Best Outdoor Thermometers in 2022

Even though most of our time is spent indoors these days, the weather can still have a significant impact on our lives. Rain can cause massive traffic delays, and the ambient temperature will dictate what kind of attire is appropriate so that we stay comfortable throughout the day.

Fortunately, with technology being so advanced these days, it’s never been easier to get real-time weather updates with modern outdoor thermometers. We’ve come a long way from watching red mercury rise in a small glass tube. Current thermometer models can tell you everything from the barometric pressure to the chance of rain.

Best Outdoor Thermometers - Comparisons

Depending on where you live, there can be a significant difference between the temperature inside and outside your home.

As such, you may think that the day is going to be warm, only to be hit with a stiff breeze as soon as you open the door. With this system from La Crosse, you don’t have to worry about that issue ever again since it will display both temperatures simultaneously for your convenience.

Best of all, it’s more accurate than a generic weather forecast because it uses its own sensor to get a reading. This way you can get a more precise understanding of what’s happening in your neck of the woods. As far as functionality goes, the sensor can be read up to 330 feet away, and you can display it in either Celsius or Fahrenheit.

It will also record the high and the low temperature of the day for your convenience. The display is extra large so that you can read it from a distance, and it will also show you the time in either a 12 or 24-hour format.

So, if it’s 55 degrees right now, what will it be like in an hour or so? One of the issues with most thermometers is that they only display what is happening in that moment without showing you what is projected to happen later on throughout the day.

Fortunately, this Sensor from AcuRite gives you some indication of whether it’s going to get cooler or warmer so that you can plan accordingly.

Although we would prefer for this sensor to also display things like the time and date, it does a great job of showcasing both your indoor and outdoor temperatures with humidity. There is an arrow next to each number, which can either go up, down or stay flat, depending on the conditions. This is where the sensor really shines, as that arrow can be a huge factor for your day.

Otherwise, this sensor comes with standard features, such as Fahrenheit and Celsius options, a large font for easier reading, and a plastic stand so that you can set it wherever is the most convenient for you. 

If you’re looking for an outdoor thermometer that combines the best features, then you will love this model from La Crosse Technology. It is a full-service weather station, offering temperatures, humidity, date, time, and even forecasting.

What makes this unit so incredible, however, is that it will base its forecast models on the weather that it’s recorded over time.

So, instead of relying on a weather report for your region, you will get something that is tailored to your particular neighborhood. Along with that ability, this thermometer also shows whether the temperature and humidity are trending up or down so that you can plan ahead for the day.

Other features include an alarm clock, indoor/outdoor temperature, and an alert system for when the weather reaches certain parameters that you set ahead of time. Best of all, because it’s backlit and has a large screen, you can scan all of the data.

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If you love the idea of having a complete weather station in your home, then this unit from AcuRite will provide all of the information you could possibly need. From indoor and outdoor temperatures to humidity and barometric pressure, you won’t have any problem determining the weather regardless of your location or time of day.

As with any localized weather station, the remarkable thing about it is that it develops forecasts based on its own readings as well as local weather reports. It does take about a month or so for this to take effect, so you do have to be patient in that regard. However, once it kicks in, then you will appreciate the accuracy of it.

Other features included with this system include notifying you if the temp or humidity is trending up or down, a time and date clock, and full-color weather icons so you can read everything much more easily. Also, the forecast models show different blocks of time, from four hours to 8-12 hours to 12-24 hours so that you can plan up to a day in advance. 

If you like the idea of having a full weather station at your fingertips but don’t want something as large or flashy as the AcuRite model above, then you may prefer the quiet dignity of this model from Ambient Weather. It still displays most of the same information, but it does not offer forecasting for your location.

In addition to the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the WS-1171B also shows you the barometric pressure, dew point, and humidity. It also shows you trends in your area so that you can see how things have changed over time.

Other features include a base stand for easy monitoring, a backlit screen so you can read everything in low light, and an alarm clock built in. The sensor for this device is also easy to mount, although it works best with minimal obstructions between it and the reader.

While it can be nice to have a full weather station in your living room, sometimes you just want something simple and unobtrusive. If you don’t really care about things like barometric pressure and dew points, then you will appreciate this simplistic model from Taylor Precision Products.

It uses the same kind of display as the first models we looked at, meaning that it uses a wireless sensor to show you both the indoor and outdoor temperatures at any given time.

This unit also has the time on it so that you can use it as a clock as well. While we would prefer for the device to be backlit for easier viewing, you shouldn’t have any problems during the day.

Overall, this comes with all of the standard features you would expect, including a base stand so it can be placed anywhere, the ability to display Fahrenheit or Celsius, and a sensor range of about 200 feet.

Next, we have a thermometer that is a bit of a cross between a weather station and a simple temperature reader. The AG-4H model from X-Sense displays both indoor and outdoor conditions, but it also has a weather icon on top to show you what is trending for the next 12 to 24 hours.

Not only that, but it comes with an alarm clock and a cold weather indicator as well. So, if you want a thermometer that provides a bit more data, this could be a good option for you.

Standard features that come with this device include a backlit LCD screen (temporary), a signal strength indicator for the sensor, a sturdy base stand so you can place it anywhere, and the ability to display Fahrenheit or Celsius.

For the most part, this sensor is also highly accurate, showing you the local temperature to within one degree. However, if you place it in direct sunlight or where it can be affected by other variables (i.e., wind or rain), then it can adjust the readings.

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While this particular unit is not as detailed as some of the other ones we’ve seen, you still get quite a lot of different weather information with this device from FanJu. Overall, it works as a clock, a weather station, and a USB charger for your phone.

When it comes to sensing and tracking the weather, this unit shows everything from the air pressure to both indoor and outdoor temperatures and humidity.

The sensor itself is well-built and has a range of up to 200 feet, depending on obstacles and placement. Weather icons show the forecast for the next eight hours, and each display unit is color-coded for convenience. Other features of this device include a self-regulating atomic clock that never has to be reset, an alarm setting, and a USB charging dock on the side.

However, since this model can either be plugged into an outlet or battery-powered, we highly recommend that you don’t use it as a charger without plugging it in first. Overall, this is an excellent weather station that provides you with an in-depth look at your local environment. 

While having a weather station or thermometer in your home can be a great thing, the one downside is that you have to be in the same room to monitor the temperature outside.

Fortunately, this model from Ambient Weather corrects that problem by giving you three different displays for the price of one. While each screen is limited to just the indoor and outdoor temperature, the convenience of placing them in different areas is high.

Also, they all coordinate to the same sensor, meaning that they will each show identical readings so that there is no confusion.

Overall, if you are just interested in having a thermometer, then you will appreciate this setup. It’s easy to get started, and each display (and the sensor) last up to two years with batteries, so you won’t have to do much as far as maintenance.

Our final stop is with this ThermoPro Thermometer. Like some of the other models, we’ve seen the defining characteristic of this device is that it will show you upcoming trends so that you can better plan for your day.

While it’s not a detailed forecast like a weather station, you do get arrows showing if the numbers will go up or down. The sensor has a range of up to 200 feet, and it displays both temperature and humidity.

You can also check the highs and lows of the day (as well as all-time) so that you can compare how it has changed. Overall, this thermometer is quite basic, but it still provides useful and accurate data. 

How To Choose Outdoor Thermometers

Display Information

With a standard mercury thermometer, there is only one thing that you can measure; the temperature. However, by going digital and using wireless sensors, you can opt to include a lot more than just the current Fahrenheit or Celsius reading. Modern thermometers can be a complete weather station, including things like barometric pressure, dew points, humidity, and even weather icons like wind, rain, and snow.

As such, you want to determine how detailed and complex you want your thermometer to be. If humidity and pressure are important to you and you know how to read them, then you might want something more comprehensive. However, there are also plenty of options that just display the indoor and outdoor temperatures, if that’s all you want to see.

Another thing to consider is if you want a clock to be included as well. This way you get even more information, and some models also provide an alarm system for your convenience.

Forecasting

While seeing how things are right now can be helpful, you also may want to know whether it’s going to get hotter or cooler later on, or whether there is rain coming. Weather station models will usually provide this kind of data for you, but basic thermometers won’t. Best of all, when you get a unit that can forecast, it uses the sensor information to generate more accurate results, rather than relying on a third-party app.

Readability

This can be a big deal when picking out a thermometer as you want something that is easy to understand from a distance. For the most part, digital models will use large fonts to make it easier to read, but some other features can improve it even further.

● Backlighting: if you want to be able to read the data at any time, day or night, then you need it to be backlit.

● Larger Screen: if the display is too small, then it can be difficult to pick out the right numbers from a distance.

● Color-Coding: this way you won’t get confused about which number is which, and you can glean all of the pertinent data much faster.

● Icons: when it comes to forecasting, you want to see graphics, not text. This will make it easy to understand what to expect in the coming hours and days.

Final Verdict

With so many excellent models on this list, it’s hard to pick out ones that stand above the rest. However, when it comes to standard thermometers, we like the AcuRite 00611A3. The fact that it shows arrows for trending purposes makes it more valuable than units that just show what’s going on right now.

As far as weather centers go, the La Crosse has the most detailed information and the best sensor system of anything we’ve seen, so that would have to be our top choice. 

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