Best summer side hustles you can start this weekend and still make the most of the sunshine

While it's tempting to spend every spare moment relaxing in the garden or heading to the beach, the warmer months also bring plenty of opportunities to earn some extra cash.

Whether you're saving for a holiday, trying to pay off debt or simply fancy topping up your income, here are some of the best summer side hustles to consider.

Help out at festivals and summer events

Summer is packed with festivals, weddings, sporting events, concerts, food fairs and local markets, and many organisers need extra pairs of hands to keep everything running smoothly.

You could find work as a:

• ticket checker
• event steward
• catering assistant
• bar staff
• parking marshal
• setup and breakdown crew member

Many of these jobs are temporary, flexible and paid by the hour, making them ideal if you're only looking to earn some extra cash over the summer.

Websites such as Hotbox Events regularly advertise seasonal event work, while local Facebook groups are also worth checking.

And, if you're reliable and friendly, event organisers often invite good workers back year after year.

Offer garden maintenance

Summer is when gardens seem to grow at double speed. Lawns need mowing, weeds appear overnight and hedges quickly become overgrown. Plenty of people simply don't have the time, energy or equipment to keep on top of it all.

You don't need to be a professional gardener to offer basic maintenance services, such as:

• mowing lawns
• weeding flower beds
• trimming hedges
• sweeping patios
• pressure washing driveways and patios
• watering gardens while people are away

If you don't own the equipment, don't let that stop you. Check Facebook Marketplace or local selling groups for second-hand tools, or hire equipment from companies such as Total Hire or HSS DIY. A couple of jobs could easily cover your costs.

Better still, if you do a good job, many customers will ask you to come back every few weeks throughout the summer.

Walk dogs or look after pets

Summer holidays mean millions of people head away, but not everyone can take their pets with them.

If you love animals, dog walking or pet sitting can be a great way to earn extra money while spending time outdoors.

You could offer:

• daily dog walks
• feeding pets while owners are away
• overnight pet sitting
• home visits for cats and other small animals

Websites such as Rover or Paw Shake make it easy to create a profile and find local customers.

And, happy pet owners often become repeat customers and recommend you to friends and family.

Wash and valet cars

Sunny weather often inspires people to give their cars a good clean, especially before heading off on holiday or selling their vehicle.

With little more than a bucket, sponge, cleaning products and some elbow grease, you could start offering:

• exterior washes
• interior vacuuming
• dashboard cleaning
• tyre shining
• basic valeting

Start by asking neighbours, friends and family, then advertise your services in local Facebook groups.

A few cars on a Saturday morning could provide a healthy boost to your weekend income.

Become a house sitter

Many homeowners prefer not to leave their property completely empty while they're away.

As a house sitter, you could:

• water plants
• collect post
• put bins out
• feed fish or other small pets
• keep an eye on the property

Some house-sitting opportunities even include free accommodation, making this an appealing option if you fancy a change of scenery.

You can find opportunities through websites such as House Sitters UK or MindMyHouse.

Deliver food or groceries

Summer often means more people ordering takeaways, groceries and convenience items, especially during heatwaves or while they're relaxing in the garden.

If you have a car, bike or scooter, delivery driving can offer flexible work around your existing commitments.

Many drivers like the fact they can simply log on whenever they have a few spare hours.

Rent out equipment you already own

Take a look around your shed or garage. You might already own items that other people only need for a weekend.

Popular items include:

• pressure washers
• camping equipment
• gazebos
• paddleboards
• garden tools
• lawn scarifiers
• carpet cleaners

Instead of letting them gather dust, consider renting them out locally.

Just make sure you agree on a deposit and check your insurance if you're lending expensive equipment.

Create summer-themed content

If you enjoy writing, making videos or posting on social media, summer offers endless content ideas that can attract readers and generate income.

You could create content around:

• heatwave money-saving tips
• cheap family days out
• summer budgeting
• garden projects
• UK staycations
• travel hacks
• barbecue ideas
• seasonal recipes
• ways to keep cool without air conditioning

If you have a blog or YouTube channel, seasonal content can perform particularly well in search results while interest is high. You could also earn through advertising, affiliate links or sponsored content.

Sell cold drinks or ice lollies at local events

If local regulations allow it, selling bottled water, soft drinks or ice lollies at community events, sports matches or car boot sales can be surprisingly profitable on a hot day.

Just be sure to check whether you need permission or a licence before you start.

Offer odd jobs around your neighbourhood

Not every side hustle needs a fancy business plan. Sometimes people simply need an extra pair of hands.

You could offer to:

• assemble flat-pack furniture
• clean windows
• paint fences
• move heavy items
• clear garages
• tidy sheds
• put up shelves

Advertising a general ‘odd jobs’ service gives you flexibility and can quickly lead to regular customers.

Whatever side hustle you choose, keep things simple to begin with.

Start by offering your services to friends, neighbours and family, then ask happy customers if they'd be willing to recommend you. A handful of positive reviews can make a huge difference.

Don't forget to take before-and-after photos, where appropriate, as these can be brilliant for attracting new customers on social media.

Finally, make sure you charge enough for your time. It can be tempting to undercut everyone else, but pricing yourself fairly not only reflects the quality of your work, it also helps your side hustle become something that's genuinely worth your time.