Summer is the busiest season for porta potties in Middle Tennessee. Weddings, reunions, festivals, ball tournaments and Fourth of July parties all land on the same weekends that bring the most heat.
How hot does it get in Nashville in summer?
Nashville's July average high is 90.9°F and its August average high is 90.4°F, based on the 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Nashville International Airport. July nights average a low of 70.5°F. Those numbers mean a porta potty in full sun sits in serious heat for most of the afternoon.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Average rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 87.7°F | 66.4°F | 4.36 in |
| July | 90.9°F | 70.5°F | 4.16 in |
| August | 90.4°F | 69.0°F | 3.79 in |
Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, station USW00013897. Humidity makes many July afternoons feel hotter than the thermometer shows.
Why do porta potties smell more in the heat?
Porta potties smell more in the heat because warm temperatures speed up the breakdown of waste in the 60-gallon tank. On a 90°F Nashville afternoon, a unit in full sun warms well past the outside air. The blue deodorizing chemical still works, but it needs shade and a tank that is not overfilled.
The vent stack carries odor up and out, so keep the door closed between uses. A closed toilet lid helps, too.
The biggest factor is how many people use the unit between cleanings. Our guide to how porta potty servicing works explains the weekly visit.
Where should a porta potty go in summer?
In summer, place a porta potty in afternoon shade, such as the east or north side of a house, barn or tree line. The spot should still be level, firm and within about 15 feet of where the truck parks. Shade can make the difference between a fresh unit and a hot one by 3:00 PM.
- Use buildings and tree lines for shade, but avoid spots under dead limbs.
- Keep units downwind from food tables and seating.
- Keep the path firm, since summer storms soften lawns quickly.
- Never cover a unit with tarps; that blocks the vent and traps heat.
More detail is in our porta potty placement guide.
Do summer events need more porta potties?
Summer events often need more porta potties because guests drink more water in the heat. Start with 1 standard unit per 200 guest-hours, then add 1 unit for every 4 if alcohol is served. On days near 91°F, round up instead of down, and add a unit near the drink station.
Example: 200 guests for 5 hours is 1,000 guest-hours, or 5 units. With beer and wine, add 2 for a total of 7 units.
The porta potty calculator runs this math. For big festivals and ball tournaments, see our event porta potty rentals.
Do I need extra service or hand washing in the summer?
Busy summer sites benefit from 1 extra service visit a week, and multi-day summer events benefit from a mid-event visit. Hand sanitizer runs out faster when guests are sweaty and eating outdoors. Plan 1 hand washing station for every 2 units when food is served and no sink is nearby.
Every standard unit has a sanitizer dispenser. A two-sided hand washing station adds soap, water and paper towels with no hookups.
For job sites, a crew of more than 10 workers per unit should add a second weekly service in July and August. That keeps the tank and supplies ahead of heavy use.
How do I protect porta potties from summer storms and wind?
Summer storms in Nashville bring sudden gusts and about 4 inches of rain a month from June through August. On open sites, place porta potties beside a building, fence or tree line, keep them off hilltops and ask about securing units. Tipping damage is the renter's responsibility, so placement matters.
- Stay sheltered. Group units along a fence or building line on open fields.
- Stay level. A unit that leans tips more easily in wind.
- Secure open sites. Ask us about anchoring or staking units on exposed lots. Call 811 before driving long stakes.
- Check after storms. If a unit tips, keep people away and call us.
The National Weather Service has more on staying safe in heat at its heat safety page.
What should I check the morning of a hot summer event?
On the morning of a hot summer event, run a 5-point check on every porta potty: shade, level footing, full toilet paper, full sanitizer, and a clear path. Do the check before 10:00 AM, while it is still cool, so any fix happens before guests arrive and the afternoon heat sets in.
- Shade. Confirm the unit is not sitting in the afternoon sun line. Watch where tent and tree shadows will fall by 3:00 PM.
- Footing. Make sure overnight rain has not softened the ground or tilted the unit.
- Supplies. Check paper, sanitizer, and soap and towels at any hand washing station.
- Path. Clear coolers, chairs and cables from the walkway to the door.
- Signs and light. Add a simple sign and a path light if the party runs past sunset.
Hosting a summer wedding? Our wedding porta potty rentals page covers deluxe and flushing options.
When should I book a porta potty for the Fourth of July?
Book a porta potty for the Fourth of July as soon as your date is set, because July 4th weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Nashville. Cancellation is free up to 48 hours before delivery. Units drop Thursday or Friday and pick up Monday, and the extra days cost nothing.
Graduation weekends and peak wedding weeks fill early too. Same-day delivery exists for emergencies when you call by 12:00 noon, but holiday weekends leave little room.
Lock in summer dates now: see same-day porta potty rental for last-minute needs, or call (615) 237-6088.