A system and method for patching cloud services for use with a cloud computing environment. In accordance with an embodiment, a cloud environment includes a cloud services infrastructure, which allows a suite of software applications, middleware, and database offerings to be delivered to customers in a self-service, elastically scalable manner. Over time, it may become necessary to update one or more of the deployed services. In accordance with an embodiment, services can be patched using a two phase approach. During an offline phase, patches are used to update shared components, such as middleware volumes, without disrupting any currently running services. Subsequently, during an online phase, patched components are enabled on all service hosts, and any necessary domain update/upgrade operations are invoked.