I installed a set of outdoor string lights around my backyard pergola a few weeks ago, and they looked fantastic at first. But now, whenever it gets windy, the lights start flickering on and off randomly. I double-checked all the connections and made sure everything’s tight and the plugs are weatherproof. The flickering only happens when the wind is blowing strong, and it stops as soon as it calms down. I’m guessing it might be a loose wire somewhere or maybe the bulbs are sensitive to movement? I haven’t tried replacing any bulbs yet since they all seem fine during calm weather. Has anyone else had their outdoor lights act up only in windy conditions? Should I be worried about electrical safety here, or is this just a minor annoyance that can be fixed with a little tinkering? What’s the best way to track down the cause without taking down the entire string?

On 02/02/2026 at 5:35 PM, SunnyStone83 said:

I installed a set of outdoor string lights around my backyard pergola a few weeks ago, and they looked fantastic at first. But now, whenever it gets windy, the lights start flickering on and off randomly. I double-checked all the connections and made sure everything’s tight and the plugs are weatherproof. The flickering only happens when the wind is blowing strong, and it stops as soon as it calms down. I’m guessing it might be a loose wire somewhere or maybe the bulbs are sensitive to movement? I haven’t tried replacing any bulbs yet since they all seem fine during calm weather. Has anyone else had their outdoor lights act up only in windy conditions? Should I be worried about electrical safety here, or is this just a minor annoyance that can be fixed with a little tinkering? What’s the best way to track down the cause without taking down the entire string?

Sounds like you’re on the right track thinking it’s a loose connection or wire reacting to the wind. Even if everything looks tight, sometimes the smallest wiggle can cause flickering. I’d suggest gently shaking sections of the string while it’s plugged in (safely, of course) to see if you can pinpoint the exact spot where the flicker starts. That usually helps narrow down the culprit without taking the whole thing down.

Also, check if the bulbs themselves are screwed in snugly - sometimes they loosen over time, especially with outdoor temperature changes. If you find a suspicious bulb, swapping it out with a new one can rule out sensitivity issues. As for safety, if you’re confident the plugs are weatherproof and there’s no exposed wiring, it’s probably not an immediate hazard, but definitely keep an eye on it and maybe unplug during storms just to be safe.