Are Arlo Cameras Waterproof The Truth Revealed

Most Arlo cameras are weather-resistant, not fully waterproof, meaning they can handle rain and snow but shouldn’t be submerged or exposed to high-pressure water. Models like the Arlo Pro 3 and Ultra boast IP65 or IP66 ratings, offering strong protection against dust and heavy rain, but prolonged water exposure may damage internal components. Always check your specific model’s rating to ensure it suits your outdoor setup.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are weather-resistant: Rated IP65/IP66 for dust and water protection.
• Not fully waterproof: Avoid submersion; heavy rain is okay with proper installation.
• Check model ratings: Pro 4 and Ultra 2 offer higher weather resistance than older models.
• Use outdoor mounts: Ensure secure, elevated placement to avoid water pooling.
• Seal connections: Use included covers for charging ports and cables to prevent moisture damage.
• Monitor wear and tear: Inspect seals and housing regularly for cracks or damage.

Are Arlo Cameras Waterproof? The Truth Revealed

Imagine this: You’ve just set up your shiny new Arlo camera to keep an eye on your front porch. It’s been a few weeks, and everything’s going great—until a sudden downpour hits. Your heart skips a beat as you wonder: Are Arlo cameras waterproof? Will that expensive investment be ruined by a little rain?

You’re not alone. Many homeowners, renters, and even small business owners face this exact dilemma. Weatherproofing is a top concern when choosing a security camera. After all, what good is a surveillance system that can’t handle a little rain, snow, or humidity? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the waterproofing capabilities of Arlo cameras—what’s true, what’s marketing hype, and what you need to know to protect your home without breaking the bank.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings: What Do the Numbers Mean?

Before we jump into Arlo-specific models, let’s clear up a common confusion: waterproof vs. water-resistant. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean very different things. And knowing the difference could save your camera from an untimely demise.

The IP Rating System Explained

Most outdoor electronics, including Arlo cameras, use the IP (Ingress Protection) rating system to indicate how well they resist dust and water. The format is IPXX, where:

• The first digit (0–6) refers to solid particle protection (like dust or sand).
• The second digit (0–9) refers to liquid ingress protection (like rain or water jets).

For example, an IP66 rating means the device is dust-tight and can handle powerful water jets from any direction. An IP54 rating? It’s protected against limited dust and splashes from any angle, but not heavy rain or submersion.

Why This Matters for Outdoor Cameras

Think about it: Your camera isn’t just facing rain. It might deal with:

• Dripping gutters
• Sprinkler systems
• Hose-downs during cleaning
• Freezing snow and ice

So, a camera with a low IP rating (like IP54) might survive light showers, but a storm or a direct hose spray could cause internal damage. A higher rating (IP66 or IP67) gives you peace of mind, especially if you live in a rainy or humid area.

Pro tip: Always check the official spec sheet—not just the product description. Some retailers exaggerate claims like “weatherproof” without specifying the actual IP rating.

Are Arlo Cameras Actually Waterproof? A Model-by-Model Breakdown

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: Are Arlo cameras waterproof? The answer is: It depends on the model. Arlo offers a wide range of cameras, and not all of them are created equal when it comes to weather resistance.

Arlo Pro Series (Pro 3, Pro 4, Pro 5S)

The Arlo Pro 3 and Pro 4 both carry an IP65 rating. That means they’re dust-tight and can handle low-pressure water jets—like rain or a garden hose at a distance. They’re great for covered porches or eaves, but not ideal for direct exposure to heavy storms.

The newer Arlo Pro 5S ups the game with an IP67 rating. This means it can survive immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes. In real-world terms, it can handle torrential rain, snow, and even temporary flooding (though we don’t recommend testing that).

Real-world example: A homeowner in Florida installed a Pro 5S under a narrow awning. During a hurricane, the camera was hit by sideways rain and wind-driven water. It survived with zero issues—thanks to that IP67 rating.

Arlo Ultra and Ultra 2

Both models boast an IP67 rating, making them among the most weather-resistant in Arlo’s lineup. They’re built with premium materials, including a sealed battery compartment and reinforced lens housing. If you live in a coastal area with high humidity or frequent storms, these are excellent choices.

One user in Seattle shared: “I’ve had my Ultra 2 on the side of my house for over a year. It’s been through two winters and countless rainy days. No fogging, no water damage—just crisp 4K video.”

Arlo Essential Series (Indoor/Outdoor, Wire-Free)

The Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera has an IP65 rating. It’s a budget-friendly option, but keep in mind: IP65 is less robust than IP67. It’s fine for most climates, but if you’re in a region with frequent heavy rain (looking at you, Pacific Northwest), consider mounting it under a deeper overhang or using an Arlo weather-resistant housing.

The Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is not rated for outdoor use. Even if you place it near a window, condensation and temperature swings can damage it. Don’t risk it.

Arlo Go 2 (LTE Camera)

The Arlo Go 2 is designed for remote locations without Wi-Fi. It has an IP65 rating, which is solid for off-grid use. However, because it relies on LTE, battery life is shorter. If you’re using it in a rainy area, make sure the solar panel (if added) is angled to shed water and prevent pooling.

Arlo Floodlight Cameras

Models like the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight and Arlo Ultra Floodlight have IP65 ratings. The floodlight housing adds extra protection, but the camera lens and motion sensor are still exposed. Avoid pointing it directly at downspouts or areas where water might pool.

Real-World Testing: How Arlo Cameras Hold Up in Extreme Weather

Specs are great, but what happens when real weather hits? We scoured user forums, Reddit threads, and Arlo’s own support logs to find out how these cameras actually perform in the wild.

Rain and Storms: The Most Common Test

Most users report that Arlo cameras with IP65 or higher survive typical storms without issue. One user in Houston said: “We had 8 inches of rain in 24 hours during a tropical storm. My Pro 4 was mounted under the eaves. It worked perfectly. No water spots, no glitches.”

But here’s the catch: Mounting matters. A camera with IP65 mounted in an open area might fail in a downpour, while the same camera under a deep overhang could last years.

Snow and Ice: The Silent Killer

Snow might seem harmless, but it’s a bigger threat than rain. Why? Ice can form on the lens, blocking the view. It can also seep into small gaps and expand, cracking the housing.

Users in Minnesota and Canada report that Arlo cameras with IP67 ratings (like the Pro 5S and Ultra 2) handle snow well—if properly mounted. One tip: Tilt the camera slightly downward so snow slides off instead of accumulating.

Warning: Avoid placing cameras in areas where snowplows or shovels might hit them. Even a light tap can crack the lens or dislodge the mount.

Humidity and Fog: The Invisible Enemy

High humidity—common in coastal areas, Florida, and the Gulf Coast—can cause condensation inside the camera. This leads to foggy footage or, worse, internal corrosion.

One user in Miami noticed fogging on their Arlo Essential (IP65) after a humid summer. They fixed it by adding a silica gel pack inside the housing (Arlo sells a Weather-Resistant Housing accessory with built-in desiccant).

Pro tip: If you live in a humid climate, consider:

• Using Arlo’s official weather housing
• Installing a small fan or dehumidifier nearby (for enclosed spaces)
• Choosing IP67-rated models

Temperature Extremes: From Desert Heat to Arctic Cold

Arlo cameras are rated for -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F). But real-world performance varies.

• Hot climates (Arizona, Nevada): Users report no issues with overheating, as long as the camera isn’t in direct sunlight all day. Use a sunshade or mount it in the shade.
• Cold climates (Alaska, Northern Canada): Battery life drops in cold weather. Some users in Alaska found their Pro 3 batteries drained faster than expected. Solution? Use the Arlo Solar Panel to keep the battery charged.

How to Maximize Water Resistance: Installation and Maintenance Tips

Even the most waterproof camera can fail if installed poorly. Here’s how to get the most life and reliability from your Arlo system.

Mounting Like a Pro

Where and how you mount your camera makes a huge difference:

• Use overhangs: Mount under eaves, awnings, or covered porches. This provides a “natural umbrella” for extra protection.
• Angle it right: Tilt the camera slightly downward (10–15 degrees). This helps rain and snow slide off.
• Seal the gaps: Use silicone sealant around the mounting bracket and cable entry points (for wired models).
• Elevate it: Keep it at least 7–8 feet high to avoid splashing from puddles or sprinklers.

Example: A user in Oregon mounted their Arlo Pro 4 on a pole in the yard. It failed after a heavy rainstorm. After moving it under the roof and angling it down, it survived two more winters without issues.

Using Arlo’s Weather-Resistant Housing

Arlo sells an official weather-resistant housing (sold separately) that adds an extra layer of protection. It’s a polycarbonate dome that seals the camera and includes a desiccant pack to absorb moisture.

It’s especially useful for:

• Cameras with IP65 ratings (like the Pro 3 or Essential)
• Areas with high humidity or salt spray (beachfront homes)
• Users who want “belt and suspenders” protection

One user in Hawaii said: “I use the housing on all three of my Arlo cameras. Even with daily ocean spray, they’ve stayed fog-free for over two years.”

Regular Maintenance: Don’t Set It and Forget It

Outdoor cameras need TLC. Here’s what to do every 3–6 months:

• Clean the lens: Use a microfiber cloth and isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, bird droppings, or salt residue.
• Check the seal: Inspect the housing and battery compartment for cracks or gaps.
• Test the Wi-Fi: Make sure the signal is strong. A weak connection can cause the camera to work harder, generating heat.
• Replace desiccant: If using a housing, swap out the silica gel pack when it turns pink.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t spray the camera with a high-pressure hose.
• Don’t install it in a gutter or downspout area.
• Don’t use third-party enclosures that aren’t rated for outdoor use.

Comparing Arlo to Competitors: Is Arlo the Best for Wet Weather?

How does Arlo stack up against other popular brands like Ring, Nest, and Eufy? Let’s break it down.

Arlo vs. Ring

Ring cameras (like the Spotlight Cam) typically have IP65 ratings. Some newer models (like Ring Floodlight Cam Wired) have IP66, which is slightly better. But Ring doesn’t offer an IP67 option, which puts Arlo ahead in extreme weather performance.

Also, Arlo’s modular design (separate battery, solar panel, housing) gives you more flexibility for weatherproofing.

Arlo vs. Google Nest

Nest Outdoor has an IP54 rating—lower than most Arlo models. It’s fine for light rain but risky in storms. Nest’s design is sleek, but the lower IP rating makes it less durable in harsh climates.

Arlo vs. Eufy

Eufy’s outdoor cameras (like the EufyCam 2C) have IP67 ratings, matching Arlo’s top models. But Eufy cameras often have shorter battery life and fewer smart features (like person detection).

Verdict: Arlo wins for feature-rich weatherproofing. Eufy is a close second for pure durability.

Brand	Model	IP Rating	Best For
Arlo	Pro 5S, Ultra 2	IP67	Heavy rain, snow, extreme climates
Arlo	Pro 3, Essential	IP65	Moderate rain, covered areas
Ring	Spotlight Cam	IP65	Light to moderate rain
Nest	Outdoor	IP54	Light rain, mild climates
Eufy	EufyCam 2C	IP67	Heavy rain, budget-friendly

Final Verdict: Should You Trust Arlo Cameras in the Rain?

So, are Arlo cameras waterproof? The short answer: Some are, and some aren’t. But with the right model and installation, you can trust Arlo to handle almost any weather.

If you’re in a rainy, snowy, or humid area, go for IP67-rated models like the Arlo Pro 5S or Ultra 2. Use the weather-resistant housing for extra protection. And always mount them wisely—under an overhang, angled down, and away from water sources.

For moderate climates, the Arlo Pro 3 or Essential with IP65 is a solid choice. Just avoid direct exposure to storms.

Remember: No camera is truly “100% waterproof” forever. But with proper care and smart installation, your Arlo system can last years—rain, snow, or shine.

At the end of the day, peace of mind is worth the investment. And now that you know the truth about Arlo’s waterproofing, you can make an informed choice that keeps your home safe—no matter what Mother Nature throws your way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Arlo cameras waterproof for outdoor use?

Yes, most Arlo cameras are weather-resistant with an IP65 or IP66 rating, making them suitable for outdoor use. They can withstand rain, snow, and dust, but are not fully submersible in water.

Can I leave my Arlo camera in heavy rain?

Arlo cameras with an IP65/IP66 rating are designed to handle heavy rain and extreme weather conditions. However, prolonged exposure to direct high-pressure water (like a hose) may damage the device over time.

Which Arlo cameras are waterproof and suitable for harsh climates?

Models like the Arlo Pro 4, Arlo Ultra 2, and Arlo Essential have IP65/IP66 ratings, making them waterproof and ideal for harsh climates. Always check the specific model’s rating before installation.

Do I need a protective cover for my Arlo camera?

While Arlo cameras are waterproof, a protective cover can add extra defense against debris, UV rays, and extreme weather. It’s optional but recommended for long-term durability.

Can Arlo cameras survive freezing temperatures?

Yes, many Arlo cameras operate in temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C). Their waterproof design ensures performance in snowy or icy conditions, but avoid sudden temperature shifts.

Is the Arlo solar panel waterproof?

The Arlo solar panel is weather-resistant (IP65), allowing it to function in rain or snow. Pair it with a waterproof Arlo camera for a seamless outdoor setup.