need outdoor lights that survive rain and snow

“Affordable” doesn’t necessarily mean less durable here. I’d qualify the idea that a higher-priced fixture will automatically survive heavy storms better. Check the IP rating first: an outdoor fixture rated at least IP44 is protected against splashing water, while IP65 offers stronger protection for exposed locations. Installation matters just as much. Use weather-rated junction boxes and connectors, seal cable entries, and mount the light so snow and water can’t collect around the housing. A reasonably priced, properly rated fixture can outlast an expensive one that’s poorly sealed or installed.

For a light that needs to last beyond one season, I’d also look for:

- LED fixtures with replaceable bulbs, rather than sealed units.
- If it’s an integrated LED, check whether the driver is accessible and replaceable.
- A failed bulb or driver then costs much less to repair than replacing the whole fixture.
- Still verify the fixture’s outdoor rating, since replaceable parts don’t help if water gets into the housing.

For exposed areas with heavy snow and storms, IP65 is worth prioritizing over simply choosing the cheapest outdoor-rated light.

The replaceable-bulb point is especially useful, but what temperature range is the fixture actually rated for? In snowy climates, cold-weather certification matters because some drivers and seals fail when temperatures drop well below freezing. I’d also mount the light away from roof runoff and places where plowed or shoveled snow can hit or bury it. Even an IP65 fixture can have problems if ice repeatedly lands on it or snow blocks heat dissipation.