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In breezy outdoor areas, it’s important to use a suitable patio umbrella for windy conditions. These extra-sturdy umbrellas are less likely to become damaged, tip over, or soar away from a strong gust, making it possible to relax outdoors on windy days.
While some outdoor umbrellas share a wind rating, many don’t, so it’s important to look for specific features that help an umbrella withstand a blustery day. The best patio umbrellas for windy conditions are made from durable materials and have a vented or tiered design to prevent damage from strong gusts. They also hold up to all the other elements that any patio umbrella will have to face, resisting rain, sun fading, ultraviolet (UV) rays, dirt, mold, and mildew. Read on for the best patio umbrellas for windy conditions.
- BEST OVERALL: EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella
- BEST CANTILEVER: Bluu Redwood Cantilever Umbrella
- BEST RECTANGULAR: Purple Leaf Double Top Outdoor Classic Umbrella
- BEST FABRIC: Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-Foot Sunbrella Umbrella
- BEST COLOR OPTIONS: California Umbrella Sun Master 9-Foot Patio Umbrella
- BEST WITH LIGHTS: ABCCanopy Patio Umbrella With LEDs and Ventilation
- BEST HALF UMBRELLA: Pure Garden 9-Foot Half-Round Patio Umbrella
- ALSO CONSIDER: Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Auto-Tilt Umbrella
Read reviews of the following tested products in our Best Patio Umbrellas guide:
- EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella
- Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Auto-Tilt Umbrella
How We Chose the Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions
A wind-resistant patio umbrella is a smart choice in breezy climates, but it can be hard to parse out the best ones from regular patio umbrellas. We’ve rounded up the top options to hold up to windy weather. First and foremost, the picks on our list are made from durable materials. We looked for metal and fiberglass poles, which hold up nicely to both wind and wet weather, as well as sturdy outdoor fabrics that are wind-resistant, fade-resistant, and ideally UV protective to shield from the sun’s damaging rays.
We also looked for design elements that help these patio umbrellas hold up to the wind. At minimum, we looked for a single wind vent, but many picks on our list have double wind vents, which are even better. Patio umbrellas stand out in an outdoor space, so aesthetics are just as important as function. There are umbrellas on our list that come in a wide array of colors (and many in several sizes) to suit most outdoor areas.
Our Top Picks
Looking to bring welcome shade to a patio or garden area? Relax outdoors on both sunny and breezy days with the best patio umbrellas for windy conditions.
Best Overall
EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella
The EliteShade USA three-tier patio umbrella works beautifully against the sun and strong breezes. This umbrella has a range of features to hold up to windy weather, most notably, a double-vented design that helps air flow past the umbrella. This design means the canopy also doesn’t trap hot air, so the area underneath the umbrella feels cool and shaded while also protected from rain.
This umbrella is easy to set up and its crank handle made it simple to open and close. It also has a tilt mechanism, which is easy to operate using the push button. It can tilt left or right to block the sun’s rays. Measuring 9 feet across, this umbrella is a good size for most small-to-medium outdoor seating areas.
Besides performing well, this umbrella also looks nice. Thanks to its quality materials and construction, it’s fair to expect it will look great for years to come. It’s available in 13 colorways and the canopy is made from solution-dyed acrylic that resists fading for up to 5 years. The material is also UV protective, water-resistant, and oil-resistant.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 9 feet
- Material: Acrylic and aluminum
- Colors available: 13
Pros
- Excellent performance; keeps areas cool, shady, and dry
- Effective double-vented design helps resist wind without letting rain through
- Crank handle opening mechanism and push-button tilt feature are easy to use
Cons
- Does not come with an umbrella cover or storage bag, which is often expected at this price range
Get the EliteShade USA patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella
With many features similar to those of the EliteShade USA patio umbrella, but for a cheaper price tag, the Phi Villa 10-foot three-tier patio umbrella is a great choice for shoppers on a budget. Like the top pick, it also has a double-vented design, so it tolerates wind better than umbrellas with fewer vents. It’s a little larger, measuring 10 feet across.
A crank mechanism makes this umbrella a breeze to open and close, plus it also has an auto-tilt system. To tilt the canopy, just keep cranking the handle after the umbrella is fully open, and it will start tilting.
A durable aluminum frame also helps this patio umbrella hold up to wind, but unlike our top pick, it has a polyester canopy that may be less fade-resistant than the other options on this list. It’s still water-repellent, UV protective, and fade-resistant, although Phi Villa does not put a time limit or warranty on this claim. However, the material still holds up well to wind, aided by its three-tiered double-vented design.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 10 feet
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Colors available: 3
Pros
- Affordable price for a double-vented patio umbrella
- Polyester canopy is very UV protective, blocking 99 percent of UV rays
- Auto-tilt feature combines opening, closing, and tilt functions into 1 crank system
Cons
- Limited color options
- The tilt mechanism may be stiff to use
Get the Phi Villa patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Phi Villa.
Best Cantilever
Bluu Redwood Cantilever Umbrella
An umbrella with a central pole may not work well for some outdoor areas, such as around a patio seating set. In these layouts, a cantilever umbrella may be a better choice. However, it needs to be a particularly sturdy one to hold up to windy conditions—and the Bluu Redwood cantilever umbrella fits the bill.
While the brand still recommends closing up this umbrella in very windy conditions, it is made to handle some serious gusts. It’s lab tested for grade 7 wind resistance, which is near-gale winds between 32 and 38 miles per hour. A smart design and durable materials are key to this umbrella’s strength. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, single air vent, and tear-resistant fabric. Bluu uses fabric made from recycled materials to produce polyester that provides excellent UV protection. The brand states 98 percent UV protection and backs up its durability with a 3-year warranty against fading. Speaking of sun protection, this 10-foot canopy can rotate 360 degrees around the post as well as tilt to offer better shade.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 10 feet long by 10 feet wide
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Colors available: 9
Pros
- Excellent resistance against wind; lab tested to withstand winds over 30 miles per hour
- Square shape is ideal for patio seating areas
- 360-rotation and tilt feature makes it easy to customize shade area
Cons
- Larger-capacity base (sold separately) required to support a cantilever umbrella
Get the Bluu patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon.
Best Rectangular
Purple Leaf Double Top Outdoor Classic Umbrella
A rectangular patio umbrella is better for some outdoor setups, such as over a long outdoor dining table or large patio seating set. The Purple Leaf double-top umbrella is another sturdy cantilever pick, measuring 12 feet long by 9 feet wide to provide ample shade.
Like many of the other umbrellas on this list, a base is not included. Purple Leaf does sell an inground anchored base (as well as freestanding bases, of course), which offers extra strength for very blustery backyards. The frame of this umbrella is made from aluminum and the canopy from polyester, which is UV-resistant, water-repellent, and fade-resistant, and comes with a 3-year warranty. A triangular structure design and single wind vent helps the umbrella withstand up to 30 mile-per-hour winds. To protect from the sun, it has 360-degree rotation and six tilt angles to choose from.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 12 feet long by 9 feet wide
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Colors available: 7
Pros
- Large size and rectangular shape is ideal for patio dining areas
- You can rotate the umbrella 360 degrees and choose from 6 tilt angles
- Includes a protective umbrella cover
Cons
- Heavy and a bit unwieldy to set up due to size; requires 2 people
Get the Purple Leaf patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Fabric
Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-Foot Sunbrella Umbrella
When it comes to outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella is a reputable and durable pick and is the canopy material of choice for the Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-foot Sunbrella umbrella. The canopy is UV-, fade-, mold-, and mildew-resistant as well as UV protective and durable against wind. Sunbrella backs up these claims with a 5-year warranty against loss of color, loss of strength, abrasion, and pilling.
This octagonal market umbrella measures 9 feet wide and features an aluminum frame. It’s easy to operate and tilt with its crank lift and tilt button. With its premium fabric and 5-year warranty, this umbrella is a good pick for those who really want their umbrella to last.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 9 feet
- Material: Sunbrella and aluminum
- Colors available: 6
Pros
- Made of Sunbrella fabric, which comes with an excellent 5-year warranty
- High-quality materials give it a neat and appealing appearance
- Comes in a few fun and vibrant color options
Cons
- Canopy can show stains, such as those from bird droppings
Get the Sol 72 Outdoor patio umbrella for windy conditions at Wayfair.
Best Color Options
California Umbrella Sun Master 9-Foot Patio Umbrella
Patio umbrellas are so large and eye-catching that they’re decorative as well as functional. Shoppers looking for a certain aesthetic are more likely to find it with the California Umbrella Sun Master 9-foot patio umbrella. This patio umbrella comes in 23 colors to suit any outdoor space, including kiwi green, bright yellow, and sunset orange (as well as neutral beige, black, and brown hues). California Umbrella even offers a couple of striped options, which are perfect for shoppers looking for a playful pattern.
That’s not all—this umbrella is also made to weather wind. Instead of metal ribs, it has an aluminum pole and fiberglass ribs. Fiberglass ribs tend to be stronger and more flexible than their metal counterparts, making them ideal for breezy conditions. The canopy measures 9 feet across and is made from olefin material. It has a 1-year fade-resistance warranty. You can take advantage of the crank mechanism and collar tilt system to open, close, and adjust the angle of the umbrella at the twist of a crank or collar housing.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 9 feet
- Material: Olefin fabric, aluminum, and fiberglass
- Colors available: 23
Pros
- Available in 23 neutral and bright colorways (including a couple of patterns)
- Fiberglass ribs add strength and flexibility to the umbrella frame for windy conditions
- Collar tilt system makes it easy to adjust the umbrella tilt by twisting the collar housing
Cons
- 1-year canopy fade-resistance warranty is on the short side
Get the California Umbrella patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Appliances Connection.
Best With Lights
ABCCanopy Patio Umbrella With LEDs and Ventilation
Ambient lighting makes it all the more pleasant to sit out on the patio, especially after the sun sets. While there’s not as much need for an umbrella after dark, a light-up option can help set the atmosphere and prevent disruption during day-to-night activities (no one wants to close an umbrella in the middle of dinner!).
This umbrella from ABCCanopy features an aluminum frame and fade-resistant, water-resistant, and UV-protective polyester canopy. The inside of the umbrella is dotted with 32 LED lights powered by a solar panel, which means no outlet is necessary. Like many of the other umbrellas on this list, it also has a user-friendly crank handle and tilt button. The umbrella comes in 12 bright colors, each with a double-vented design to help it hold up to the wind.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 11 feet
- Material: Aluminum and polyester
- Colors available: 12
Pros
- Has 32 LED lights along the interior frame to provide warm ambient lighting
- Lights are solar-powered, eliminating the need for a power outlet
- Vibrant color options are ideal for those looking for a bright patio umbrella
Cons
- Lights aren’t very bright, so they’re better for ambient rather than practical nighttime lighting
Get the ABCCanopy patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon or ABCCanopy.
Best Half-Umbrella
Pure Garden 9-Foot Half-Round Patio Umbrella
A half umbrella is ideal for spaces that can’t fit a full-size version. They’re especially good for very windy areas since the side of the building provides some respite from strong gusts. To add a pop of color and ample shade to a small patio, deck, or balcony area, choose the Pure Garden 9-foot half-round patio umbrella.
This umbrella has a single-vented canopy to help with wind resistance, plus durable materials add to this umbrella’s strength. It consists of a steel frame and polyester canopy to create a weatherproof patio umbrella for the outdoors. A hand-crank mechanism makes it simple to open and close the umbrella. Due to its half-umbrella design (it’s best placed against a wall), this umbrella does not have a tilt feature.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 9 feet long by 52 inches wide
- Material: Polyester and steel
- Colors available: 8
Pros
- Long but half the width of full umbrellas, making it the ideal choice for small spaces
- Bright color options are lovely for summer
- Can double as a portable awning that is easy to set up as needed
Cons
- Lacks a tilt feature
Get the Pure Garden patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Also Consider
Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Auto-Tilt Umbrella
Add a stylish flair to outdoor spaces with the Safavieh Venice 9-foot auto-tilt umbrella. The most charming part of this umbrella is its looks, with its white scalloped trim that looks extra eye-catching. But beyond its appearance, this umbrella performed great in our product testing.
It was easy to set up and felt very sturdy, with an aluminum pole and a 9-foot polyester canopy. A crank mechanism smoothly opened and closed the umbrella, plus it had the option to tilt left and right using the tilt mechanism. Most importantly, we found this umbrella held up nicely to wind (we tested it on a windy day and it stayed in place—and looked good while doing so). It even protected us from light rain.
Product Specs
- Canopy size: 9 feet
- Material: Polyester and aluminum
- Colors available: 7
Pros
- Attractive design with white scalloped-trim edging
- Crank open and close system is smooth and easy to use
- Protected effectively from light rain and windy conditions
Cons
- Lacks a tie to secure the umbrella when it’s closed
Get the Safavieh patio umbrella for windy conditions at Amazon, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Patio Umbrella for Windy Conditions
Any good patio umbrella should hold up nicely to rain and shine, but in breezy areas, it’s also important for an umbrella to withstand wind. Weather can change in an instant, and a big gust can damage patio umbrellas or blow them over if they’re not up to the task. Many patio umbrellas don’t share a wind rating, so there are some features to look for to check if an umbrella is suitable for windy days.
Base
The base is an important part of any outdoor umbrella, but even more so for a wind-resistant patio umbrella. An anchored base system, which fastens to the ground under the umbrella, can be most effective against wind. However, freestanding bases are more common, easier to install, and provide movable shade. A freestanding base can be suitable as long as it’s heavy and large enough to prevent the umbrella from tipping over from the wind. These patio umbrellas may be advertised as heavy-duty or able to withstand windy conditions. Many patio umbrellas don’t come with a base; follow the manufacturer’s directions to purchase the ideal base size and weight in these cases.
Patio umbrellas with a single center pole tend to be more stable, which makes them more likely to withstand wind. Cantilever patio umbrellas have an offset base, where the pole is off to the side of the umbrella. These are excellent for seating areas where a center pole might get in the way. However, since they aren’t centrally balanced, they can be less sturdy for windy conditions, so it’s important to find a heavy-duty pick.
Fabric and Frame Materials
In general, acrylic, polyester, and olefin fabrics are all durable and can perform beautifully in windy conditions. These fabrics come in varying quality levels, so check the product reviews and the warranty (many will claim to be wind-resistant as well as fade-resistant for a few years—some will back up these claims with a warranty). Fade-resistant, UV-protective, and UV-resistant material choices protect the look of the umbrella, and more importantly, the skin health of those underneath. When it comes to premium fabrics, Sunbrella is a popular acrylic option that is fade- and UV-resistant, water-repellent, and mold- and mildew-resistant.
Common patio umbrella pole materials include steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and wood. Metal and fiberglass frames are more common and durable, though wood frames offer the benefit of a more natural and rustic appearance. As long as it’s of good quality (buying from reputable brands is better), each option is strong and can be suitable for windy conditions.
Ribs attach the pole to the umbrella canopy. In general, the more ribs, the stronger the structure. In terms of material, metal is the most common choice, but fiberglass is an excellent option for wind. It’s more flexible and tends to last longer than wood and aluminum ribs.
Size
A patio umbrella should ideally match the shape of the intended covered area; for example, a rectangular umbrella is best placed over a rectangular dining table while a circular umbrella fits best over a circular bistro set. The umbrella should extend over the patio furniture by around 2 feet on each side. This extra coverage will provide better protection from the sun throughout the day.
Height is also an important factor to consider—it’s no fun running into the edge of an outdoor umbrella. A height of over 7 feet tall is ideal, which is tall enough to provide clearance for most adults, but not too tall (a too-tall umbrella won’t provide as much shade).
Mechanics
Patio umbrellas have different mechanism types to lift up their canopies. The simplest is the push-up mechanism, similar to a personal or beach umbrella, which involves manually pushing up the hub, which locks into place. It involves a little more effort than pulley and crank mechanisms. Pulley mechanisms use a rope and pulley system to open the canopy, while cranks have a hand crank that makes it easiest to open and close the patio umbrella. They’re ideal for very windy areas where it might make sense to take the umbrella down frequently.
When shopping for the best patio umbrella for windy conditions, it’s important to look for wind vents. Patio umbrellas can have single or double air-vent designs, with the latter typically used for high-wind areas. These help facilitate airflow, which both helps the area under the umbrella stay cool and works towards preventing the umbrella from lifting away from a strong gust of wind.
A tilt function helps you adjust the umbrella to offer the most protection from the sun as it moves across the sky. Some have a simple mechanism to choose between two positions, while others are more versatile and can tilt at a range of angles.
Tips for Using a Patio Umbrella in Windy Conditions
Even if the patio umbrellas on this list are suitable for windy conditions, it doesn’t mean they should be left out in a windstorm. Most manufacturers recommend taking the umbrella down when there are winds around 20 miles per hour, which is about where it feels uncomfortable for relaxing outside anyway.
Otherwise, the best patio umbrellas for windy conditions should be treated much the same as other patio umbrellas. Though these umbrellas are durable, it’s still best to close them when they’re not in use since it can prevent accidental damage and help them last longer. These umbrellas shouldn’t be left unattended when open, which is especially important for safety in windy weather. To help with longevity, always open and close umbrellas gently—if you feel the need to use force, it’s best to check for any damage or obstructions that might be in the way.
- Consider taking down the umbrella when winds reach around 20 miles per hour (or the wind speed recommended by the manufacturer)
- Close the umbrella when not in use to reduce the chance of possible damage and help with longevity
- Do not leave the open umbrella unattended, especially in windy weather
- Open and close gently; do not force open or closed
FAQs
Patio umbrellas bring so much function to an outdoor space, so they’re a worthwhile accessory to have, even in windy areas. They make it possible to hang out on the patio, backyard, or poolside; enjoy meals alfresco; and entertain family and friends while staying protected from the elements. Wondering how to choose the best patio umbrella for your space? Consider the frequently asked questions and answers ahead.
Q. What do you need to set up a patio umbrella?
Patio umbrellas are relatively easy to set up and may come with the necessary tools to do so, but if you have a large one, you might want an extra set of hands to help. Most patio umbrellas don’t come with a base, so you may need to buy that separately. Also, check if the base needs to be filled (some need to be filled with sand or water), and make sure to have access to the necessary filler when setting up the umbrella.
Q. How do you choose an umbrella for your patio?
The first step is deciding on a patio umbrella shape and size. Generally, the umbrella should match the shape of the area you are trying to cover and extend by 2 feet over each side. Other aspects of choosing a patio umbrella come down to personal taste, such as choosing a color and opening or tilt mechanism type.
Q. How do you know if a patio umbrella is durable?
A durable patio umbrella will have a strong frame and high-quality canopy fabric. Popular frame materials include wood, steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, while fabrics include acrylic (like Sunbrella), polyester, and olefin. If the umbrella shares a wind rating, the higher the wind rating, the more durable the umbrella is likely to be. Also, look into the warranty; sturdy umbrellas aren’t afraid to offer one.
Q. What is the best umbrella stand for windy conditions?
An anchored stand—that is, a stand that is attached directly to the ground or deck—holds up best in windy conditions. However, this type of stand isn’t always practical, so freestanding stands are appropriate too, as long as they’re heavy and large enough. Many manufacturers will recommend a stand weight for their umbrellas (and most sell their own version to match). You can go up in weight if you’re concerned about your umbrella staying put in windy conditions.
Q. Are cantilever umbrellas better for wind?
Generally, no. Umbrellas with a center pole have a central point of balance, which can help prevent them from blowing over in gusty conditions. Cantilever umbrellas have their center of balance on one side, which can make them more prone to tipping over. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t find cantilever umbrellas suitable for windy conditions—you just need to look for a sturdy one with wind-resistant features.
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