand, ranges from 0-8 and denotes the level of water protection.
So, when checking whether a light bulb is waterproof, you should look at the IP rating, particularly the second number. The higher the number, the better protected the object is against water and other liquids.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each number means:
| Rating | Protection Level |
|---|---|
| 0. | No protection whatsoever |
| 1. | Protection against vertically dripping water |
| 2. | Protection against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees |
| 3. | Protection against spraying water up to 60 degrees vertical |
| 4. | Protection against splashing of water from all angles |
| 5. | Protection against water jets |
| 6. | Protection against powerful water jets |
| 7. | Protection against short periods (1-30 minutes) of complete immersion in water with depths of 15-100 cm |
| 8. | Protection against long periods of complete immersion in water |
So, if you see a light bulb with an IPX5 rating (and by the way, X is also a digit), it’s protected against low-pressure water jets from all directions. And usually, this rating is sufficient for most outdoor applications.
Are LED Fairy Lights Waterproof?
Yes, we have waterproof LED fairy lights, but most are in the real sense water-resistant. Waterproof fairy lights won’t allow water penetration even when exposed to water for long periods, which isn’t the case with most of the “waterproof” lights you’ll find on the market.
As I began by saying, most people use the term “waterproof” and “water-resistant” interchangeably. That has given the manufacturers some leeway in how they label their products. So, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers to label their light bulbs as “waterproof” when they’re only “water-resistant.”
In reality, only LED fairy lights with an IP67 or IP68 rating are actually waterproof. And unfortunately, there aren’t many lights on the market with such a rating, simply because these lights are more expensive to produce.
As such, most manufacturers prefer to produce water-resistant fairy lights, which are cheaper and still serve the purpose. After all, for most people, a water-resistant light is good enough as long as it can withstand some rain and splashes of water.
Can Outdoor Fairy Lights Get Wet?
Yes, outdoor fairy lights can get wet without posing any danger. Outdoor lights are usually weatherproof, and within that umbrella is their ability to withstand moisture. Even so, avoid heavy exposure to rain and water as that could damage the lights.
Before you buy any outdoor lighting, you want to know whether the construction can withstand the cruelty of the outdoors. That includes harsh sunlight, strong winds, and of course, rain, and that’s the only way to know whether or not your purchase fits the bill.
And fortunately for outdoor fairy lights, they are usually well-constructed to withstand such conditions. And so, most of these lights will tolerate exposure to rain. As such, you won’t need to remove them each time it rains. Just make sure you buy lights that are specifically designed for the outdoors.
But again, remember that, as earlier said, most of the “waterproof” outdoor fairy lights are just water-resistant. That’s to say, they only provide limited protection against moisture and water. That’s why you should never immerse them in water or expose them to heavy rain for long periods, well unless you have those with a water protection rating of 7 or 8.
What Happens If Fairy Lights Get Wet?
What will happen if fairly lights get wet will depend on their level of protection against liquids. If the rating is below 5, the lights will likely be damaged by water, and they may not work again. But if the liquid protection rating is 5 and above, they are unlikely to do anything.
The label beginning with “IP” on the product description isn’t just for show. It’s there to tell you the product’s level of protection against solid objects and liquids like water. So, the next time you are shopping for a fairy light, don’t stop at examining the lighting modes and colors.
Make sure to check the IP rating as well so that you can buy a light that will serve you well, whether it’s raining or shining. You want to see those colorful emissions even when the weather is bad, right? So, get a light with a good IP rating.
How Do You Know If Fairy Lights Are Waterproof?
The only surefire way to know if fairy lights are waterproof is to check the IP rating. The manufacturers will usually include the rating on the product description or packaging. If it’s not there, then chances are the lights aren’t waterproof.
Waterproofing is an essential aspect you don’t want to skip when shopping for lights, especially if you live in an area that experiences a lot of rainfall. If the lights are going to be outdoors, they should be able to withstand the elements, including moisture.
Unfortunately, for many reasons, you can’t test the waterproofing of the lights when buying. However, you can easily assess their performance with exposure to moisture by looking at the IP rating. Of course, some manufacturers can sometimes fudge the figures, especially now that even the lower waterproofing ratings can still offer some protection against water.
But in general, the IP rating will give you a good idea of how well the lights can withstand liquids. And as usual, you can always rely on reading the reviews to see what other people who have actually used the lights have to say about their waterproofing.
5 Best Waterproof Fairy Lights on Amazon
Finding the best waterproof lights on Amazon can be a challenge. After all, there are countless options, and it can be tough to know which ones are worth your money.
To help narrow down your options, we’ve compiled a list of five of the best waterproof fairy lights on Amazon. And just so you know, all the options here are pocket-friendly, so you don’t have to spend a fortune to get quality lights.
1. Olafus 16 Pack Blue Fairy Lights
Waterproof Rating: IP68
When looking for the best waterproof fairy lights, Olafus 16 Pack Blue Fairy Lights is one of the options you’ll want to consider. It’s an IP68-light, the best rating there’s out there. This rate means it will withstand rain and hours in the pool without damage.
You’re getting blue lights here, sure to give your garden or patio that tranquil and relaxed feeling. But if that doesn’t fit the bill, you can also settle for the other two available colors – cool white and warm white!
The lights run on two replaceable CR2032 batteries, and you can get up to 72 hours of lighting on a single set. The battery box, however, isn’t waterproof, so hide it from moisture if you don’t want issues with your new lights.
Pros:
- Affordable
- IP68 waterproof
- Easy to turn on/off
Con:
- The battery compartment is not waterproof
2. Felishine Fairy String Lights
Waterproof Rating: IP67
When a product has an average rating of 4.8 in over 2400 reviews, you know it has to be good. And that alone is enough to justify the Felishine Fairy String Lights as one of the best waterproof fairy lights on Amazon.
But there’s more to this light than just good reviews. It’s an IP67-rated light, meaning it can withstand being submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without getting damaged. So, you can use it indoors or outdoors without having to worry about water damage.
Each string of light is 6.6 feet, featuring 20 micro LEDs. So, the 20 strings will give you 400 lights, more than enough to decorate your space. Moreover, the silver-coated copper wires are sturdy but flexible, allowing you to bend them easily and create the shape that fits the occasion.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Easy to shape
- The compact battery box is easy to hide.
Con:
- You can only submerge them for up to 30 minutes.
3. ANJAYLIA 2 Pack 33ft 100 LED Fairy Lights
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Everything about these lights, from the LEDs to the wire to the battery box, are waterproof. That’s one thing you want, especially if you live in wet areas or don’t want the hassle of keeping the battery compartment away from moisture.
With 100 LEDs in each string, you’re looking at 200 lights in total. The 33-foot length is also great as it gives you plenty of lights to work with without being too overwhelming. You can use them indoors or outdoors, and they’re perfect for decorating your garden, porch, or patio.
The eight lighting modes are another great feature, as they give you plenty of options for creating the perfect ambiance. And if that’s not enough, the lights also come with a remote, so you can easily turn them on and off, change the lighting mode, or set a timer.
Pros:
- Waterproof battery box.
- 8 lighting modes
- Responsive remote
Con:
- Batteries not included
4. Brightown 12 Pack Led Fairy Lights
Waterproof Rating: IP65
The next option has more fans than any other waterproof fairy lights on our list. That alone should tell you that there’s so much to love about these bulbs. And for one, the lights are available in a plethora of colors, so you can choose the tone that works best for the moment. You can even settle for the multi-color option if you want a bit of everything.
Like the predecessors, these are battery-operated fairy lights, so you’re not restricted by having to be near an outlet. And the battery life is impressive too, as you can get up to 48 hours of lighting on a single set of batteries.
Also, the flexibility of the wire means you can bend it to any shape you want or even wrap it around trees, fences, or whatever else you want to decorate. One thing, though, is that the lights are labeled as IP65. Sure, that’s a good level of water protection, but it won’t suffice if you want to submerge the lights completely.
Pros:
- Available in multiple colors
- Flexible wire
- Long battery life
Con:
- You can’t use them underwater
5. Onforu 16 Pack Cool White Fairy Lights
Waterproof rating: IP67
These 16-pack fairy lights will add some serious pizzazz to your décor. Not only are they waterproof, but they’re also super bright, thanks to the 20 micro LEDs in each string.
We like that the lights combine durable construction with a classic design. In other words, you can use them indoors when moments call for a more relaxed setting. But they’re also perfect when you want to add some glam to an outdoor event.
The lights run on 2 batteries, allowing you to bring them wherever you want, whether in the garden or on a camping trip. Each string is 6.5 feet long and has a separate On/Off switch, so you can easily control them.
Pros:
- Super bright
- On/Off switch for each string
- Versatile
Con:
- May dim with hours of use
Final Verdict
Fairy lights are a great way to add a touch of magic to any setting, whether it’s an outdoor party or a romantic dinner for two. However, if you intend to use them in the great outdoors, you must ensure they’re waterproof. Ideally, fairy lights with an IP rating of IPX5 to IPX8 should serve you well.