Brits say the thermometer only needs to hit 14 degrees before they fire up the BBQ.
A poll of 2,000 adults revealed their dedication to alfresco dining, with 21 per cent even prepared to light up the grill when temperatures are in the single figures.
The most extreme 67 per cent will soldier on until they see signs of a storm that their gazebo couldn’t possibly survive.
While 45 per cent would keep tongs firmly in hand despite thunder, and an admirable third would keep going in a storm – while an average of 30 miles per hour winds wouldn’t stop others.
A spokesperson for bakery brand, St Pierre, which commissioned the research, said: “Although we’ve had a bout of beautiful sunshine recently, it’s clear it would have to be raining cats and dogs for us to sacrifice our barbecues.
"It’s incredible to see just how much it takes before people finally call it.
“For many of us, drizzle is just background noise, and even a bit of a chill won’t stop the tongs coming out if friends are on their way.
“That ‘we’ll make it work’ spirit and instinct to gather around good food – whatever the forecast - is a big part of what makes summer feel like summer in Britain.”
Despite a cowardly 31 per cent calling it off at the ‘first drop of drizzle’, the study also found 26 per cent sit firmly in the camp of ‘if you can see through the rain, you can grill through the rain’.
A proud 50 per cent have never cancelled a BBQ because of bad conditions, as 14 per cent reckon doing it in unpredictable weather is part of the fun.
While 23 per cent would refuse to wave the white flag if the food was too good and a considerate 31 per cent wouldn’t want to let guests down.
Of those who have ever had to cancel a BBQ, 49 per cent have done it on the day, according to the OnePoll.com data.
A strong umbrella (19 per cent), patio heater (28 per cent), and gazebo (34 per cent) are among the aids that would make people more likely to BBQ in bad weather.
Nearly half (48 per cent) claim BBQ culture plays an important part in their enjoyment of British summer time, as 58 per cent say the smell of grilling is the first sign of summer.
It seems BBQ season has already begun for 28 per cent who think May is when people should bring out the tongs, but 24 per cent argue June is when it’s truly time to light up the grill.
Controversially, 44 per cent believe operating the BBQ is typically a ‘man’s responsibility’.
Nearly six in 10 (57 per cent) women will leave it up to someone else, but 47 per cent of men take on the role of ‘grill king’ themselves.
It also emerged an adventurous 50 per cent are keen to try new or unusual BBQ foods or mixing the classics with ‘something different’.
While 39 per cent actively want to try new flavours this summer, and 22 per cent are planning the menu and prepping ingredients well in advance, to elevate their garden get-togethers.
The St Pierre spokesperson added: “There’s clearly no ‘official’ start date for BBQ season, but what is consistent is how strongly people associate BBQs with British summertime.
“That smell of grilling really does feel like the starter’s pistol for long evenings, relaxed weekends and bringing people together.
“And while Brits might be famously optimistic about the weather, many are planning the menu and prepping ingredients well ahead of time - showing that even the most simple summertime meal can be a little more memorable when you take the time to do it properly.”
