Stay safe in summer with outdoor home security

Originally posted: 15th June 2021

Last Updated: 28th May 2026

Summer is one of the best times of year to enjoy your home, with longer days, warmer evenings and more time to enjoy outdoors. However, it can also bring increased security risks from open windows and doors, unlocked garden gates and time away on days out or holidays. This is why having the right outdoor home security setup is especially important during the summer months.

In this blog post, we’ll cover practical summer home security tips, from securing your garden to choosing the right outdoor home security cameras and lighting.

Why summer increases home security risks

Daily routines tend to shift during the summer, and this can create vulnerabilities for opportunistic intruders to exploit. Common summer risk factors include:

• Doors and windows left open for ventilation

• Increased time spent in gardens rather than inside

• Empty homes due to holidays and days and evenings out for social events

• More deliveries arriving at your doorstep

• Longer daylight hours masking unusual activity

These factors make outdoor home security more important than ever, particularly around entry points and less visible areas of your property. They also reinforce the importance of tricking burglars into thinking your home is occupied whilst you’re away during the summer, which we’ll cover in more detail later in this article.

Below, we’ll run through the most important indoor and outdoor home security tips at this time of year.

Start with your outdoor access points

Before looking at security devices, it’s essential to get the basics right and assess the physical security of your home’s exterior.

1. Check gates, fences and boundaries

Your garden is often the first line of defence, and even simple upgrades can make a significant difference in preventing unauthorised access. Make sure:

• Gates are secure and lockable

• Fences are in good condition with no weak spots

• Side access points aren’t easily accessible

2. Secure sheds and outbuildings

Sheds and garages are common targets, especially in summer when tools and bikes are used more frequently. Consider adding strong locks and keeping valuables out of sight, especially if you have any valuable or large garden tools that could be stolen or used to force entry into your home. Once these basics are covered, you can then reinforce outdoor home security by using motion sensors or cameras nearby.

3. Don’t overlook side and back entrances

Front doors tend to get the most attention (and are often protected with devices like video doorbells), but many break-ins happen at the rear of a property. Always check that back doors are properly locked, windows are secured and your outdoor lighting covers darker areas where intruders could hide.

The role of outdoor home security cameras

Adding outdoor home security cameras is one of the most effective ways to improve visibility and deterrence, either during the summer or at any time of year. Here’s what they can do, where to place them for maximum security, and how to choose the right one for your home:

1. What outdoor cameras can do

A well-placed outdoor home security camera can:

• Monitor activity around your home

• Send real-time alerts to your phone

• Record footage for later review

• Act as a visible deterrent for opportunistic burglars

2. Where to place outdoor cameras

To get the most value from outdoor security cameras for your home, focus on key areas like your front door and driveway, back garden and rear entrances, side access paths, garages and sheds – these are commonly used access points by intruders, so placing cameras here will allow you to record incriminating footage if the worst should happen. In addition, when installing your camera, make sure to position it in a way that ensures nothing is blocking its view – you don’t want any blind spots ruining your chances of detecting an intruder. 

3. Choosing the right system

When comparing outdoor home security cameras, look for features such as:

• HD video quality

• Night vision and motion detection in the dark 

• Weather resistance

• Motion detection alerts

• App-based control

The SimpliSafe outdoor camera is designed to work as part of a complete system, giving you both visibility and control in one place. Features include HD video, enhanced night vision, a 140° field of view, siren, speaker with two-way audio, offering the most comprehensive protection yet.

Improve visibility with outdoor home security lights

In addition to outdoor cameras, lighting is a simple but highly effective way to strengthen outdoor home security. Whilst evenings are much longer and lighter in summer, you still need a way to light up dark hiding spots and deter opportunistic burglars in the middle of the night, which is why lighting is such a crucial part of your overall security system.

Outdoor home security lights help by:

• Eliminating dark hiding spots

• Drawing attention to movement

• Making cameras even more effective at night

• Signalling that your property isn't empty

• Acting as a visible deterrent for opportunistic intruders

Motion-activated lights are particularly useful because they turn on when movement is detected, surprising and deterring potential intruders and helping you spot nefarious activity quickly. They work especially well when paired with outdoor home security cameras, as the cameras can then record what the outdoor lighting illuminates.

Where to install outdoor lighting

For installation, focus on areas that are typically darker, such as:

• Garden paths

• Side entrances

• Rear doors

• Driveways

Smart outdoor home security for summer

As mentioned above, modern systems go beyond standalone devices, and the best outdoor home security setups combine multiple layers of protection with devices like cameras, smart lighting, alarm sensors and more. With a whole-home security system like SimpliSafe, you can:

• Connect outdoor cameras with entry sensors and alarms

• Receive instant alerts when activity is detected

• Monitor everything through one app

• Add devices as your needs change

This integrated approach is particularly useful in summer, when activity around your home increases.

Summer home security tips for everyday life

Alongside technology, remember that small habits this summer (and throughout the year) can make a big difference to your home security:

When you’re at home

• Avoid leaving doors and windows open unattended

• Lock up when moving between indoor and outdoor spaces

• Bring parcels inside as soon as possible to reduce the risk of parcel theft

• Keep valuables out of sight in the garden and from windows

When you’re away

• Use timers for lights to make your home look occupied

• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on things (like picking up post) 

• Avoid posting travel plans publicly in real time – this can give burglars a hint

• Use your security system to monitor activity remotely

All of the above is designed to make your home look occupied and be easier to monitor when you’re away on your summer holidays. This is essential for reducing the risk of opportunistic burglars targeting your home, as they tend to prefer empty homes where detection is less likely.

What makes the best outdoor home security setup?

The best outdoor home security isn’t just about one device – it’s about how everything works together.

A strong setup all year round typically includes:

• Outdoor home security cameras covering key areas

• Motion-activated outdoor lights

• Secure gates, doors and windows

• Measures in place to make your home look occupied when you’re away

• A home security system that connects everything together

By improving your outdoor home security with the right combination of cameras, lighting and smart habits, you can reduce risk and enjoy the season with greater peace of mind. And no matter if you’re upgrading your setup or starting from scratch, focusing on outdoor protection is one of the most effective ways to keep your home secure all summer long.

Learn more about home security on the SimpliSafe blog.

Frequently asked questions

Do outdoor home security cameras work at night?

Yes – most outdoor home security cameras (such as SimpliSafe’s) include night vision, allowing them to capture clear footage even in low light conditions.

Are outdoor security cameras for your home weatherproof?

Most modern cameras are designed to withstand rain, wind and temperature changes, but it’s important to check the product’s weather rating before installation.

Where should I install outdoor home security cameras?

Focus on entry points such as front and back doors, as well as driveways, gardens and side paths.

Do outdoor home security lights deter burglars?

Typically yes – well-lit areas are less attractive to intruders, especially when lights are motion-activated and can surprise them.

What’s the best outdoor home security solution?

The best solution combines cameras, lighting, alarm sensors and a connected system that allows you to monitor and control everything from one place, such as a simple app on your phone.