Outdoor thermometers are a great way to keep track of the temperature without relying on the often inaccurate weather forecast. Whether you want to plan your day ahead or you'll be hosting an outdoor event, an outdoor thermometer can help you avoid any unfortunate weather-related surprises. But the question remains: how do you choose the right outdoor thermometer for your needs? In this article, we have reviewed the best outdoor thermometers in 2024, highlighting their features, benefits, and drawbacks — and to save you some time, our favorite option is the ThermoPro Outdoor Thermometer for its accuracy, reliability, and effective design
Our Top Picks For Outdoor Thermometers
The Best Outdoor Thermometers
Best Overall
This ThermoPro outdoor thermometer remotely measures the temperature and humidity 24 hours a day while also indicating whether your day will get warmer or colder as it goes on. This thermometer’s display can share weather readings from up to 3 sensors to give you the most accurate information about your environment, which means that it can also measure indoor and outdoor temperatures simultaneously. On top of all of this, you can station sensors up to 200 feet away from the home receiver; great news if you have a large yard! This thermometer gets our best overall award for its remote measuring, high accuracy and affordable price.
Pros
- Trend arrows predict future temperature
- Long range sensors
- Accurate readings
Cons
- May not function in cold fog
Affordable Option
Do you like the look of classic thermometers? Want to replicate it at home? This outdoor thermometer by Springfield features icon design elements like a red hand, large black numbering and a circular face that you’ll be sure to appreciate. With ink and numbers that won’t fade and durable materials, this thermometer will last a long while. You don’t even need to worry about batteries with this machine. Just set it up somewhere out of direct sunlight and get accurate temperature readings.
Pros
- Shatter and weather-resistant
- Easy to read
- Includes a side mount
Cons
- Not incredibly stylish
Most Features
This wireless outdoor thermometer is the machine that does it all. Supporting up to three outdoor sensors, its display monitor shares the temperature and humidity of multiple locations. Not only that, it also predicts the temperature up to a day in advance and doubles as an alarm clock that has multiple alarm settings! If you want an outdoor thermometer will all the bells and whistles, try out the Newentor Thermometer today.
Pros
- Accurate atomic clock
- Connecteable to 3 remote sensors
- Modern sleek design
Cons
- Must purchase additional sensors
Most Artistic
Our next thermometer is for those who enjoy art, color and nature. MUMTOP knows some appreciate style and want to know what the weather is like outside. With this in mind, they created a series of animal-based thermometer designs that will go great in your yard. Pick out your hummingbird, sun, or insect design, hang up your one-pound thermometer away from the sun and rain, and you’re good to go!
Pros
- Easy to read bold black numbers
- Simple cleaning process
- Stylish choice
Cons
- Cannot get wet
Simple and Effective
This thermometer by Taylor is the perfect solution for those who want a simple, effective outdoor thermometer without the extra, potentially unnecessary details. This thermometer includes one remote long-range sensor and a legible display that details indoor temperature, outdoor temperature, and time. It also features a memory-saving option allowing you to record minimum and maximum temperatures should you ever need to have that information for a potential project. Pick up this thermometer for accurate readings today.
Pros
- Crystal clear display
- Clock, indoor, and outdoor temperatures
- Compact and slim shape
Cons
- Does not have a long lifespan
Great for Patios
Have a patio that you enjoy and want to decorate? This combined outdoor thermometer hygrometer is classy and details the temperature and humidity. We love the dark brown color, white background and black numbering that together make this a great wall piece to enjoy. To maintain this thermometer, just place it in a spot away from the sun and wipe it down to remove dust. What? You don’t have to swap out dead batteries? That’s right. This thermometer can measure temperature and humidity with no need for batteries.
Pros
- Stylish, modern desgin
- Measures temperature and humidity
- Battery-free
Cons
- Small at only 8-inches in diameter
Amazing Display
We understand that some people like to know everything about their environment. With this outdoor thermometer by ORIA you’ll be able to understand instantly the local temperature in four different locations. Place your sensors all outside, in your barn, in your basement, in your attics, living room, and wherever else you want to know the exact temperature and humidity of. Wherever you place your sensors, know you’ll be able to read their measurements because of the powerful display and nighttime backlight feature. Consider this thermometer for your home and yard today.
Pros
- Monitoring multiple spaces
- Nighttime backlight function
- Displays humidity and temperature
Cons
- Does not include an alarm
Buying Guide: Outdoor Thermometers
If you are looking for a reliable outdoor thermometer, you might be overwhelmed by the many options available online. However, not all thermometers are created equal, and some might give you inaccurate or inconsistent readings that can affect your plans. That’s why we have prepared this guide to help you find the best outdoor thermometer for your needs. We have considered various factors that are important for choosing a high-quality outdoor thermometer. Follow our tips and you will be able to buy the best outdoor thermometer with confidence.
What Should You Consider When Buying an Outdoor Thermometer?
Durability
An outdoor thermometer should be durable and long-lasting. As the name suggests, the thermometer has to be placed outdoors, so it should be made of materials that won’t rust. This will keep the thermometer useful and in a working state for a long period.
Easy to install
Thermometers should be easy to install and come with a user manual to help customers with setup. Most thermometers can be placed on a table or mounted on a wall and require you to install batteries, assuming they are needed, and start working instantly. That said, there are some thermometers whose installation is difficult. You should choose one with an easy installation process unless a harder-to-install one has everything you need.
Easy to clean
Your thermometer should be easy to clean. Your thermometer must be placed outside the house, so the chances of it getting dirty are high. You should choose a product whose cleaning is hassle-free.
Accuracy
An outdoor thermometer should be precise and accurate. You don’t want your thermometer to give you false readings and ruin your plans. You should make sure that the thermometer you are buying is accurate. Some thermometers measure temperature mechanically, while others use more precise instruments. For most people’s purposes, either of these will work fine.
Features To Look for in the Top Outdoor Thermometers
Easy to read
The numbers marked on the thermometer should be clear and legible. A mechanical thermometer needs to have a hand that is not too thin to see nor too wide to distinguish temperatures. You also want to be able to read the measurements from a distance.
Weather-resistant
Your thermometer should be weather-resistant. It should be able to work properly in windy, freezing, and rainy weather. The thermometers mentioned in our list are all-weather resistant and work perfectly fine.
Humidity and other measurements
Modern thermometers do more than measure temperature. Some display humidity percentages and other details. This is a great feature that you may want to plan your day better. Thermometers with this feature tend to be less attractive. You should consider if you’d rather have an aesthetic piece or a practical tool.
What Are the Different Types of Outdoor Thermometers?
Bulb outdoor thermometer
An outdoor bulb thermometer is the most simple type. It is typically made of glass and filled with mercury. As temperatures rise, mercury changes in volume. As a result, the mercury moves up the glass tube. Conversely, if the temperature goes down, the mercury takes up less space in the glass tube. If you want the classic red line, this thermometer is for you.
Bimetallic strip outdoor thermometer
Bimetallic strip outdoor thermometers look like dials. They are made from spring-like coils, which are composed of two metal pieces that gauge the temperature outside. These thermometers measure temperature through the expansion or contraction of these metal pieces. For example, if one metal piece retains heat, the coil expands, and the hand of the dial creeps upward. If the temperature drops, the metal will cool, contract the coil, and move the dial downward.
Digital remote outdoor thermometer
Digital or electronic thermometers are the most modern and accurate. Inside a remote sensor lies a thermoreceptor that alters its resistance according to the temperature. This information is then transmitted to a display for you to read. Remote thermometers may not be as pretty as others on our list, but they can tell you the temperature while you relax in bed or make your coffee.
Where Should My Thermometer Be Placed?
Regardless of the type of outdoor thermometer, placement is one of the most important factors for an accurate reading. You should place your thermometer/sensor in a shady area with plenty of airflow. In addition, you should set your thermometer at least five feet off the ground and above grass or dirt. You should not place it above asphalt or man-made materials, as these emit heat. Additionally, placing your thermometer near sprinkler systems or too high up may lead to inaccurate readings.
To learn more about placing your home thermometer, check the video from The Weather Network.
How Much Do Outdoor Thermometers Cost?
Outdoor thermometers are very affordable, especially Bulb and Bimetallic ones. The more features and sensors they have, the more expensive they are. Cheaper thermometers are usually around $15; expensive ones can cost you $50 or even $100.
People Also Asked
How do you know if a thermometer is accurate?
To check if a thermometer is accurate, you need to compare the reported temperature compared to the real temperature. To do this, place your remote sensor or analog thermometer in a space that you know the temperature of, for example, inside your refrigerator or outside. Wait some time, then check the measured temperature. If your thermometer matches the temp of your fridge or is the same as on your weather app outside, your thermometer is likely accurate.
Why should I have an remote outdoor thermometer?
The main reason to get this type of thermometer is that it allows you to take readings without having to step out of the house. The best remote thermometers measure more than temperature and can be used to measure humidity and barometric pressure, too.
How long does it take a thermometer to get to the correct temperature?
This will mainly depend on the type of thermometer you use and how you use it. Classic thermometers take time to get to the right temperature. Modern thermometers tend to work faster?
Why should I not place my outdoor thermometer above asphalt or water?
You should not place your thermometer above water or asphalt because it will skew your thermometer's readings. Asphalt tends to exude heat and water increases humidity.
Why is mercury the classic element of thermometers?
Mercury is the preferred element of classic thermometers because of how it expands and contracts depending on the temperature. It also has an easy-to-see color.
