Football season is here, and that means it's time for one of the most beloved traditions in sports—tailgating! Whether you're cheering for a national team or showing your college pride, tailgates are the ultimate way to celebrate with food, drinks, and camaraderie. But as any seasoned tailgater knows, football season spans four unpredictable months of weather, bringing everything from sunny skies to rain, snow, and sleet, depending on where you are.

Preparation is key to ensure your tailgate is the best on the lot—and that starts with knowing and being ready for any weather conditions. To make things easier for you, we found the most popular tailgate spots (according to the internet), and what their weather conditions are during early season, mid-season, and playoffs. In this blog, we’ll highlight the typical weather conditions for some of the best national and college football tailgating stadiums across the country, and share tips on how to power up and weatherproof your tailgate like a pro . Let’s get ready to tailgate in style, no matter the conditions!

National Football Tailgating versus College Football Tailgating

Both national football and college football fans embrace tailgating traditions, but college tailgates tend to lean toward tradition and community, while national stadium tailgates are often larger scale with a bit more focus on the spectacle and entertainment. National stadium tailgates usually start hours before a game in dedicated tailgating lots. Dedicated fans celebrate their teams by preparing for the game with grilling, drinking, and pre-game festivities.

On the other hand, college tailgates can be all-day events with unique school traditions, fight songs, and campus rituals with high energy driven by student and alumni with deep ties to their school. Each school has unique traditions, rituals, and even food associated with tailgating, adding a distinct flavor to each event. 

Best National Football Stadiums to Tailgate At & Their Tailgating Weather Conditions

• Lambeau Field (Green Bay Packers): Lambeau field is known for its legendary tailgating with brats, cheese, beer, and temperamental weather. Packers fans are devoted and brace themselves against weather conditions ranging from the rainy early season to the sub-zero “Frozen Tundra” tailgates including freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and icy conditions. Lambeau Field is particularly famous for its hardy fans who embrace the cold, making tailgating in the snow and freezing weather a badge of honor, but not without the help of some essentials like portable heaters, chili pots, and warm drinks.

• Arrowhead Stadium (Kansas City Chiefs): Famous for its barbecue scene, Arrowhead tailgates are full of smoky goodness and a passionate fan base that doesn’t let some bad weather get them down! Temperatures are generally mild during the early season but shift to rainy and snowy during the mid-season, Inclement winter conditions dominate the playoffs, with the likelihood of snow, sleet, or freezing rain increasing.

• AT&T Stadium (Dallas Cowboys): Tailgating in Dallas is serious business, with a party atmosphere that often involves grilling, music, and Cowboys pride. At AT&T Stadium, the weather during tailgating season is generally milder than in colder climates, but it can still vary significantly from early season to the playoffs. Although Texas fall and winter aren’t as cold and snowy as up north, it can get quite rainy and cold as football season progresses. AT&T Stadium's retractable roof means that the game itself is protected from the elements, but tailgaters should still prepare for varying outdoor conditions.

• Highmark Stadium (Buffalo Bills):  Tailgating at Highmark Stadium is a true test of endurance, especially as the season progresses. Fans are known for their dedication, braving the elements to support the Buffalo Bills, no matter the weather. The weather during tailgating season can be quite variable, ranging from mild and pleasant in the early season to frigid and snowy during the playoffs. The early season brings in frequent rain showers, and typically the first frost by end of October. During mid-season, tailgaters should be prepared for cold and damp conditions, with the potential for a wintry mix. Playoffs weather is particularly harsh, with heavy snowfall, strong winds, and freezing temperatures common during December and January. Lake-effect snow can bring significant accumulations, creating challenging conditions for tailgating.

• MetLife Stadium (New York Giants & Jets): With fans from two teams, MetLife offers a bustling tailgating scene with a range of food and activities. The weather at Metlife Stadium varies from a typically pleasant early season to unpredictable weather events during a cooler, rainier, and snowier mid-season. The cold weather during playoffs can be biting, especially with the wind chill, and snowstorms are not uncommon. Tailgaters need to be prepared for harsh conditions, including snow accumulation, winter storms, and freezing temperatures.

Best College Football Stadiums to Tailgate At & Their Tailgating Weather Conditions

• Tiger Stadium (Louisiana State University): LSU's tailgating scene is legendary, with Cajun food, live music, and an unmatched party atmosphere in Baton Rouge. The weather at Tiger Stadium, aka Death Valley, during tailgating season in Baton Rouge is generally warm and humid, especially in the early part of the season. The early season is marked by warm, humid conditions, especially in September, with the potential for afternoon thunderstorms. However, as football season progresses, the days become generally more comfortable, with some possibilities of rain and damp conditions during playoffs.

• Bryant-Denny Stadium (University of Alabama): The Alabama Crimson Tide fans create a festive environment with plenty of grilling and Southern hospitality. At Bryant-Denny Stadium, the weather during tailgating season varies from warm and humid early on to cooler and more comfortable as the season progresses. The weather is similar to LSU’s Tiger Stadium, with a possibility of thunderstorms in the early season followed by a pleasant mid-season. With playoffs in December, the weather can be unpredictable with cooler temperatures and higher chances of rain. Tailgaters should be prepared for chilly and potentially wet conditions, though extreme cold is uncommon.

• Michigan Stadium "The Big House"  (University of Michigan): With some of the largest tailgates in the country, Michigan tailgating is always an experience, especially in Ann Arbor’s fall weather. However, Michigan Stadium’s tailgating weather doesn’t always stay pleasant, reflecting the changing Midwest seasons. While the beginning of early season tends to be mild and pleasant, October brings cooler air and more frequent showers. Moving into the mid-season, Ann Arbor’s weather gets notably chillier, and inclement weather conditions such as rain and snow increase. During the playoffs in December, tailgaters at Michigan Stadium need to be prepared for all kinds of cold and wet weather conditions, including snowstorms, ice, and freezing rain.

• Neyland Stadium (University of Tennessee): While Southern college football has all kinds of special traditions, University of Tennessee’s Vol Navy river tailgates are one of the most unique. Known for "sailgating" along the Tennessee River, Neyland offers a unique and exciting tailgate atmosphere. This doesn’t mean that the only source of water during these tailgates is the river, though – humid air and late-afternoon thunderstorms often accompany early season sailgating, making protective gear an absolute must. The weather becomes less humid during mid-season, but December playoff sailgates are cold, with temperature lows dipping below freezing and chances of snow, rain, and sleet.

• Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (University of Mississippi "Ole Miss"):  "The Grove" is one of the most iconic tailgating spots in college football, with the Rebels dressed in their Sunday best and elaborate tailgate setups. However, these elaborate setups can be affected by negative weather conditions if tailgaters aren’t prepared. The weather during tailgating season at University of Mississippi changes significantly as the season progresses. Just like LSU and University of Alabama, the early season is marked with warm and humid weather, with chances of afternoon thunderstorms. While the mid-season is typically more cool and pleasant, perfect for tailgating conditions, playoffs see a decrease in temperatures and increase in chances of rain. During the rainy seasons, tailgaters should be prepared with proper protective gear for themselves and their elaborate setups. 

How & Why to Power Up Your Football Season Tailgate With a Portable Generator

A well-powered tailgate is the heartbeat of game-day festivities. From cooking your favorite food to blaring your favorite tunes to keeping yourself warm with a portable heater during playoffs, powering up your setup with a portable generator is the key to keeping the energy high and the good times rolling. Start by checking stadium rules and regulations for portable generators. If you’ve got the green light, select a generator that meets your energy needs—calculate the total wattage of all your devices, from electric coolers and slow cookers to TVs and speakers. To get all the information you need about tailgating best practices with a portable generator, check out our complete guide .

But powering up isn’t just about gadgets and gear—it’s about ensuring your party is prepared for anything. A generator provides the backbone for critical elements like lighting, heating, and cooking, allowing your tailgate to thrive in any environment. Whether you’re kicking off at sunrise or staying late into the evening, reliable power ensures you can have the ultimate tailgate setup. More importantly, a portable generator also ensures that sudden weather changes or a lack of nearby outlets won’t disrupt your tailgate. Four months of football season brings lots of chances for inclement weather that could dampen tailgate spirits if you’re not prepared. Whether you're braving the cold for a late-season game or grilling under a cloudy sky, your generator keeps the good vibes going.

How to Weatherproof Your Tailgating Setup

Weather can be unpredictable during football season, with stadiums experiencing everything from scorching sun to pouring rain and sudden snowstorms. To keep your tailgate running smoothly, you need to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store. Start with the basics: a reliable canopy or tent to provide shelter from sun, wind, or precipitation. This helps protect both your guests and your equipment. You’ll also need to make sure to dress up for the elements, including dressing in layers during colder seasons and wearing waterproof gear on rainy days.

Along with protecting yourself and your setup against the elements, you’ll also need to consider extra precautions for your generator. Portable generators are expensive investments that power your entire setup, and they need protection to function properly in harsh conditions. That’s where a GenTent portable generator cover comes into play. These covers are designed to shield your generator from rain, snow, and sleet while allowing it to operate safely and efficiently. With a weather-resistant cover, your generator remains dry and functional, reducing the risk of electrical issues or mechanical failures caused by exposure to the elements.

By planning ahead with the right protective gear, including waterproof seating, windproof tents, and generator covers, you can create a weatherproof tailgate setup that keeps the party going, no matter the conditions. From ensuring your grill stays fired up in the rain to keeping your fans warm on frigid days, protecting your equipment is the key to an unforgettable tailgate, regardless of the weather.