Best Seasonal Business Ideas for Warm Weather

When the cold weather breaks and the sun begins to stay out later, many enterprising people ask themselves the same question: What are the best seasonal business ideas? After all, higher temperatures mean customers are out and about, looking for a bit of sunshine in their lives after a long and dreary winter.

If you’re in a seasonal business, you know exactly what we’re talking about: Your ice cream shop is jammed with customers, or maybe your taco truck’s seeing lines around the block during lunchtime.

But if you’re looking to start a business that’s seasonal during warm weather months and don’t know quite where to begin, you’ve still got plenty of opportunities (and time!) to get your shop off the ground. Here are some of the best seasonal business ideas for warm weather, as well as some banking and loan considerations you’ll need to make if you want to set your seasonal business up the right way.

Starting a seasonal business requires a combination of inspiration and know-how. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Lawn care, landscaping, and gardening is a great seasonal business idea for anyone who loves to get their hands dirty and put in a good day’s work. The barrier to entry is low, and depending on your state, you may not need additional certification or licensure.

Although you may need to buy specialized equipment, many homeowners have their own tools that you can use on-site, too.

First, you should register your lawn care or landscaping business as an LLC to protect your personal assets against any legal action—say, if you accidentally spill fertilizer all over someone’s patch of authentic major-league ballpark grass, and they come looking for restitution.

For larger purchases, consider applying for a business credit card. A cash back business credit card is a great option for most businesses, since it gives you (you guessed it) cash back that you can reinvest into your business—so, who knows, you may end up with the funds to make your landscaping gig a year-round endeavor.

Whether you’re starting out fresh or expanding your existing restaurant empire, starting a food truck is a great seasonal business idea to take on before the summer gets in full swing.

By opening a food truck, you avail yourselves to customers where they already are—at the beach, a park, or near great summertime activities like beer festivals and concerts. To paraphrase an old classic: If you serve it, they will come.

Before you gas up your truck and turn on the griddle, make sure you have all of the required vendor permits, licenses, and official government sign-offs. The permitting process can take some time, so be sure to factor this in while you determine your strategy.

Next, you’re going to need equipment. If you need to purchase or lease a food truck, consider an equipment financing loan. These loans are self-collateralized, which means that the lender will sell that equipment to recoup the debt in the off-chance that you can’t pay back your loan. This helps loan-seekers get the gear they need for their business, without having to put their own assets on the line.

Once you’ve got your truck, you’re going to have to make sure you’re fully stocked with ingredients. A business line of credit can go a long way toward helping food truck owners buy basic goods and materials, while only borrowing the money they need at any given time.

Someone’s got to get all of those food truck patrons into shape, right? If you’re an exercise buff or sports fanatic who wants to turn a passion into a job, then this is the season to get cracking.

If you’re an aspiring personal trainer, do a basic Google search—chances are high that your local gym runs a personal-training certification program. Note that this won’t necessarily be the case if you’re looking for seasonal work as a sports coach.

Regardless of which path you take, if you’re serious about your fitness career, you’re going to want to set up a legal business entity for your work to help you keep your invoicing, payment, and liability issues straight.

Next, you’ll want to consider two big financial factors: Real estate (if you’re opening up a physical location for your shop, like a pop-up shop), and equipment (if you need to buy exercise machines, weights, or coaching tools).

If you’re in the market for new equipment, then consider an equipment loan. If approved, your lender will front you 80% to 100% of the cash you need to buy those kettlebells and resistance bands (or any other gear you need), and you’ll repay them in regular installments.

Since equipment loans are self-collateralized, they pose less risk to the lender, so lenders are a little easier on the borrowers they choose to work with. That means you might get away with a lower credit
score and a shorter financial history than you’d need to secure a traditional term loan.

Spring and summer months bring out the shopper in all of us, especially as outdoor markets and garage sales abound. If you know your way around a toolbox and a paintbrush, you can get started on restoring, reclaiming, and reselling all that secondhand furniture.

After setting up the requisite business entity and opening up a business bank account (are you starting to see a theme here?), you can start looking into financing options for your furniture restoration business.

If you already have a garage, backyard, or studio space in or around your home, your biggest expense isn’t going to be rent. Rather, you’ll need a way to purchase all the tools and materials necessary for refurbishing, reupholstering, and generally beautifying all that old furniture.

If you anticipate stocking up on extra-large purchases when you first get your card, consider a 0% intro APR business credit card. These business credit cards basically act as interest-free loans for as long as that 0% intro APR period lasts, so you can take your time paying down your new toolkit without worrying about exorbitant extra costs. Just make sure you can pay off your balance before the introductory offer ends and a variable APR sets in.

House painting is certainly one of the best business ideas for warm weather. Why? Well, summer is prime time for home improvement. And one of the best ways to improve your home is by slapping a fresh coat of paint it. So that means there’s no better season to get your side hustle on as a house painter.

Painting requires a fair amount of material costs, and you may as well find a solid, steady way to pay for gallons of paint every month. But it can be tough to secure a small business loan right off the bat, especially without that long financial history and great credit score most lenders want to see.

Start boosting your credit score and establishing your credit history by using a business credit card for building credit, which will also cover your basic material expenses for now.

Just because school’s out doesn’t mean that kids need to stop learning. If you’re a teacher who’s looking to make the most of your summer vacation or a college student who would love to make a few extra bucks, tutoring can be a lucrative side hustle during the off-season.

Registering your business as an LLC makes you look more professional, and can help protect you against any legal issues that may arise (say, if a parent tries to sue you because their child didn’t get into an Ivy League school).

But best of all, establishing a business entity means you can open a business checking account. Having a business checking account means you can keep cash in the bank specifically for tutoring expenses like test prep books and learning aids. This way, you’ll know which account is being used to pay for which items, and you can track your business’ profits and losses much easier.

Most tutors may also benefit from learning how to create an invoice or, better yet, using a template in order to take the guesswork out of billing their clients.

If you love spending warm-weather months outside, and sharing the beauty of nature with others, then you may as well get paid to do both. Being an outdoor adventure guide is one of the best seasonal business ideas for anyone who has hiking and camping experience, first aid training, and loves to meet new people.

If you’re just starting out as an outdoor guide, make sure you’re certified in first aid and CPR. And if you’re looking to open up your own shop, you’ll definitely want to file as a business entity in your state and get insurance for your company in case anyone gets hurt while on one of your tours.

As an outdoor guide, your biggest expenses will probably be marketing, equipment, and supplies. You’ll need to buy camping and hiking gear for you and your clients, purchase food supplies if you intend to offer cooking on your excursions, and potentially spend some money to get the word out about your services. If you want to keep expenses down, though, there are tons of free marketing techniques you can use to attract your ideal customers.

So long as it’s legal to sell fireworks in your state, operating a seasonal shop is a great way to capitalize on a hot commodity during warm-weather months.

Even though your inventory might be designed to explode, opening a fireworks shop isn’t all too different from setting up any other small business: You’ll want to register as a legal entity in your state, scope out real estate, open up a business bank account, and be sure you can cover your inventory and operating costs.

Chances are, demand for fireworks will increase a ton around a certain date in early July. And you may find yourself without the capital you need to fulfill all those orders in time.

In that case, you may want to consider securing a short-term loan from an online lender. These loans have the quickest turnaround from application to approval to funding, so they’re a great option if you need cash fast. Repayment periods are short, too, so they’re the best option if you need funds for a one-time project with a specific end date—as most seasonal businesses do.

Do be aware, though, that short-term loans are one of the more expensive loan options out there, so be absolutely sure that your business has the financial bandwidth to repay your short-term loan before seeking one out.

Summer is peak vacation season, but not every family trip can include pets. This is where you come in. If you’re an animal lover who has experience keeping our furry friends happy, fed, and comfortable while their families are away, being a pet sitter can be one of the best seasonal business ideas for you. You’ll get to play with cute critters, raid someone else’s fridge, and make a little bit of extra cash along the way

Thankfully, it’s pretty straightforward to begin your pet-sitting side hustle. All you’ll need is liability insurance (in case something goes wrong with a client’s beloved pet) and a little bit of operating capital to buy treats and other sundries while you’re on the job.

Especially in the early months of the business, most seasonal pet sitters can get by with just a business credit card, since expenses tend to be fairly low. And since you’ll often be driving to clients’ homes, it makes sense to find a card that earns you cash back on gas and other expenses.

Summer is one of the busiest months in the real estate market, which means that there are plenty of folks who need help moving into a new house or apartment. If you’ve got a keen eye for packing and the strength to move bulky furniture, then starting a seasonal moving service could be one of the best seasonal business ideas for you.

Unlike some of the other best seasonal business ideas, setting up a moving business is a bit trickier—if you want to do it the right way. Sure, everyone’s seen a flyer on a telephone pole for a “man with a van”-style movers who may or may not have any kind of liability insurance.

But if you want to be legit, you’ll need to get the following: a business entity, licenses (depending on your local laws), and liability insurance.

Next, you’ll need to think about financing. You’ll need a moving van or truck, hand trucks and other kinds of moving equipment, and smaller items like tape and moving blankets. There are plenty of loan options for each of these items—be it an equipment loan for a moving truck, a business line of credit for larger moving equipment, or a business credit card to pay for day-to-day expenses.

If you hire a team to help you with your moves, you should always leave room in your budget to cover payroll. But if times are tight, you can consider taking out a flexible loan, like a business line of credit, so you can always pay your staff, no matter what.

Everyone loves having a pool in the summertime, but very few pool owners want to deal with the upkeep. With a bit of know-how and the right tools for the job, you can open up your own pool maintenance company in a few simple steps.

Licensing to start a pool cleaning business depends on your state. Some states only require you to have a business license and the right tools for the job. Others, like California and Florida, have stricter requirements that mandate a certain number of years’ experience before hanging your own shingle. Either way, you’ll need to begin by registering a business entity and getting your local permits in order.

Once you’ve got the go-ahead from your state or local government, you’ll have to ensure that you’ve got the right equipment. You’ll need a van or a truck, for starters, as well as pool supplies and chemicals.

If you need financing for your vehicle, consider taking out an equipment loan. These loans are designed to help business owners purchase—you guessed it—equipment. Banks collateralize the equipment you’ve purchased, rather than requiring you to put up your own money or property to secure the loan.

You’ll also have to think about buying supplies. Pool cleaning requires chemicals and other frequently restocked materials, which means you’ll need to look into a business credit card or a business line of credit to keep replenishing your supplies with minimal hassle.

Riding bikes is a great warm-weather activity, especially in areas where there is a lot to do or see. If you know your way around a bike, this may be the best seasonal business idea for you.

To get started with your bike rental business, you’ll need to form a business entity like an LLC and o
pen a business bank account. You’ll then need to go about acquiring all the permits and licenses required by your state. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines. You’ll also probably want to invest in business insurance, just in case someone decides to sue you after falling off their bike.

The cost of establishing your location and buying your bikes varies depending on your market. Either way, you’ll probably want to look into a term loan or equipment financing.

Lots of people like to get out on the water during the summer months—and they need a vehicle to help them get there. If you enjoy water sports, opening your own canoe and kayak shop is one of the best seasonal business ideas for you.

Knowledge of local waterways and small craft safety are certainly helpful in this kind of role. Like a bike rental business, you’ll also have to acquire the necessary permits and licenses to operate in your state—and buy business insurance. The costs associated with launching your business include buying watercraft and establishing a location—ideally near the water.

Are you an enthusiastic golfer, someone who is creative, or someone who just loves to be around other people having fun? Well then, operating a miniature golf course might be the best seasonal business idea for you.

Knowledge of the game of golf can help but isn’t required to start a miniature golf course. It is actually much more important to be handy, as the structure and design of your miniature golf course (i.e. the large wooden windmill blocking the hole) will require constant upkeep.

In terms of startup costs, a miniature golf course can actually be quite an expensive venture. You’ll need a fairly large plot of land to fit 18 holes on, plus funds to build and decorate your course and purchase equipment.

A pedicab is a small pedal-operated vehicle that can take customers to their desired location. If you’re interested in getting in a workout, chatting with some customers, and making a few extra bucks, this could be a great side hustle for you.

Cyclists are probably the ones most suited to be pedicab operators, as they already have experience riding long distances—which is the main requirement for operating a pedicab. Buying a pedicab costs several thousand dollars, and you’ll also need to get business insurance and a license to be a pedicab operator in your state.

If you love serving your community with fresh fruits and vegetables in a friendly outdoor environment, operating a farmers market may be the best seasonal business idea for you.

To operate a farmers market, you’ll first need to find a location. This means dealing with your local government and acquiring the proper licenses and permitting. Typically farmers markets are hosted on municipal land or on the property of a local business.

The costs associated with setting up a farmers market include rent for the location, licensing and liability insurance, and marketing costs. Your revenue will be derived from the fee you charge vendors to sell at your market. Note that many farmers markets operate as nonprofits.

Do you have a passion for working with kids, teaching, the outdoors, or all of the above? Why not start a summer camp? You could enrich the lives of children by providing them with a summer experience they will never forget.

The differences between operating a day camp and a sleep-away camp are vast. But both require you to abide by some strict federal, state, and local regulations. For example, any staff member who works with children must undergo a thorough background check. There are also requirements for liability and medical insurance.

Costs include rent for the facility you operate out of (for day camps) or rent for the campsite (for sleep-away camps). Then there is equipment: Cabins, watercraft, arts and craft materials, and sports equipment, to name a few. There are also costs for food, transportation, and staff salaries. Note that some camps are eligible for business grants or low-income loans.

If you’re an avid surfer who wants to share your passion with others, consider opening up your own surf school. For those that love the open water and catching the perfect wave, this is the best seasonal business idea.

For starters, you need to be an excellent surfer. You also need to live in an area where surfing is incredibly popular, like a coastal city. Since you’re going to be a teacher, it helps to have goo
d people skills and to be relatable. In terms of logistics, the International Surf Association (ISA) actually provides guidelines on how to run a certified surf school.

The costs associated with running a surf school are actually quite minimal. You don’t actually need a physical location to operate out of. Instead, try setting up a shack on a public beach and buying some extra surfboards and rash guards—and maybe a first aid kit. You will want to invest in business insurance in case a customer gets injured under your watch.

Similar to a surf school, those who love horses have an opportunity to share that love with others during the summer months by offering horseback riding lessons. Why not teach others the joys of equestrian, and get paid doing it.

A great horseback rider is key in this role. You also need to be a good teacher and know how to care for a horse. In terms of operating costs, you’ll either have to buy your own ranch where you offer lessons or rent from someone else. There are also licenses and permits required to offer horseback riding lessons, plus liability insurance. Additionally, there’s the cost of the horse, which can be several thousand dollars.

Other costs to consider include fencing, a barn, stables, hay, and watering troughs.

With the advent of programs like “American Ninja Warrior,” challenge courses have become an increasingly popular business. A challenge course is an outdoor venue featuring a series of obstacles that individuals have to travel across, such as a rock-climbing wall, ropes course, and zip line. If you love a good adrenaline rush and are in excellent shape, this might be the best seasonal business idea for you.

There are obviously permits, licenses, and insurance requirements for operating a challenge course. Then there is the cost of purchasing or renting a facility and stocking it with obstacles. Obstacles vary in price, but you can expect to shell out several thousand for any one type of obstacle. A challenge course is also dangerous, meaning you’ll need to hire well-trained staff.

Finally, you need to market your business. Challenge courses are often located in out-of-the-way places. Therefore, you’ll need to get the word out in order to get customers to come try out your challenge course.

Embarking on a seasonal business idea means playing to your existing strengths. Whether you’re a tutoring rockstar or a pyromaniac that loves Independence Day, there’s a potential business opportunity waiting for you to jumpstart this season.

Once you complete a few basic, but essential, steps—like registering your business entity, opening a business bank account, and applying for a business credit card—you can get cracking on a business that makes the most of the sunshine and warm weather. And no matter what business you pursue, there’s a lending option out there to help you make it happen.