The 10 Best Outdoor Thermometers
This wiki has been updated 30 times since it was first published in December of 2017. Whether you’re socializing on the patio or working in the garden, a glance at one of these outdoor thermometers will tell you the temperature, so you won’t have to take off your gloves or disrupt a conversation to check the weather app on your phone. They come in a variety of styles, from rugged metal units to decorative models that will enhance the aesthetics of your home. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Conant Vermont
2. Aspects Classic
3. Sun Company Zip-O-Gage
Editor's Notes
April 27, 2020:
This list required a total overhaul; all but one item has been replaced. Most of the legacy listings were no longer available, and the few that could still be purchased were of exceptionally low quality.
We have only included traditional thermometers designed for outdoor use, omitting indoor-outdoor models that require a sensor to be placed outside to feed a digital display screen inside the house. Designs vary within the category, which includes old-fashioned vertical models with a liquid gauge and clock-style thermometers with a dial — some of which feature hygrometer markings for measuring humidity as well.
Whereas most of these are built to be mounted in a semi-permanent way (such as on a wall, fence post, or tree), the Sun Company Zip-O-Gage is a small, portable unit that fits easily into a pocket or attaches to your gear via a keyring. This one is great for campers and hikers, and it even includes a helpful chart on the back side to help you determine the wind chill based on the current conditions.
Among the more traditional models, some are mounted via a swiveling arm (the Conant Vermont, for example), and others can be attached to a window or any other glass surface via suction cups (such as the Aspects Classic). The SPI Home 33314 may seem pricey when compared with many of the other options, but we note that it serves as a high-quality decorative piece in addition to providing accurate readouts and long-term durability.
Special Honors
Kinsman Garden Window This one’s not really geared toward those looking to enhance their patio decor, but its bright, easy-to-read markings and tough utilitarian construction make it a nice choice for use out in a vegetable garden. It adheres well to windows, which can be useful in a camper as well. kinsmangarden.com
Garret Wade Spirit Made with solid brass, this traditional vertical thermometer withstands harsh conditions without fading or corroding. It installs quickly with only a few screws, and it provides accurate readouts in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee, too. garrettwade.com
4. SPI Home 33314
5. Wind & Weather Large
6. Miksus Premium
7. Infinity Blanc Fleur
8. WiHoo Metal
9. Taylor Jumbo
10. River’s Edge Lunkers
In addition to his corporate career as a marketing and communications professional in Chicago, Sam runs a popular blog that focuses on the city’s flourishing craft beer and brewery scene. He received his degree in journalism from DePaul University (which spurred his interest in freelance writing) and has since spent years developing expertise in copywriting, digital marketing and public relations. A lifetime of fishing, hiking and camping trips has left him well-versed in just about any outdoors-related topic, and over several years spent working in the trades during his youth, he accumulated a wealth of knowledge about tools and machinery. He’s a travel junkie, a health and fitness enthusiast, and an avid biker.