How Long Do Helium Balloons Last?

Planning balloons for a party and wondering how early you can inflate them? Float time depends on the type of balloon — here's what to expect.

Quick answer

• Standard latex balloons (28cm/11"): around 12–24 hours filled with helium.
• Foil (mylar) balloons: several days to a few weeks — they hold helium far better.
• Orbz & bubble balloons: weeks — the most durable option.

Latex balloons: 12–24 hours

Natural latex is porous, so helium slowly escapes. A standard 28cm latex balloon floats for roughly 12–24 hours at room temperature. For an evening event, inflate the same day.

Make them last longer with Hi-Float: a food-safe gel coating applied inside the balloon before inflation. It can extend latex float time to 2–5 days or more. Ask our team to add Hi-Float when you order.

Foil balloons: days to weeks

Foil (mylar) balloons — like number and letter balloons — have a non-porous lining that holds helium far longer, typically 5 days to 2+ weeks. Great for milestone displays you want to set up in advance.

What affects float time?

• Temperature: heat expands helium (can pop balloons); cold shrinks it (they sink, then recover when warm). Keep balloons out of hot cars and direct sun.
• Size: bigger balloons hold more helium and float longer.
• Altitude & drafts: air-conditioning and rough handling shorten float time.

Can't get to us in time?

Helium balloons are Adelaide pickup & local delivery only (helium can't be posted), but our foil number and latex balloons ship flat Australia-wide to inflate at home.

FAQ

How long do foil number balloons last? Filled with helium, 5 days to 2+ weeks; air-filled, indefinitely. Can I inflate latex balloons the night before? With Hi-Float, yes. Without it, inflate the same day. Do helium balloons last longer in the cold? No — cold makes them sink temporarily; extreme heat can pop them.

👉 Shop helium balloons in Adelaide or foil number balloons.