Rustic Outdoor Thermometers

228 Ideas by Tara Gosselin

A rustic outdoor thermometer will tell you everything you need to know about the weather – how hot or cold it is and whether you will be able to enjoy drinks outside or should rather prepare for an afternoon indoors. The charming rural aesthetic of an antique outdoor thermometer will look good come rain or shine, and we’ve picked out a few of the best for you below.

Outdoor garden thermometer

Outdoor Garden Thermometer

Outdoor Rustic Clock 2 Sided Garden Patio Decoration Time Thermometer Charleston

Outdoor Rustic Clock 2 Sided Garden Patio Decoration Time Thermometer Charleston

A handsome pair of retro wall clocks will transform your inner or outdoor decor into a 19th century train station - well, kind of. These 2-sided clocks with thermometer are mounted on decorous black metal brackets.

Taylor Heritage 483BZ Spirit-Filled Metal Thermometer, 7.5-Inch

Traditionally styled, rustic indoor or outdoor thermometer. This spirit-filled metal item features waterproof construction and includes a reliable mounting bracket. Its fonts are easy to read and they indicate temperatures in Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees.

Rustic outdoor thermometer 4

This old zinc thermometer is ready to complement any vintage outdoor décor or to add rustic hints to it. Wall-mounted, with pre-drilled holes for effortless installation. Indicates temperatures from -25°C to +55°C - alternatively, in Fahrenheit scale.

Rustic outdoor thermometer

Thanks to this durable thermometer, you can measure the outdoor temperature for years to come. Designed of hardwood and properly finished, the thermometer is weather-resistant and displays temperature using Fahrenheit scale.

Outdoors thermometer

Formerly, the antler decorated every rural noble estate and was a hunting trophy. For lovers of these animals and the rustic scandi style, we have an alternative in the form of an outdoor iron thermometer, with a carved likeness of a deer on the shield.

With its rustic finish and antique inspired shape this functional

With its rustic finish and antique-inspired shape, this functional garden thermometer will serve as a convenient and charming detail for your outdoor garden or back porch. 5"d x 7½"t

Solstice Thermometer Clock

Solstice Thermometer Clock

Rustic outdoor thermometer 3

Details about 8" Pine Cone Rustic Wall Mount Outdoor Brass Thermometer

Vintage style butterfly thermometer lawn stake

Vintage Style Butterfly Thermometer Lawn Stake

Rustic Vintage Wide Owl Cast Iron Ornate Indoor Outdoor Garden Wall Thermometer

Rustic Vintage Wide Owl Cast Iron Ornate Indoor Outdoor Garden Wall Thermometer

My daughter is a big fan of owls, so I purchased this lovely owl vintage wall thermometer. It can be used at interior and exterior, and has the cast iron details.

Garden Thermometer

Garden Thermometer

This cool thermometer will be a great rustic accent for your outdoors. Made from cast iron, in the shape of a gecko, this funky item will catch the attention of your guests.

Thermometer and Hygrometer

Thermometer and Hygrometer

Rustic Deer Antler Indoor / Outdoor Thermometer

Rustic Outdoor Thermometers

Buying Guide

There’s nothing worse than a malfunctioning outdoor thermometer. Particularly the petite electronic, digital ones that seem to have invaded the world of these simple, trustworthy devices.

Whatever happened to the old, liquid-in-glass rustic outdoor thermometers of yore? Easily readable, as rugged as you need them to be and accurate enough to rely on without double checking the weather report on TV.

The fact is that many homeowners are swapping over to rustic outdoor thermometers. Not only do they last for decades without the slightest problem, but some of them also make great décor pieces. Like the advertising thermometers from the early 1900s.

If you are hunting for one of these gems, then here are some of the factors that you must consider.

Rustic outdoor thermometers generally average between 9-12” in size. That’s the bare minimum size that you should aim for as it allows easy visibility even if you are trying to check the temperature from inside the house. (Installed outside the window sill)

There are of course much larger ones. Some manufacturers even offer custom sized ones for elderly people who might find it difficult to view a small-sized temperature gauge. Any size is fine as long as it doesn’t look like an oversized eyesore outside the house.

Aluminum, stainless steel and wood hold up well to extreme weather conditions. So do plastic, bamboo, and wicker. These can be painted or designed in just about any color combination that you need for easy visibility.

Some antique thermometers are made of zinc and porcelain. But porcelain is prone to cracks and dents even with the slightest gust of wind. On that note, if the prevalent conditions are windy, then look for a material that’s heavy enough to stay steady.

A thermometer bulb on a wooden frame, for example, will be flimsier than one on a stainless steel frame.

Also, check the installation mechanism. It must be easy to install and provide a secure fit that does not wobble.

There’s a reason why old timers swear by their rustic liquid-in-glass, outdoor thermometers that used mercury. That’s because they were accurate even at the extremes (Up to -40). A few degrees off maybe. But nothing severe enough to affect the decision-making process.

Mercury is no longer used in many countries due to toxicity concerns and has been replaced by a non-toxic alcohol liquid that expands with a rise in temperature. These thermometers may be off by 10 degrees or so at extreme temperatures. So prepare accordingly.

If you’d prefer an old-school mercury thermometer, then you’d have to buy an antique. Check whether it’s in working condition before you buy though.

When it comes to aesthetics, nothing can beat the old advertising thermometers. Almost every major brand those days, including Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Mail Pouch Tobacco, and Hire’s Root beer, among others had large metal outdoor thermometers.

Small, local brands produced wooden ones. A lot of these are available on eBay. But you’d have to beware of counterfeits and fakes while buying antiques online. And they cost a premium.

Mail Pouch Tobacco, for instance, had a 40” metallic thermometer that they manufactured for niche rural stores. One of those in mint condition would cost you at least $300 now. Cheaper reproductions of old rustic outdoor thermometers are available for much less.