Can Arlo Cameras Be in Direct Sunlight Expert Guide

Yes, Arlo cameras can be placed in direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure may affect performance and longevity. Models with weather-resistant ratings (like Arlo Pro 4 or Ultra 2) are designed to handle sun and heat, but installing them in shaded areas or using protective mounts helps prevent overheating and extends lifespan.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras can withstand direct sunlight but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent overheating.
• Use weather-resistant models like Arlo Pro or Ultra for harsh outdoor conditions.
• Install under shade or eaves to protect cameras and extend lifespan.
• Monitor battery life closely as heat can drain power faster.
• Clean lenses regularly to maintain clarity and performance in sunny areas.
• Check warranty details to ensure coverage for sun-related damage.

Can Arlo Cameras Be in Direct Sunlight? The Truth You Need to Know

Let’s be honest: installing security cameras around your home is a smart move. But when it comes to Arlo cameras in direct sunlight, things can get a little tricky. I learned this the hard way after setting up my first Arlo Pro 3 on the south-facing side of my house. The view was perfect—until the summer sun turned my once-crisp video feed into a washed-out mess. If you’ve ever wondered, “Can Arlo cameras handle direct sunlight?”, you’re not alone. It’s a common concern for anyone trying to get the most out of their outdoor surveillance setup.

Arlo cameras are known for their sleek design, easy setup, and impressive smart features. But like any tech, they have their limits. Whether you’re considering the Arlo Ultra, the Pro series, or even the battery-powered Essential line, sunlight exposure is a factor you can’t ignore. In this guide, we’ll dive into what happens when your Arlo camera faces the sun head-on, how to protect your investment, and how to get the best performance—rain, shine, or scorching heat. No fluff, no sales pitch—just real talk from someone who’s been there.

How Direct Sunlight Affects Arlo Cameras

Heat and Battery Performance

One of the biggest concerns with placing Arlo cameras in direct sunlight is heat. Most Arlo models, especially the battery-powered ones like the Arlo Pro 4 or Essential Spotlight, rely on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries don’t like extreme temperatures. In fact, Arlo recommends operating temperatures between -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C). But when a camera sits in direct sun all day, the surface temperature can easily exceed 130°F (54°C), even if the ambient air is cooler.

I noticed this firsthand with my Arlo Pro 3. During a heatwave, the camera would shut down mid-recording or refuse to record at all. The app would show “battery too hot” warnings. It wasn’t the battery failing—it was the heat from the sun baking the unit. This isn’t just an Arlo issue; it’s a physics thing. But it’s especially critical for wireless cameras that depend on battery life. Overheating can reduce battery capacity over time, meaning shorter charge cycles and more frequent recharging.

Lens Glare and Video Quality

Then there’s the visual issue: glare. When the sun hits the camera lens directly, especially in the early morning or late afternoon (low-angle sun), it creates lens flare, washed-out colors, and overexposure. This isn’t just annoying—it defeats the purpose of having a security camera. If you can’t see a face or a license plate because the sun is blinding the lens, what’s the point?

For example, my front porch camera faced east. Every morning at 7:30 AM, the sunrise hit it dead-on. The video feed looked like someone smeared Vaseline on the lens. Even the HDR feature (which is supposed to balance bright and dark areas) struggled. I had to reposition the camera slightly to avoid the worst of the glare, but that meant losing part of the driveway view. It was a trade-off, and not a great one.

Long-Term Wear and Tear

Beyond immediate performance, constant sun exposure can degrade the camera’s materials. The housing, seals, and internal components may weaken over time due to UV radiation and thermal cycling (expanding and contracting as temperatures rise and fall). While Arlo uses UV-resistant plastics, no material lasts forever under relentless sun. After two summers, I noticed my camera’s plastic casing had a slightly yellowed tint—a sign of UV damage. The seals around the battery compartment also felt less snug, raising concerns about moisture intrusion.

Think of it like leaving a plastic chair in the backyard all year. It’ll fade, crack, and become brittle. Cameras aren’t immune to that. And once moisture gets in, it can corrode circuits, fog the lens, or even cause short circuits. So while your Arlo might survive direct sun, long-term durability is at risk.

Arlo’s Official Stance and Design Considerations

Weather Resistance Ratings (IP65 and IP66)

Arlo markets its outdoor cameras as “weather-resistant,” and for good reason. Most models have an IP65 or IP66 rating. Let’s break that down:

• IP65: Fully protected against dust, and can handle low-pressure water jets (like rain or a garden hose).
• IP66: Dust-tight and protected against high-pressure water jets (like heavy storms).

But here’s the catch: IP ratings don’t cover UV resistance or heat tolerance. They’re about water and dust, not sunlight. So while your Arlo camera can survive a thunderstorm, it wasn’t necessarily designed to bake in the sun 24/7. Arlo’s website and manuals don’t explicitly warn against direct sunlight, but they do emphasize “shaded” or “protected” mounting locations.

Built-in Features That Help (and Limitations)

Arlo does include some features to mitigate sunlight issues:

• HDR (High Dynamic Range): Helps balance exposure in high-contrast scenes (like a bright sky behind a person).
• Auto Exposure and Backlight Compensation: Adjusts brightness in real time.
• Thermal Cut-Off Protection: Shuts down the camera if internal temps get too high to protect the battery.

These are helpful, but not foolproof. HDR can’t fix lens flare. Auto exposure might darken the entire scene to handle a bright sun, making shadows too dark. And thermal cut-off? It’s a safety net, not a solution. If your camera keeps shutting down, you’re missing critical footage.

What Arlo’s Support Says (Real-World Advice)

I reached out to Arlo support after my overheating issues. Their advice? “Mount the camera under an eave, awning, or in a shaded area. Avoid south-facing (in the Northern Hemisphere) or west-facing walls with direct sun exposure.” They also suggested using the included mount with a slight tilt to reduce direct sun contact.

They didn’t say “don’t use in sunlight,” but they definitely leaned toward caution. And honestly, that makes sense. Arlo wants their cameras to work, not fail due to user error. So while the hardware is built to handle outdoor conditions, smart placement is your best defense.

Best Practices for Installing Arlo Cameras in Sunny Areas

Choose the Right Location (Shade is Your Friend)

The golden rule: avoid direct sun whenever possible. Here’s how:

• Use eaves, awnings, or overhangs: These provide shade and protect from rain. I mounted one camera under my garage door’s overhang—perfect coverage, zero sun.
• North-facing walls (Northern Hemisphere): These get the least direct sun. Ideal for full-day coverage without glare.
• East or west? Be strategic: East gets morning sun, west gets afternoon sun. If you must use these, angle the camera slightly downward or inward to avoid the worst of the low-angle rays.
• Use natural shade: Trees, shrubs, or fences can block sun, but make sure they don’t block the camera’s field of view or motion detection.

Use the Right Mount and Angle

The Arlo magnetic mount is great, but it’s also a double-edged sword. It lets you adjust easily, but if you’re not careful, you’ll end up with the lens pointing straight into the sun. Instead:

• Tilt the camera down slightly: This reduces sky exposure and glare. Even a 10-degree tilt can make a big difference.
• Use the Arlo Pro Wall Mount: It offers more precise positioning and better stability in windy or sunny conditions.
• Test at different times: Check your camera’s view at sunrise, noon, and sunset. If you see glare, adjust before finalizing the mount.

Add Physical Protection (DIY or Accessories)

Sometimes, shade isn’t an option. In those cases, consider:

• Arlo’s official sun shield: A small plastic hood that attaches to the camera. It blocks direct sun from the top and sides. I used one on my west-facing camera—glare dropped by 70%.
• DIY sun shade: A small piece of plastic, foam, or even a 3D-printed cover can work. Just make sure it doesn’t block the lens, microphone, or motion sensor.
• Paint the mount: If you’re using a metal or dark plastic mount, paint it white to reflect heat. Dark colors absorb more sunlight, heating the camera faster.

Monitor and Maintain

Even with the best setup, check your cameras regularly:

• Inspect for heat damage: Look for warping, discoloration, or seal degradation every 3–6 months.
• Clean the lens: Dust, pollen, and bird droppings can worsen glare. Use a microfiber cloth.
• Check battery health: If your camera drains faster in summer, heat might be the culprit.

Comparing Arlo Models: Which Handles Sunlight Best?

Not all Arlo cameras are created equal when it comes to sunlight. Here’s a quick comparison based on real-world use and specs:

Model	Weather Resistance	Battery Type	Sunlight Performance Tips	Best For
Arlo Pro 4/5	IP65	Rechargeable (Li-ion)	Use sun shield; avoid south-facing mounts	High-res coverage in shaded areas
Arlo Ultra 2	IP66	Rechargeable (Li-ion)	HDR helps, but still sensitive to flare	Premium setups with overhangs
Arlo Essential (Wired)	IP65	Wired power	Less heat risk, but glare still an issue	Sun-exposed areas with power access
Arlo Essential (Battery)	IP65	Rechargeable (Li-ion)	Most heat-sensitive; avoid direct sun	Quick installs with shade
Arlo Go 2 (LTE)	IP65	Rechargeable (Li-ion)	Same as Pro series; LTE adds heat risk	Remote locations with shade

As you can see, wired models (like the Essential Wired) have a big advantage in sunny areas. No battery means no overheating shutdowns. If your home has outdoor power outlets, consider a wired setup for sun-facing spots. For battery models, the Pro and Ultra series handle heat better than the Essential line, but all benefit from shade and sun shields.

Real-Life Examples: What Works (and What Doesn’t)

Case 1: The South-Facing Garage (Lessons Learned)

A friend installed an Arlo Pro 4 on his south-facing garage wall—no overhang, no shade. For the first month, it worked fine. Then summer hit. By noon, the camera would overheat and shut down. The battery drained in 3 weeks instead of 6. The video feed was washed out from 10 AM to 4 PM. After three months, he moved it to a north-facing corner under an eave. Problem solved. Battery life returned to normal, and the video quality improved dramatically.

Case 2: The DIY Sun Shade Success

Another user had a west-facing porch with no shade. He couldn’t move the camera because it covered the only entry point. His solution? A custom sun shield made from a plastic soda bottle. He cut the bottom off, painted it white, and attached it to the mount with zip ties. It blocked the afternoon sun without covering the lens. The glare dropped, and the camera stayed online all day. Not pretty, but it worked.

Case 3: The Wired Upgrade

I upgraded my front porch camera from a battery Pro 3 to a wired Essential. I ran a weatherproof cable along the gutter to a nearby outlet. The difference? No more overheating, no more battery anxiety, and consistent 1080p quality—even at sunset. The sun still hits the lens, but with HDR and no battery to protect, the camera just keeps recording.

Final Thoughts: Yes, But With Smart Planning

So, can Arlo cameras be in direct sunlight? Yes—but with caveats. They’re built for outdoor use, but direct, prolonged sun exposure can shorten battery life, degrade materials, and ruin video quality. The key is smart installation and proactive care.

Think of your Arlo camera like a phone. You wouldn’t leave your phone in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill. The same goes for your security system. Use shade, tilt wisely, add protection, and monitor performance. If you’re in a sunny climate, consider wired models or sun shields. And if you’re stuck with a sun-facing spot, get creative with DIY solutions.

At the end of the day, Arlo cameras are powerful tools—but they work best when you work with them, not against the environment. A little planning goes a long way in keeping your home safe, your footage clear, and your batteries happy. After all, security shouldn’t depend on the weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be in direct sunlight for extended periods?

Yes, most Arlo cameras (like the Pro 3, Ultra, and Go) are designed to withstand direct sunlight and operate in temperatures up to 113°F (45°C). However, prolonged exposure may cause overheating, so partial shade or strategic placement is recommended for optimal performance.

Will direct sunlight damage my Arlo camera’s lens or sensor?

Arlo cameras use weather-resistant lenses and infrared filters to minimize sun damage. While occasional glare or false motion alerts may occur, permanent lens/sensor damage is rare unless exposed to extreme conditions beyond specifications.

Does sunlight affect Arlo camera battery life?

Direct sunlight can accelerate battery drain in wireless Arlo models due to increased heat. For solar-powered Arlo cameras, ensure the panel isn’t shaded to maintain charging efficiency while avoiding overheating.

How does direct sunlight impact Arlo’s night vision performance?

Sunlight exposure during the day doesn’t harm Arlo’s night vision, but positioning the camera to avoid backlighting (e.g., facing the sun) ensures clearer nighttime footage by reducing IR glare.

Can I use Arlo cameras in direct sunlight during winter?

Arlo cameras handle cold weather well (down to -4°F/-20°C), but direct winter sunlight can create frost on lenses or cause condensation. Wipe lenses occasionally and use Arlo’s anti-fog features for uninterrupted use.

What’s the best way to mount Arlo cameras in direct sunlight?

Use Arlo’s adjustable mounts to angle the camera downward, reducing sun exposure. Pair with a silicone cover or shade (sold separately) to prolong lifespan while maintaining the camera’s weatherproof rating.