No matter your patio heat source or how big your patio is, whenever you are sitting on your patio inside of the winter, you want to be warm. The best way to keep yourself warm during the winter is to have a temporary patio enclosure set up to keep the heat inside the patio, which also keeps you warm!
Here are some of the best temporary patio enclosure winter ideas that you can use during the winter, and then when the sun comes out you can put them away.
What is a Temporary Patio Enclosure?
A temporary patio enclosure allows you to use your patio whenever the weather is terrible. The enclosure shields the patio from weather effects, and then can be removed whenever the weather is back to normal. You can have an open air space or a closed off and sealed space when the sun gets too hot, the rain hits too hard, or the winter gets too cold!
Why Setup a Temporary Patio Enclosure for Winter?
One of the best reasons to have a temporary patio enclosure is to keep the heat in, much like how an igloo keeps the heat inside the structure and allows you to be warm even while the temperature outside is freezing. The enclosure works the same way and also provides protection from the outdoor elements, so you can use the patio and watch the weather without feeling cold.
It can also be a way to spend time in the yard during cold months, because who doesn’t want to be cuddled up with a hot drink while watching the cold world outside?
10 Temporary Patio Enclosure Winter Ideas
1. Clear Vinyl Curtains 
If you have a patio with some sort of roof you can enclose it with a clear vinyl curtain. This is easily one of the most beautiful options while also being clear, so you can see the world around you without the freezing temperatures clawing their way inside.
These curtains are also very easy to clean, durable, and able to resist strong winds and rain, and are also able to be rolled up with the simple press of a button whenever you need them removed.
2. Wall Mounted Outdoor All-Season Sunroom
If you want to turn your patio into a beautiful sunroom that will make your neighbors jealous, then this is the option for you. The All-Season Sunroom is made of aluminum which is designed to withstand the toughest weather conditions and also can be used year round because it is both beautiful and effective! This one will not need to be temporary!
3. Hardtop Gazebo with Weatherproof Curtains
If you have a patio with no roof, you might wonder how you can enclose it when the harsh weather rolls around. Build a solid wooden gazebo or buy and set up a gazebo like the Yitahome hardtop gazebo. Add curtains to enclose it, clear vinyl or regular water proof ones. Getting weatherproof curtains is a good way to ensure that your wooden gazebo will withstand all the harsh weather in your area.
4. Clear Bubble Tent
The Bubble Tent automatically pops up and gives you secure personal space, and there isn’t a lot of assembly required afterward. It also is very easy to take down as well, and can be secured with sandbags or guylines.
Plus, it can be taken anywhere, so no matter where you want to go during winter, you can have an enclosed area that will work for you.
5. Louvered Pergola with Outdoor Curtains
Chances are you have seen a louvered roof before, and if you pair a louvered pergola with outdoor curtains you will get a perfect patio enclosure for your patio. Additionally, this one also comes with an adjustable roof feature, which lets you get plenty of sun during the warmer months without compromising your enclosure during the winter.
Finally, if you pair the elegant louvered pergola with matching outdoor curtains that are not only durable but also beautiful, you will have a patio you will want to be on and one that your neighbors will be jealous of!
6. Enclosed Outdoor Canopy
You can’t talk about temporary enclosures without focusing on the oldest and greatest temporary enclosure of all, the tent. This pop up canopy is able to be set up like a tent and comes with full enclosure on all sides, and you can easily huddle around a heater and feel like you are camping.
Plus, in addition to the support, the ease of assembly, and the durability, you can often find these canopies in various colors for some added customizability.
7. Build a DIY Temporary Wooden Enclosed Space
You can always build a temporary wooden addition to the side of your house using proper construction materials.
Make it fancy or just throw it together. You can have a durable job that is just good enough and only holds a few essentials, or you can build something extremely fancy that everyone will want to use year round! This option may be a bit expensive for a temporary option, but it is possible, and can be fun if you want to get your hands on some tools!
8. Set Up a Canvas Tent
A canvas tent can also be another great enclosure that you can use for keeping yourself warm in the winter, and canvas tents are also waterproof as well. Some canvas tents even have removable floors that allow you to use them as traditional tents or as just canopies. No matter how you use it, it will keep you warm.
9. Enclosed Screen House Tent
Alright, this option may not be fully enclosed, but it can be fun, and it can provide some support for milder winters. The 15×15 option is great for backyards, especially if you are a camping enthusiast at heart. It pops up instantly and doesn’t come with any assembly needed, and it is just as easy to take down as it is to set up.
It is designed to be long lasting and a great way to keep your patio warm. You might need to install a curtain or a covering to have a full enclosure, but it will still work for your needs.
10. Set Up a Carport
A car port is a great outdoor temporary enclosure option for your patio. It can handle the winter and windy days, so that is a plus. They are very large and can hold a lot of storage if needed. I think the car port is a great option if you are in need of a temporary winter patio enclosure.
The King Bird heavy duty car port is a good option, its design is rounded and snow will not accumulate on top causing damages. Use the space to cover a patio and park your car at other times!
Temporary Winter Patio Enclosure FAQs
Can You Use a Patio Heater in a Temporary Winter Patio Enclosure?
Yes! Patio heaters can be used safely inside of enclosed patios to keep you warm during the winter, as long as you use them safely. You will need to check the clearance of your patio heater and ensure that the heater isn’t touching any part of the enclosure and that you have enough space to move around. You should also make sure that the patio enclosure also comes with ventilation as well.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Temporary Winter Patio Enclosure?
This will depend on the type of enclosure that you want to have installed for your patio. Getting a temporary winter patio enclosure installed professionally can cost around $70 per square foot. Buying one on Amazon or another storefront will cost what it costs on the site, but it will depend on a number of factors such as the size of the patio as well as how fancy you would like the enclosure to be.
Can You Buy Insulated Outdoor Patio Curtains?
Yes, you can find insulated outdoor patio curtains in various stores and storefronts, and they can further help you keep the heat from your patio heater inside of your temporary patio enclosure.
Do I Need a Permit for a Temporary Winter Patio Enclosure?
The answer to this question will end up depending on where you live. The local municipalities have different codes that will affect various things you have in your home or yard, and some of those laws can affect your temporary winter patio enclosure. Make sure to check and ask around if you need a permit, because that is where you will find your answer.
If you do need a permit to get your patio enclosure done, then the process is a very easy one that won’t impede the project too much. You just need to find your local zoning ordinance, visit your local building department, and provide a sketch of what your enclosure will look like.
Final Thoughts
If you want to use your patio during the winter and don’t want to rely on hot drinks and blankets to keep yourself warm while doing so, then taking the time to install a temporary patio enclosure for winter can be very important and can keep you warm as you spend time outside.
There are a lot of options for a temporary patio enclosure, from tents, to wooden structures, to gazebos with curtains. None of these are wrong and one option isn’t better than the other, but you need to make sure that you can pair them with your patio heater effectively and safely so you don’t injure yourself or your guests.
Whether the enclosure is temporary and you only use it during the winter months, or you decide to have the optional enclosure ready to be used all year round, you will certainly find it useful to have! So pick whichever enclosure option works the best for you and then get started on building and using it!
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.