When most people think of summer, they picture vacations, beaches, BBQs, and leisure. What they often overlook are the lucrative business opportunities that are often hidden in plain sight.
While some are relaxing, others are capitalizing on seasonal needs—and doing so quietly and profitably.
From North America to Europe, Asia to Africa, and everywhere in between, summer sparks unique consumer behaviors: more outdoor activities, travel, heat-driven consumption patterns, and increased demand for convenience.
The great news? Most entrepreneurs overlook these subtle shifts.
Let’s explore 10 underrated summer business ideas that can earn you a steady income globally and even evolve into long-term ventures.
1. Mobile Cold Beverage Stand
What It Is:
A mobile cart or roadside setup selling cold drinks like smoothies, fresh juices, iced tea, lemonade, kombucha, or infused water.
Why It Works:
Summer heat increases demand for chilled refreshments. Whether at festivals, beaches, city centers, or parks, people seek hydration with flavor.
How to Start:
- Begin with a portable cooler, drink dispensers, and cups.
- Offer healthy options and unique flavors (mint cucumber, hibiscus lemonade).
- Partner with local events or farmers’ markets.
Global Note:
In cities like Barcelona, Los Angeles, and Bangkok, mobile refreshment stands are highly profitable due to high foot traffic and long summers.
2. Portable Fan and Cooling Gadget Sales
What It Is:
Selling rechargeable fans, handheld misters, neck fans, small AC units, and solar-powered cooling gear.
Why It Works:
Even in regions with consistent electricity, portable cooling options are preferred for travel, offices, commutes, and camping.
How to Start:
- Source from wholesalers or platforms like Alibaba.
- Sell via Shopify, Etsy, Amazon, or at summer fairs.
- Use demos and video reviews to promote.
Trending Globally:
Japan and South Korea lead in innovation for wearable cooling gadgets; demand is growing in the U.S., U.K., and Australia.
3. Event Rentals: Canopies, Chairs, and Cooling Units
What It Is:
Renting out items needed for outdoor summer events, like tents, canopies, misting fans, lights, and seating.
Why It Works:
Weddings, birthdays, reunions, and corporate retreats often move outdoors during summer, especially in scenic locations.
How to Start:
- Start small with a few tents and folding chairs.
- Collaborate with event planners.
- Offer weekend packages and delivery services.
Global Insight:
In Europe and North America, weekend rental businesses earn consistent revenue from May through September.
4. Pop-Up Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt Stalls
What It Is:
Temporary setups for selling gelato, frozen yogurt, soft serve, and artisanal ice cream.
Why It Works:
Children, tourists, and families gravitate toward cold treats during outings.
How to Start:
- Use a chest freezer or an ice cream cart.
- Offer vegan or dairy-free options.
- Locate near summer hotspots: beaches, tourist attractions, and malls.
Global Potential:
Seasonal ice cream carts thrive in cities like Rome, Cape Town, Miami, and Tokyo during the summer months.
Related Article: 12 Smart Strategies to Manage Cash Flow in a Seasonal Business
5. Kids Summer Camp or Mini Bootcamp
What It Is:
Short-term programs offering arts, STEM, sports, or creative workshops for children during school breaks.
Why It Works:
Parents look for engaging alternatives to screen time and care options while they work.
How to Start:
- Rent a venue or partner with schools.
- Hire local instructors or volunteers.
- Develop a flexible curriculum.
Global Relevance:
Countries like Canada, Germany, and Singapore experience high demand for structured kids’ programs in July and August.
6. Laundry and Drying Services
What It Is:
Offer wash-and-fold, ironing, and express drying services, taking advantage of dry weather.
Why It Works:
Clothes dry faster, allowing for faster turnover and reduced energy costs.
How to Start:
- Operate from home or a shared space.
- Provide pickup and delivery.
- Promote bulk discounts.
Unique Selling Point:
Eco-conscious consumers appreciate sun-dried clothing over machine-dried.
7. Pool Cleaning and Maintenance Services
What It Is:
Provide cleaning, chemical treatment, repair, and water-level balancing services.
Why It Works:
Pools see increased use in the summer, especially in homes, resorts, and rental properties.
How to Start:
- Learn basic maintenance via online courses.
- Offer one-time and subscription plans.
- Use biodegradable chemicals for eco-appeal.
High Demand Zones:
Suburbs in the U.S., Mediterranean villas, and South American tourist zones like Brazil and Argentina.
8. Cooling Interior Decor Services
What It Is:
Interior upgrades that reduce heat: blackout curtains, light-reflective blinds, houseplants, and ventilation solutions.
Why It Works:
Rising energy costs push people to seek natural and aesthetic cooling solutions.
How to Start:
- Offer consultation and product bundling.
- Target homes, coworking spaces, and boutique hotels.
- Highlight eco-benefits.
Emerging Markets:
Growing interest in green interiors in the U.K., Australia, and the UAE.
9. Sunscreen and Sun Protection Product Sales
What It Is:
Retailing SPF creams, UV-resistant clothing, hats, sunglasses, and car sunshades.
Why It Works:
Skin health awareness and lifestyle changes have increased demand globally.
How to Start:
- Sell curated products online or in pop-ups.
- Leverage skincare influencers and travel bloggers.
- Bundle SPF with summer skincare sets.
Global Trend:
Sunscreen sales spike globally between May and August. Countries like India and South Africa now drive local production and innovation.
10. Outdoor Photography and Travel Content Creation
What It Is:
Offer outdoor photo shoots, short travel documentaries, or vacation vlogging services.
Why It Works:
Summer provides perfect lighting, events, and scenery for content creation.
How to Start:
- Use a decent smartphone or entry-level DSLR.
- Offer location-based themes (sunset shoots, nature, cityscape).
- Monetize on YouTube, Instagram, or by offering services on Fiverr.
Bonus Insight:
Outdoor photographers are booked solid in Paris, Bali, Cape Town, and New York during summer.
Also Read: How to Successfully Enter the Nigerian Gen Z and Millennial Market in 2025
Conclusion: Capitalizing on the Summer Surge
Summer isn’t just a season—it’s a cycle of intensified consumer needs. Those who spot the patterns and provide solutions can carve out profitable niches that thrive year after year.
The best part? Most of these ventures:
- Requires low capital
- Solve pressing seasonal problems
- Can be launched locally but scaled globally
- Offer room for year-round evolution
If you’ve been considering launching a side hustle or pivoting your current business, these underrated summer ideas might be your smartest move yet.
Start small. Test. Learn. Then expand. The heat might just bring in the cool cash.
