The Best Times of Year to Hire a Bouncy Castle in Nottingham

“The only thing better than a great party is the weather showing up too.”

Hiring a bouncy castle in Nottingham is a guaranteed way to bring life to any event — from birthdays in Beeston to school fun days in Arnold. But one question we’re asked all the time is: When’s the best time to hire one?

The answer? It depends on your event, your venue, and a few important seasonal factors.

At Bouncy Bounce, we’ve delivered bouncy castles in all conditions — sunshine, drizzle, even the odd snow flurry. So we’ve put together this guide to help you plan around Nottingham’s seasons, local events, and insider tips, so you can hire smart and party harder.

Let’s dive into the best times of year to hire a bouncy castle in Nottingham — and what to watch out for each season.

🌷 Spring: The Season of New Starts (March to May)

Why it's great: Spring marks the start of peak party season. With flowers blooming and temperatures warming up, it’s the perfect time for outdoor events in Nottingham’s many parks and gardens.

Ideal events for spring:

Easter egg hunts
School fun days
March and April birthdays
Early wedding season parties
Christenings and cultural celebrations

🌦️ What to watch for:

Spring weather can be hit or miss. A dry forecast one day can quickly turn into drizzle the next.
Ground can still be soft or muddy — we recommend adding ground sheets or mats if you’re setting up on grass.

Local Tip: Try to plan your party for late morning to early afternoon when the day is driest. Always have a backup indoor venue in case rain rolls in.

☀️ Summer: Peak Bouncy Castle Season (June to August)

Why it's great: Summer is hands down the busiest time for bouncy castle hire in Nottingham — and for good reason. Long days, school holidays, and warm evenings make it perfect for outdoor celebrations.

Popular summer events:

Children’s birthdays
Summer fetes & school fairs
Corporate family fun days
BBQs, festivals, and charity events
Community carnivals in West Bridgford and beyond

🔥 What to watch for:

Bookings fill up quickly. Weekends in June and July can sell out months in advance.
Some days may be too hot for full-day outdoor hire, especially for younger children.
Don’t forget the sun cream and shaded areas for cooling down.

Our Advice:If you’re hosting a summer party, book your bouncy castle for hire in Nottingham at least 2–3 weeks in advance. And consider starting your event earlier in the day before peak heat.

🍂 Autumn: Hidden Gem for Nottingham Bouncy Castle Events (September to November)

Why it's great :Autumn is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best times to hire. The weather is usually mild into September, and availability is much better than peak summer. Plus, there’s something magical about golden leaves and a crisp bounce.

Great events for autumn:

Back-to-school welcome events
Halloween parties
Family get-togethers
Small community events or church gatherings
Off-peak birthday celebrations

🌬️ What to watch for:

Shorter daylight hours
Possible rain and wind by mid to late October
Colder evenings (not ideal for long outdoor parties)

Top Tip: Pair a bouncy castle with soft play hire or indoor setups as the weather becomes unpredictable. September is a hidden gem for outdoor parties if you get the timing right.

❄️ Winter: Yes, You Can Still Bounce! (December to February)

Why it's possible :While most people think of bouncy castles as warm-weather fun, winter parties are still very doable — especially with indoor venues.

Ideal for:

Christmas parties
Indoor birthday celebrations
School events and reward days
Winter weddings or milestone events
New Year family events

🏠 What to watch for:

Outdoor hires are rarely possible due to cold, wet, or icy conditions.
Make sure your indoor venue has enough ceiling height (ask us for advice!).
Book low-height bouncy castles for halls or community centres.

Pro Tip: Add extras like soft play, ball pits, and disco domes to turn a cold-weather party into a warm, indoor wonderland.

bouncy castle fun , everyday in nottingham

📆 Local Nottingham Events to Plan Around

When choosing your hire date, it’s also worth considering the Nottingham events calendar. Local festivals, school terms, and public holidays can impact both availability and traffic on the day.

📌 Key dates to keep in mind:

Early May Bank Holiday – popular for garden parties
Nottingham Riverside Festival (August) – traffic and venue clashes
School half-terms (Feb, May, Oct) – high demand for family hires
Christmas Markets (Nov–Dec) – indoor hire opportunities for festive fun

Want to avoid clashing with other big events? Give us a quick call — we’re happy to help you plan around what’s happening locally.

🕒 What Time of Day Is Best for Bouncy Castle Hire?

Along with the season, timing your hire properly can make or break your event.

🎯 Our recommended time slots:

Morning start (11am–1pm): Perfect for kids’ energy levels and cooler conditions
Afternoon party (2pm–5pm): Great for full-day hires, especially in summer
Evening bookings (5pm–7pm): Ideal for weddings or older kids’ parties

We also offer overnight hire options for venues or private gardens that allow it. Just let us know in advance.

🛡️ Safety Considerations Through the Seasons

No matter the time of year, safety is always our top priority. At Bouncy Bounce, we ensure:

All inflatables are PIPA tested annually
Our team follows BS EN 14960 standards
Electrical equipment is PAT tested
Setup is done by trained, insured professionals

In colder months or windy conditions, we may advise switching to indoor hire — we won’t set up in wind speeds over 24 mph, as per HSE guidance.

Want to double-check if your date is safe or suitable? Our team will guide you — honestly and with your event’s success in mind.

🗺️ Areas We Cover

No matter the season, Bouncy Bounce proudly delivers bouncy castles in Nottingham and across the East Midlands, including:

We’ve worked with schools, venues, and families all over Nottinghamshire. If you're unsure whether we cover your location, just ask!

✅ Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Time For You?

There’s no single “best” time to hire a bouncy castle — it really depends on what you’re planning.

Here’s a quick summary:

Season	Pros	Considerations
Spring	Mild weather, early bookings open	Rain risk, wet ground
Summer	Warm, perfect for outdoor fun	High demand, sun safety
Autumn	Better availability, cool weather	Shorter days, indoor options
Winter	Great for indoor setups	Outdoor not recommended

Whatever the season, we’ve got the experience, the equipment, and the friendly service to make your event shine — and bounce!