When the UK weather is colder and is not many daylight hours, the thought of heading outdoors with your team can feel less than exciting. But outdoor team building activities don’t need to stop just because winter is here. In fact, colder weather can bring a certain energy that’s perfect for recharging team dynamics. With the right approach, structure and mindset, winter activities can work just as well as those planned in warmer months. The key is knowing what supports collaboration and comfort when skies are grey and temperatures are low.
Team days in January and February don’t have to mean staying indoors. By understanding how to prepare for the season, large groups can enjoy meaningful time outside that still brings people together. With over 20 years of team building knowledge and thousands of experiences delivered across the UK and around the world , we bring that seasonal awareness into every winter event we design.
Planning With the UK Weather in Mind
Cold weather adds a few more moving parts to the planning process. It’s not just about choosing the right activity, but thinking ahead to how shorter days, wind or rain might affect timing, flow and safety.
We always look for venues that offer both outdoor space and backup options, such as partial cover or nearby indoor shelters. This allows teams to shift if the weather turns quickly. Having seating areas under canopy, hard ground surfaces or event tents nearby can make all the difference when planning for big numbers.
When working with large groups, basic comfort matters even more. People appreciate having warm drinks nearby, short transitions between tasks and proper break zones. Planning around natural daylight, using earlier start times and building in regular movement helps keep the atmosphere upbeat even when it’s a bit dreary out.
The Right Outdoor Activities for Colder Months
Some outdoor team building activities work better than others once gloves and jackets come into play. In colder weather, we focus on formats that keep people moving, thinking or working in short bursts without long gaps of waiting around. Experiences such as Highland Games, delivered for groups of 8 or more guests over 2 to 4 hours, combine physical contests like caber toss and tug o’ war with plenty of light-hearted competition, which helps keep people active and engaged in cooler conditions.
These ideas usually fit the season well:
• Short, timed challenges that involve some pacing or physical movement
• Activities run in rotation so no one’s standing still for long
• Tasks designed for collaboration in small breakout teams spread across wider outdoor zones
• Structured problem-solving or puzzles that can be done hands-on, quickly and clearly
The goal is to create momentum without relying on sunshine or warmth. When activities are simple to grasp and easy to get into, people are far more likely to take part with enthusiasm, even if the sky stays grey.
Keeping Energy High and Morale Up
Team energy doesn’t come from temperature, it often comes from structure. When everyone knows what’s happening, has support from a host or facilitator and experiences a mix of activity and downtime, energy stays balanced.
We keep things moving with regular pace checks, simple instruction and focused goals. A good outdoor session includes time to catch a breath, grab a hot drink and regroup. When working with larger teams, offering those warm-up periods and small moments of rest can make it feel more enjoyable rather than rushed or draining.
Open-ended activities tend to stretch too long in winter weather. That’s when energy dips and people start to lose focus. We avoid formats that leave team members waiting or unsure of their part. Bite-sized, time-bound outdoor ideas work far better in colder conditions, especially if participation is kept active from start to finish.
Safety, Accessibility and Group Size
Planning for safety is always part of any team activity, but winter brings a few more things to think about. Wet ground, icy patches and lower visibility can affect how and where larger groups move together.
We would advise looking for venues with clear paths and slip-resistant surfaces. Zones for activity need to be spread out without being too far apart and areas where people gather must be easy to access, especially for those with mobility needs.
Group sizes over 20 need smart spacing, proper signage and support crew who can keep the flow moving. That doesn’t mean everything must be complex, it just needs clear planning to make sure everyone feels involved, safe and comfortable from start to finish.
A Fresh Take on Outdoor Time Together
When team members show up to a winter session, they often expect to be uncomfortable. This actually creates an opportunity. When the day is well planned, people are happily surprised.
There’s something about cold weather that pulls people closer, both literally and through shared experience. It becomes less about having perfect conditions and more about being together and working through something as a group.
The best winter activities don’t ignore the season; they embrace it. These might include shared challenges that allow for movement and conversation or reflective exercises that focus on group connection rather than competition. Activities such as Flat Out:Formula 1 are guaranteed to ignite a competitive streak and give team members space to show ingenuity, co-operation and individuality within a shared challenge. With the right tone and format, outdoor time together during the colder months can offer an unexpected sense of connection.
Why Cold Weather Can Create Warmer Teams
With careful planning and the right timing, outdoor team building activities can work just as well in the colder months. When teams are supported with structure, options for movement and enough warmth to stay comfortable, winter becomes one of the most memorable seasons for shared outdoor experiences.
When the planning is solid and every detail helps people feel comfortable and included, the result is a team that’s ready to work better together, no matter what the weather throws at them.
At Team Challenge Company, we specialise in planning engaging outdoor experiences for your team, even in the colder months. Our expertise ensures larger group sessions are well-structured, energetic and comfortable, whatever the weather. Every detail, from accessible venues to enjoyable formats, is covered so your winter event is set up for success. outdoor team building activities and start creating an unforgettable winter experience for your team.