Best outdoor thermometer

An outdoor thermometer is a super useful aid for any gardener. It can help you anticipate frosts to protect plants, plan when to put in new ones, and even monitor maximum and minimum plot temperatures. You’ll find there’s a whole host of different styles to pick from, including traditional options and sleek digital versions, so you can choose one to suit the look of your garden and your preferences. We’ve put together a selection of the best around to make shopping easy for you.

If you’re looking for a low-cost way to become a more informed gardener, this outdoor thermometer is a top choice. It can measure temperatures between -20 and 50 degrees Celsius, and the scale is colour coded, so you can easily see which range the current reading falls into. The precise temperature can be seen from afar, too, because the thermometer is a sizeable 38 centimetres in height, saving you a walk to get up close every time. It’s easy to hang, allowing for fence, post, or shed installation. The design won't win any prizes for its looks, but it functions perfectly.

This outdoor thermometer is a useful and attractive garden accessory. At 41-centimetres high, it’s eye-catching enough to make a great focal point in your plot. The thermometer is made from metal with cutout numbers, and reading the temperature is a piece of cake, even when you are standing at a distance. As for the scale, it covers a wide range from -30 to 50 degrees Celsius. Bear in mind, though, that it doesn’t show Fahrenheit at all, unlike many of our picks that have both scales.

Save yourself a trip outside by opting for this outdoor thermometer that consists of an indoor display screen and an outdoor sensor. The temperature can be displayed in either Celsius or Fahrenheit, and outside it will monitor a range between -30 and 50 degrees Celsius. I’m a fan of the clear display that indicates the temperature trend, allowing you to be prepared for chilly temps to protect tender plants. It’ll keep track of maximum and minimum as well so you know what’s been happening. A word of caution: be careful not to let the outdoor sensor get damp if you pick this design.

If yours is a cottage garden, check out this metal outdoor thermometer. It would look at home there with its charmingly old-fashioned vibe. The soft grey colour means it will harmonise with the green foliage, too. It’s thoroughly up to date in its functionality with both Celsius and Fahrenheit scales. The former runs between -25 and 55 degrees to cover temperature extremes. It comes with the wall fixings you need to put it in place, and I love the fact that it’s 50 centimetres long, making it highly visible.

Opt for this outdoor thermometer, and you can keep track of time when you’re in the garden working or relaxing. It fulfils its thermometer role best as the temperature is shown on the larger display, and it’ll give you a reading from -30 to 50 degrees Celsius. The clock is smaller and harder to see from a distance. However, I still like the idea of telling the time this way outside, so you don’t run the risk of scratching a watch face while working or squinting at a phone screen in the sun. It won’t provide you with extras, like minimum and maximum temperature, but it is a great garden feature.

If you want to give an outdoor thermometer as a present, this owl is a great contender. The design is appealing, and because it’s on a stake, placing it in a garden is a simple job. This model doubles as a solar-powered light, so will charge up during the day and provide a subtle and pretty glow at night. The thermometer is set in the centre, making it easy to read. On the downside, the larger display figures are in Fahrenheit, while the Celsius scale is smaller. It might be a dealbreaker for some recipients.

Our verdict

An outdoor thermometer is a useful gardener’s aid. Our favourite is the Thermometer World large outdoor thermometer. For a small outlay, it will provide clear temperature information, and it can be easily installed in a range of locations.

If you prefer to stay informed about the conditions in your garden from inside, the Oria indoor/outdoor thermometer is worth considering. As well as offering the temperature, and the way it’s trending, it will record minimum and maximum. The display’s clear, too.  

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