5 Best Outdoor Thermometers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our comprehensive guide helps you find the best outdoor thermometer to monitor the weather with accuracy at every price point.

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July 09, 2024

Photo by: Belle DuChene

Belle DuChene

If you’re still trying to read Mother Nature’s mind, we’ve got a better suggestion for getting your weather forecast: buy one of the best outdoor thermometers to always have hyper-local weather data at your fingertips.

Using one of the weather-related apps on your phone might be convenient, but there are some reasons why relying solely on it might not always be ideal. For one, while smartphone weather apps provide general weather forecasts, they may not always reflect local conditions as precisely as on-site weather instruments. Second, outdoor thermometers and weather stations provide detailed information beyond just temperature, such as humidity levels, wind speed, and precipitation amounts. This level of detail is particularly useful for gardeners, pool owners and those who like to entertain year-round.

While smartphone apps are convenient for quick weather checks and general forecasts, outdoor thermometers and weather stations offer more detailed, accurate, and personalized weather data that can better meet specific needs and interests. Combining both methods can provide a well-rounded approach to monitoring weather conditions effectively.

With so many different options available, finding the best outdoor thermometer that fits just right can be a tough task to tackle. Luckily, we’ve vetted and tested the five best outdoor thermometers for you, so you can concentrate on the fun stuff like sprucing up your patio instead. Rest assured, all of these outdoor thermometers stood out for accuracy and functionality, plus they aren’t terrible to look at, either!

Tested by Belle DuChene

How We Tested

To find the best outdoor thermometers, we dove into ratings and reviews to pick out top contenders from reliable brands like AcuRite and Taylor. From there, we put them to the test, starting with setup. We wanted to know how easy (or frustrating) it was to get them up and running in the yard. We also checked if they needed WiFi or could sync with smartphones, which can be handy for keeping tabs on the weather from anywhere. Plus, we looked out for any cool features that made them stand out, like extra info or unique display options.

Accuracy was our big focus. We compared each thermometer's outdoor readings with official weather reports at different times of the day — morning, noon and evening — to see just how spot-on they were. And for indoor models, we double-checked their readings against trusted indoor thermostats.

Photo by: Belle DuChene

Belle DuChene

After all the testing and comparing, the best outdoor thermometers on our list really nailed it when it came to accuracy, ease of use, and how hassle-free they were to set up. These winners are sure to give you reliable weather updates without the headaches.

Amazon
What We Like
  1. Simple to set up
  2. Magnet on back allows it to attach to refrigerator
  3. Easy-to-read large, backlit display
  4. Multiple mounting options
What We Don't Like
  1. No time and date display
  2. Normal life expectancy of the batteries is only 4-6 months

Our top pick for the best overall outdoor thermometer is the ThermoPro TP62 Digital Wireless Hygrometer. It's a practical choice offering reliable and accurate temperature and humidity monitoring for both indoor and outdoor environments, with a range of up to 200 feet. During our testing, it stood out for its hassle-free setup and consistently accurate readings, all at an affordable price point.

Each set includes one display unit and one sensor, with the option to add two additional sensors for monitoring multiple locations such as your basement, garage, and patio simultaneously. Both the indoor unit and outdoor sensors feature keyhole slots and built-in stands, allowing for easy mounting on walls or placement on flat surfaces. During testing, we found the magnetic back on the display unit convenient for attaching it to metal surfaces like refrigerators.

What really caught our tester’s attention is the large LCD screen that offers clear and easy-to-read temperature and humidity readings. The backlit display ensures visibility day and night with just a simple touch, making it effortless to check conditions in any lighting.

Overall, the ThermoPro TP62 Indoor Outdoor Thermometer excels in delivering reliable performance with its dual sensors, wide temperature range, large display, and versatile mounting options. It's an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain comfortable indoor conditions while monitoring outdoor weather conditions effectively.

  1. Type Digital
  2. Display 3.3” LCD with large digits and a touch-sensitive backlight
  3. Temp Range -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
  4. Outdoor Temp Range -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
  5. Humidity Range 10% to 99%
  6. Gives Information On Indoor-outdoor temperatures and humidity; all time and 24-hour maximum/minimum records
Amazon
What We Like
  1. Large and easy to read display
  2. Compact size
  3. Easy installation
  4. Suitable for a variety of climates
What We Don't Like
  1. Does not read humidity
  2. Setup buttons are small and hard to read
  3. Both the base and station require 2 AAA batteries that are not included

The Taylor Wireless Digital Indoor Outdoor Thermometer is a reliable choice for anyone interested in monitoring weather conditions around their home across a wide temperature range. It seamlessly integrates modern wireless technology with a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for those who prefer straightforward devices without sacrificing accuracy.

A standout feature of this compact thermometer is its large LCD screen, which displays both indoor and outdoor temperatures simultaneously. The display is clear and easily readable, even from a distance, ensuring convenience for quick temperature checks. It's capable of measuring a broad range of temperatures, meeting most household temperature needs.

The only drawbacks we could find during testing were that the back buttons are very small and hard to discern making it feel like you’re just clicking around until what you’re looking for appears on the screen. We also wish it showed humidity values, but at this price point we’re not complaining.

  1. Type Digital
  2. Display 2.5" by 3.5" LCD screen
  3. Temp Range Indoor 32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
  4. Temp Range Outdoor with Alkaline Batteries -4°F to 140°F (-20°C to 60°C)
  5. Temp Range Outdoor with Lithium Batteries -40°F to 140°F (-40°C to 60°C)
  6. Humidity Range N/A
  7. Gives Information On Indoor-outdoor temperatures, minimum/maximum temperature recall, time and date
Amazon
What We Like
  1. Large, easy-to-read dial with bold markings
  2. Durable metal construction suitable for indoor and outdoor use
  3. Built-in hanger for easy and secure mounting
What We Don't Like
  1. Some users may prefer digital displays for precise readings

The Taylor Metal Wall Thermometer and Hygrometer offers a classic design with a durable metal casing that not only enhances its longevity, but also gives it a timeless appearance. Its 12-inch size ensures easy readability from a distance, whether it's mounted indoors or outdoors. When mounted outdoors, its sturdy metal construction, equipped with two screw holes, ensures resilience against various weather conditions, although it's advisable to place it in a location protected from excessive wind.

What we loved best about this outdoor thermometer is the design. The large, clear dial with bold markings allows for quick and effortless reading of both temperature and humidity levels. The pleasant font choice adds a touch of elegance to its appearance, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing addition to any space.

One of the benefits of this wall clock over other analog models is its dual functionality as both a thermometer and a hygrometer. This dual capability is particularly beneficial for monitoring indoor comfort levels or outdoor conditions that affect plants and outdoor activities across various climates.

  1. Type Wall
  2. Display Dial
  3. Indoor Temp Range -60°F to 120°F (-50°C to 50°C)
  4. Outdoor Temp Range -60°F to 120°F (-50°C to 50°C)
  5. Humidity Range 30% to 80%
  6. Gives Information On Indoor or outdoor temperatures; humidity
Amazon
What We Like
  1. Wireless connectivity for flexible sensor placement
  2. User-friendly design with a large, clear display
  3. Adjustable backlight brightness (high, low, off)
  4. Comfort indicator
  5. If a sensor breaks, you can buy a replacement on Amazon
What We Don't Like
  1. Not WiFi enabled
  2. Batteries run out quickly

If you're looking to monitor multiple areas of your home simultaneously from a single device, the U Unni Indoor Outdoor Wireless Thermometer offers an ideal solution. This thermometer allows you to track indoor and outdoor temperatures across up to three separate areas, providing convenient real-time updates on its large, easy-to-read LCD screen.

Setting up the U Unni thermometer was straightforward and user-friendly during testing. Simply assign each of the three included sensors to its own channel, insert batteries, and strategically place them in different locations around your home. Within minutes, we had access to temperature readings from our garage, basement, backyard, or any other desired areas — all displayed simultaneously on the device's clear LCD screen.

This capability not only simplifies temperature monitoring but also enhances your ability to maintain optimal conditions throughout various spaces in your home. Whether you're checking for potential freezing conditions in the garage, monitoring basement humidity levels, or keeping an eye on outdoor temperatures affecting your backyard activities, the U Unni thermometer provides comprehensive and accessible temperature data at a glance.

  1. Type Digital
  2. Display 4.5" LCD
  3. Indoor Temp Range -60°F to 120°F (-50°C to 50°C)
  4. Outdoor Temp Range -60°F to 120°F (-50°C to 50°C)
  5. Humidity Range 20% to 95%
  6. Gives Information On Indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity with trends insight, comfort indicator, temperature and humidity alerts; daily MAX/MIN data, low battery indicator
Amazon
What We Like
  1. Offers a wide range of advanced features
  2. Saves money for a smart home
  3. Solar-powered with minimal maintenance requirements
  4. Real time weather alerts
  5. Detects lightning 0 to 25 miles away
  6. Includes a free personal webpage, and a rich API powering a growing list of third-party applications
What We Don't Like
  1. Relies on WiFi for data transmission
  2. More expensive compared to basic weather stations

The WeatherFlow Tempest Weather System is like having your own personal meteorologist at home, delivering up-to-the-minute weather updates whenever you need them. It goes beyond typical weather stations, offering features such as UV index reminders to put on sunscreen and alerts when lightning strikes within a mile.

This sleek, modern weather station does more than just display the temperature. It includes a suite of sensors that monitor wind speed and direction, rainfall intensity, and barometric pressure. It's like always having eyes in the sky, making it perfect for weather enthusiasts, professionals, and anyone needing precise, real-time weather data. The system is compatible with smart home integrations like Alexa, Rachio, IFTTT, Siri, and Homey, enhancing its functionality and convenience.

The Tempest Weather System's robust sensor suite, combined with solar power and wireless connectivity, makes it a reliable choice. Weather geeks will appreciate features like automatic sprinkler delays during rain, heating and cooling adjustments based on the temperature and humidity forecast, and even notifications to close the garage door if it gets too windy.

Setting it up was a breeze — it only took our tester five minutes to download the app, create an account, and select the notifications they wished to receive. Designed to withstand the elements, the Tempest ensures durability and consistent performance over time. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with platforms like Weather Underground, allowing you to share your local weather data with the community or dive deeper into forecasts and trends.

Overall, the WeatherFlow Tempest Weather System offers unparalleled precision and a wealth of features, making it a top choice for anyone serious about weather monitoring. While it may be pricier than simpler models, its accuracy and comprehensive features justify the investment for those serious about monitoring weather conditions or aiming for a complete smart home setup.

  1. Type Weather station
  2. Display N/A, works with smartphone
  3. Indoor Temp Range N/A
  4. Outdoor Temp Range -31°F to 140°F (-35°C to 60°C)
  5. Humidity Range 0% to 100%
  6. Gives Information On Tempest reports temperature, solar radiation and UV, humidity, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, dew point, lightning strikes, rainfall and more

Photo by: Belle DuChene

Belle DuChene

What to Consider Before Buying an Outdoor Thermometer

  • Type: Decide between digital and analog thermometers. Digital thermometers usually offer easier readability and sometimes additional features like humidity readings, while analog thermometers may appeal for their classic look and simplicity. If you want to go all out, invest in a weather station for even more additional features.
  • Display: Consider what information the display shows besides temperature. Some thermometers display humidity, time, date, and even weather forecasts. Choose one that provides the information most relevant to your needs.
  • Temperature Units: The most common options are Celsius (°C) and Fahrenheit (°F). Some thermometers may offer both options, allowing you to switch between units based on your preference or local conventions.
  • Functionality: Determine if you need additional features such as humidity readings, forecast displays, or connectivity options (e.g., WiFi or Bluetooth) for remote monitoring via smartphone apps.
  • Price: Set a budget based on your requirements. Basic outdoor thermometers can be affordable, while more advanced models with extensive features may come at a higher cost.

FAQs

How do I know if my outdoor thermometer is working correctly/accurately?

Compare the thermometer's readings with a known accurate thermometer or a trusted weather source. This could be a nearby weather station, a digital weather service, or a calibrated indoor thermometer.

Do I need to calibrate my outdoor thermometer?

Many outdoor thermometers come pre-calibrated from the manufacturer and are designed to provide accurate readings out of the box. In such cases, frequent calibration may not be required unless you notice persistent inaccuracies. It's a good practice to verify your thermometer's accuracy periodically, especially if precise temperature readings are important for your activities or if you rely on the thermometer for gardening, weather monitoring, or other purposes.

Photo by: Belle DuChene

Belle DuChene

Where should I put my outdoor thermometer?

Placing your outdoor thermometer in the right location is crucial to ensure accurate temperature readings.

Shaded areas away from direct sunlight are best because direct sunlight can artificially raise the temperature readings, leading to inaccurate measurements. Placing it in a location where air can freely circulate helps prevent temperature distortions caused by stagnant air pockets or trapped heat. Ideally, under a tree or on the north side of a building where it's shielded from the sun is best.

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