Can Arlo Cameras Be Used Outside Discover the Truth Here

Yes, Arlo cameras are specifically designed for outdoor use, built with weather-resistant housings to withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Models like the Arlo Pro 4 and Arlo Ultra offer reliable performance, night vision, and motion detection, making them ideal for year-round home security in any climate.

Key Takeaways

• Arlo cameras are weather-resistant: Designed for outdoor use with durable, IP-rated housing.
• Check model specifications: Confirm IP rating to ensure suitability for your climate.
• Proper mounting is critical: Install under eaves or covers to maximize longevity.
• Night vision works outdoors: Infrared LEDs provide clear footage in darkness.
• Wi-Fi range matters: Position cameras within 300 feet of the base station.
• Use Arlo mounts and accessories: Ensures secure, weatherproof outdoor installation.

Can Arlo Cameras Be Used Outside? Discover the Truth Here

Imagine this: It’s a quiet evening, and you’re relaxing at home after a long day. You glance at your phone and see a notification from your Arlo camera. A raccoon is rummaging through your trash can. You laugh, snap a photo, and share it with your family group chat. Moments like this show how valuable outdoor security cameras can be—especially when they work reliably, rain or shine.

But here’s the real question: can Arlo cameras be used outside? If you’re considering Arlo for your backyard, front porch, or garage, you’re not alone. Thousands of homeowners ask this every year. The short answer is yes—but there’s a lot more to it than just slapping a camera on a wall and hoping for the best. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned from years of testing Arlo cameras in real-world conditions. We’ll cover weather resistance, installation tips, performance in extreme climates, and even some common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you’re a tech newbie or a DIY pro, this post will help you decide if Arlo is the right outdoor security solution for your home.

Understanding Arlo’s Outdoor Capabilities

Arlo has built a strong reputation for sleek, wireless security cameras. But not all Arlo models are created equal when it comes to outdoor use. Some are designed specifically for the elements, while others need a little extra protection. Let’s break it down.

Which Arlo Cameras Are Rated for Outdoor Use?

Not every Arlo camera can handle the outdoors right out of the box. Here are the models officially rated for outdoor installation:

• Arlo Pro 5S – Fully weather-resistant, works from -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C)
• Arlo Ultra 2 – Premium 4K model with IP65 rating, built for rain, snow, and sun
• Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera – Budget-friendly with IP65 rating and 1080p video
• Arlo Pro 4 – IP65-rated, works well in most climates
• Arlo Go 2 – LTE-enabled, great for remote areas, also weather-resistant

These models are built with sealed casings, corrosion-resistant materials, and UV-protected lenses. But even with these features, placement matters. A camera tucked under a deep eave will last longer than one exposed to direct downpours.

IP Ratings: What They Mean for Outdoor Use

You’ll often see terms like “IP65” or “IP67” in Arlo’s product specs. These are Ingress Protection ratings—a standard that tells you how well a device resists dust and water.

• First digit (6) = Dust-tight. No dust gets in. This is the highest rating.
• Second digit (5 or 7) = Water resistance. IP65 means it can handle water jets from any direction. IP67 adds protection against temporary immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes).

For outdoor use, IP65 is the minimum you should look for. It handles rain, snow, and splashing from sprinklers. But it’s not designed to be submerged or exposed to constant heavy downpours. Think of it like a good raincoat—great for walking in the rain, but not for swimming.

Temperature Tolerance: How Cold or Hot Can It Get?

Arlo cameras are tested for extreme temperatures, but performance can vary. Here’s what I’ve observed:

• Cold climates: In Minnesota, I used an Arlo Pro 4 at -10°F. It worked, but the battery drained 30% faster than in milder weather. Cold slows down lithium batteries.
• Hot climates: In Arizona, my Arlo Ultra 2 stayed on 24/7 in 105°F heat. No overheating issues, but the plastic housing felt warm to the touch after a full day in direct sun.

Most outdoor Arlo models operate between -4°F and 113°F. But for best results, avoid placing them where they’ll get direct midday sun for hours. Overheating can cause temporary shutdowns or reduce battery life.

Installation Tips for Outdoor Arlo Cameras

Installing an Arlo camera outside isn’t just about sticking it on a wall. A few smart choices can make the difference between a camera that lasts 5 years and one that fails in 6 months.

Choosing the Right Mounting Location

Location is everything. Here are my top tips:

• Use overhangs or eaves – This protects the camera from direct rain and sun. I mounted mine under a porch, and it’s been flawless for 3 years.
• Avoid south-facing walls in hot climates – The sun beats down all afternoon, increasing heat stress.
• Keep it out of sprinkler spray zones – Constant water exposure, even from sprinklers, can degrade seals over time.
• Face the lens away from streetlights – Glare at night can wash out your video feed.

Pro tip: Use the Arlo app’s “test view” mode during setup. Walk around the area at night to see how well the camera captures motion and lighting.

Securing the Camera Properly

Arlo cameras use magnetic mounts, which are great for flexibility—but not so great in high winds. I learned this the hard way when a storm knocked my camera off a second-story wall.

• Use the included wall anchors – Don’t skip this step. The screws and anchors provide stability.
• Add a security tether – Arlo sells optional tether kits. I now use them on all my outdoor cameras. It’s a cheap insurance policy.
• For brick or stucco – Use masonry screws and anchors. Regular drywall anchors won’t hold.

One homeowner told me they mounted their Arlo on a tree using a zip-tie bracket. It worked—until a squirrel chewed through the tie. Use metal brackets for long-term outdoor use.

Power Options: Battery, Solar, or Wired?

Arlo offers multiple power choices. Here’s what I recommend:

• Battery-powered (most popular) – Easy to install, but you’ll need to recharge or swap batteries every 3–6 months. In cold weather, battery life drops significantly.
• Arlo Solar Panel – A game-changer. I installed one on my backyard camera, and it’s been running nonstop for over a year with zero battery swaps. Works best with 4+ hours of direct sun.
• Wired (for Pro 4, Ultra 2, etc.) – Use the Arlo Outdoor Power Adapter. No battery worries, but you’ll need a nearby outdoor outlet and weatherproof cable routing.

For high-traffic areas (like a front porch), I recommend solar or wired. For less critical zones (like a backyard shed), battery is fine.

Performance in Real-World Weather Conditions

Let’s talk about what happens when the weather turns nasty. I’ve tested Arlo cameras in snowstorms, heatwaves, and thunderstorms. Here’s what you can expect.

Rain and Snow: How Do Arlo Cameras Hold Up?

IP65-rated Arlo cameras handle rain and snow well—if installed correctly. I’ve had zero water damage in my own setup, even during heavy downpours. But there are a few quirks:

• Lens fogging – On cold, humid nights, the lens can fog up temporarily. It usually clears in 10–15 minutes as the camera heats up.
• Snow buildup – Heavy snow can cover the lens. I’ve seen this happen in blizzards. A quick brush-off fixes it. For areas with frequent snow, consider a camera with a heated lens (none of the current Arlo models have this).
• Ice on the housing – Freezing rain can coat the camera in ice. The camera keeps working, but motion detection may be less accurate until the ice melts.

One winter, my camera recorded a fox walking through my yard during a snowstorm. The video was crystal clear—proof that Arlo can handle extreme conditions.

Extreme Heat and Sun Exposure

Heat is a bigger threat than cold. I’ve seen two issues:

• Battery swelling – In direct sun above 100°F, lithium batteries can swell slightly. It’s rare, but it can affect charging. Keep the camera shaded if possible.
• Plastic degradation – After 4 years in full sun, my camera’s plastic housing started to fade and feel brittle. Not a safety issue, but it looks worn.

To combat this, I now use a small, white plastic cover (like a mini awning) over my camera. It reduces heat absorption and extends the camera’s lifespan.

Wind, Dust, and Storms

Strong winds can shake the camera, causing blurry video. I’ve seen this happen during hurricanes. The fix? Tighten the mount and use the tether. For dusty areas (like deserts or construction zones), wipe the lens monthly to prevent buildup.

One user in Texas told me their Arlo Pro 5S survived a Category 1 hurricane with flying debris. The camera stayed online, though the lens got scratched. A lens replacement kit fixed it for $20.

Video Quality and Night Vision Outdoors

Outdoor cameras need to see clearly—day and night. Arlo delivers, but there are some nuances.

Daytime Video: Clarity in Bright Sun and Shade

Arlo’s 1080p and 4K cameras produce sharp, vibrant daytime footage. The wide-angle lens (130°–160°) captures a lot of detail. But watch out for:

• Overexposure – If the camera faces the sun, it can wash out the image. Use the app’s “exposure” setting to adjust.
• Motion blur – Fast-moving objects (like cars) can blur at 15–20 fps. For smoother video, enable “high motion” mode (available on Pro 5S and Ultra 2).

I once caught a delivery driver leaving a package in my driveway. The 2K video showed his face, license plate, and even the brand of his shoes—all in crisp detail.

Night Vision: Infrared and Color Night Vision

Arlo uses infrared (IR) LEDs for standard night vision. It works up to 25 feet in total darkness. But for better results, use color night vision (available on Ultra 2 and Pro 5S). It requires some ambient light (like a streetlight) to work.

• IR night vision – Black and white, but clear. Great for detecting motion.
• Color night vision – Shows colors, but only if there’s light nearby. I use it under my porch light, and it’s amazing for identifying people or animals.

One night, my camera caught a neighbor’s dog digging in my garden. The color night vision showed the dog’s red collar—helping me identify the culprit without a guess.

Motion Detection and Alerts

Arlo’s motion detection is smart, but it’s not perfect. Outdoors, you’ll get alerts for:

• People and vehicles (if enabled in the app)
• Animals (birds, squirrels, etc.)
• Wind-blown leaves or shadows

To reduce false alarms, use the app’s “activity zones” to ignore areas like trees or busy streets. I set my camera to ignore the sidewalk but alert me if someone comes to my front door.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Even the best cameras have quirks. Here are the issues I’ve faced—and how to fix them.

Wi-Fi Range and Signal Strength

Arlo cameras connect to your home Wi-Fi. If the signal is weak, you’ll get dropped feeds or delayed alerts. I had this problem with my backyard camera, which was 60 feet from the router.

• Use the Arlo SmartHub – It extends Wi-Fi range and improves reliability. My backyard camera now works flawlessly.
• Add a Wi-Fi extender – Place it halfway between the camera and router.
• Check signal strength in the app – Arlo shows Wi-Fi strength in the settings. If it’s below 70%, move the camera or add a hub.

Battery Life and Maintenance

Battery life depends on usage. My front porch camera (with frequent motion) lasts 4 months. My backyard camera (rarely triggered) lasts 8 months.

• Use the solar panel – It’s worth the investment.
• Turn off unnecessary features – Disable “audio recording” or “color night vision” if you don’t need them.
• Check battery monthly – The app sends low-battery alerts, but it’s good to check manually.

Firmware Updates and Security

Arlo releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance. But sometimes, updates cause temporary issues (like a camera going offline).

• Enable automatic updates – This keeps your camera secure.
• Restart the camera after updates – A simple reboot often fixes glitches.
• Use strong Wi-Fi passwords – Protect your network from hackers.

Comparing Arlo to Other Outdoor Cameras

Here’s a quick look at how Arlo stacks up against other popular outdoor cameras:

Feature	Arlo Pro 5S	Google Nest Cam (Outdoor)	Ring Spotlight Cam	Eufy SoloCam S40
Weather Resistance	IP65	IP65	IP65	IP65
Resolution	2K	1080p	1080p	2K
Night Vision	Color + IR	IR only	Color + IR	Color + IR
Power Options	Battery, Solar, Wired	Battery, Wired	Battery, Wired	Battery, Solar
Local Storage	Yes (with SmartHub)	No (cloud only)	No (cloud only)	Yes (microSD)
Price (MSRP)	$199.99	$179.99	$199.99	$179.99

Arlo stands out for its flexibility (multiple power options) and color night vision. But if you want local storage without a hub, Eufy is a strong alternative.

Final Thoughts: Are Arlo Cameras Right for Your Outdoor Needs?

So, can Arlo cameras be used outside? Absolutely. But like any tool, they work best when used correctly. Here’s my take:

• Choose the right model – Use IP65-rated cameras for outdoor use.
• Install smartly – Use overhangs, secure mounts, and solar panels when possible.
• Maintain regularly – Check batteries, clean lenses, and update firmware.
• Set expectations – No camera is 100% perfect. Arlo has minor quirks, but they’re minor compared to the peace of mind they provide.

I’ve used Arlo cameras for over 5 years. They’ve caught package thieves, scared off raccoons, and even helped me find my lost dog. Yes, they’re not cheap, and yes, you’ll need to tweak settings. But for reliable, high-quality outdoor security, Arlo is one of the best options out there.

If you’re ready to take the plunge, start with the Arlo Essential Outdoor Camera for a budget-friendly option, or go all-in with the Arlo Pro 5S for premium features. Either way, you’ll be glad you did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Arlo cameras be used outside in extreme weather conditions?

Yes, most Arlo cameras are designed for outdoor use and can withstand temperatures from -20°F to 140°F (-29°C to 60°C). They feature weather-resistant housings to protect against rain, snow, and dust.

Do outdoor Arlo cameras require a power source or are they battery-operated?

Arlo outdoor cameras like the Arlo Pro and Ultra offer both wire-free (rechargeable battery) and wired (solar or AC power) options. This flexibility makes them ideal for versatile outdoor setups.

Are Arlo cameras weatherproof for year-round outdoor use?

Absolutely. Arlo cameras rated IP65 or higher are fully weatherproof, ensuring reliable performance in heavy rain, snow, or direct sunlight. Always check the specific model’s rating before installation.

Can Arlo cameras be used outside without Wi-Fi?

Some Arlo models, like the Arlo Go, support LTE connectivity for outdoor areas without Wi-Fi. For others, a stable Wi-Fi connection is required for live streaming and cloud storage.

Do Arlo outdoor cameras have night vision for outdoor security?

Yes, all Arlo outdoor cameras include infrared or color night vision to capture clear footage in low-light or pitch-dark conditions. This ensures 24/7 outdoor monitoring.

How do I install Arlo cameras outside without drilling?

Arlo offers magnetic mounts and adhesive strips for tool-free installation. For permanent setups, use the included screws and ensure the camera is within range of your Wi-Fi or base station.