The Best Patio Umbrellas of 2024 for Windy Conditions and Regions

A must-have for enjoying sunny outdoor spaces, the best patio umbrellas protect from the elements, including holding up to windy weather.

Best Overall

The Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions Option: EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella

EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella

Best Bang For The Buck

The Best Patio Umbrella Option Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella

Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella

Best Ventilation

The Best Patio Umbrella Option Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella

Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella

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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. 

We chose the EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella as our top pick due to its reliable performance in fluctuating weather conditions and excellent testing performance. Its tiered design holds up well in windy conditions. Additionally, our hands-on testers gave the Phi Villa Auto-Tilt Umbrella, Safavieh Venice Umbrella, and Grand Patio Napoli Sunbrella Cantilever Umbrella top marks for their durability, stability in windy conditions, and overall design.

Learn more about the best patio umbrellas we researched and tested for windy conditions below.

  1. BEST OVERALL: EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella 
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  2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella
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  3. BEST VENTILATION: Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella
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  4. BEST CANTILEVER: Grand Patio Napoli Sunbrella Cantilever Umbrella 
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  5. BEST RECTANGULAR: Purple Leaf Double Top Classic Cantilever Umbrella  
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  6. BEST FABRIC: Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-Foot Sunbrella Umbrella 
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  7. BEST COLOR OPTIONS: California Umbrella Sun Master 9-Foot Patio Umbrella 
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  8. BEST WITH LIGHTS: ABCCanopy Patio Umbrella With LEDs and Ventilation
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  9. BEST HALF UMBRELLA: Pure Garden 9-Foot Half-Round Patio Umbrella 
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  10. ALSO CONSIDER: Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Crank Auto-Tilt Umbrella
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A patio umbrella set up through the center of a metal patio set before a large grassy yard
Photo: istock.com

Photo: istock

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 withstand the wind. At a 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. Some of our picks have been hands-on tested, and we included them for their ability to withstand windy conditions. Our list has umbrellas that come in a variety of colors (and many in several sizes) to suit most outdoor areas. 

Our Top Picks

Looking to bring plenty of 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 Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions Option: EliteShade USA 3-Tier Patio Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 9 feet
  • Frame material: Aluminum
  • Canopy material: Sunbrella 
  • Colors available: 13

What We Like

  • Delivers excellent performance; keeps areas cool, shady, and dry
  • Features an effective double-vented design that resists wind and prevents rain penetration
  • Includes an easy-to-use crank handle and push-button tilt mechanism

What We Don’t Like

  • Lacks an umbrella cover or storage bag, which is often expected at this price range

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 airflow 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 being protected from rain. 

This umbrella is easy to set up, and its crank handle makes 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 in diameter, 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 colors, 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. 

What our tester says: Kristen Mosier, a contributing writer for Bob Vila, says in Best Patio Umbrellas, “The tiers worked effectively on windy days, keeping the umbrella in place with no issue. While dining underneath it, we felt cool and shaded.”

Get the EliteShade patio umbrella at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option Best Choice Products 10-Foot Patio Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 10 feet
  • Frame material: Steel
  • Canopy material: Polyester 
  • Colors available: 13

What We Like

  • Offers an affordable price point, appealing to budget-minded shoppers
  • Provides extensive coverage with its 10-foot size, ensuring coolness and comfort in outdoor spaces
  • Features sturdy construction that ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear

What We Don’t Like

  • 45-degree tilt mechanism and angle adjustments may not meet everyone’s needs, restricting flexibility in positioning the umbrella

The Best Choice Products 10-foot patio umbrella offers a robust and stylish solution for outdoor shading needs. This umbrella features a 45-degree tilt option design, which allows it to block the sun as it changes angles throughout the day. This makes it ideal for poolside lounges, dining sets, or conversation seating areas.

The umbrella’s 10-foot canopy provides expansive shade coverage, and its offset design enhances its versatility in different outdoor settings. Its steel frame construction promises durability and resistance to the elements, ensuring long-term usability. However, potential drawbacks include the lack of a multitier venting system and limited adjustability.

When it comes to value, the Best Choice Products umbrella is hard to beat. It offers substantial coverage and a robust build at a competitive price, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize functionality and affordability in an outdoor umbrella.

Get the Best Choice Products patio umbrella at Amazon, Walmart, or Best Choice Products.

Best Ventilation

Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option Phi Villa 10-Foot 3-Tier Auto-Tilt Patio Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 10 feet
  • Frame material: Aluminum
  • Canopy material: Polyester
  • Colors available: 3

What We Like

  • Offers an affordable price point for a double-vented patio umbrella
  • Features a highly UV-protective polyester canopy that blocks 99 percent of harmful UV rays
  • Includes an auto-tilt feature that consolidates opening, closing, and tilting functions into a single crank system 

What We Don’t Like

  • Provides only a limited selection of color options, potentially restricting personalization and matching with existing decor
  • The tilt mechanism can be stiff and challenging to operate, which might detract from user experience.

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 in diameter. 

A crank mechanism makes this umbrella a breeze to open and close and 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 withstand wind. However, 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.

Get the Phi Villa patio umbrella at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Phi Villa.

Best Cantilever

Grand Patio Napoli Sunbrella Cantilever Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option Grand Patio Napoli Sunbrella Cantilever Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 12 feet
  • Frame material: Aluminum
  • Canopy material: Sunbrella 
  • Colors available: 5

What We Like

  • Constructed from Sunbrella fabric, renowned for its durability and resistance to fading and weather conditions
  • Well-built and robust, this umbrella offers a stable shade solution even in breezy conditions
  • Features an offset design, allowing for flexible placement over tables or seating without a central pole obstruction
  • Boasts a stylish appearance, complementing a variety of outdoor decor styles

What We Don’t Like

  • Requires assistance for setup, as some users find inserting it into the stand challenging due to its size and weight
  • Incorporates premium materials, which result in a higher cost compared to other options

The Grand Patio cantilever umbrella is an excellent choice for a reliable and stylish outdoor umbrella. Its large 12-foot canopy provides ample movable shade coverage, making it perfect for spacious outdoor areas. Crafted from durable Sunbrella fabric, it offers exceptional resistance to fading and degradation from sunlight and weather, ensuring long-lasting use and aesthetic appeal.

The cantilever design allows for versatile placement options without a central pole obstructing space, making it ideal for positioning over tables or lounge areas. It includes a robust aluminum frame and a sturdy base, capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Additionally, it features tilt adjustment capabilities, allowing users to easily modify the angle of the shade as the sun moves.

Due to its size and complexity, setting up and adjusting the umbrella may require more than one person. Because of its premium materials and large size, it’s priced higher than other options, which could be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Overall, the Grand Patio cantilever umbrella offers top-notch quality and design in a cantilever umbrella.

What our tester says: Stacy Nash, a contributing writer for Bob Vila, notes in Best Cantilever Umbrellas, “Together, the base and frame held the umbrella steady in winds up to 10 mph. The UV- and water-resistant polyester fabric provided excellent shade and easily sloughed off rain. The crank easily opens the umbrella, and there’s a handle on the frame for variable angle adjustment. “

What another tester says: Kristen Mosier, another contributing Bob Vila writer and product tester, says in our patio umbrella guide that “This cantilevered umbrella features a stylish curved design ideal for outdoor lounging spaces or tables that lack a center hole. We chose to set it up over a small seating area that gets a great deal of sun throughout the day. It looked great and immediately made the deck more comfortable for lounging with its ample 11-foot canopy. The waterproof canopy easily shielded the space from a light drizzle. Following the manufacturers directions, we had no trouble operating the crank lift and auto-lock to facilitate opening, closing, and tilt adjustments.”

Get the Grand Patio patio umbrella at Amazon or Grand Patio.

Best Rectangular

Purple Leaf Double Top Classic Cantilever Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option Purple Leaf Double Top Classic Cantilever Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 12 feet long by 9 feet wide 
  • Frame material: Aluminum 
  • Canopy material: Polyester
  • Colors available: 7

What We Like

  • The large size and rectangular shape make it ideal for patio dining areas
  • Allows rotation of the umbrella 360 degrees and offers 6 tilt angles for versatile positioning
  • Comes with a protective umbrella cover for enhanced durability

What We Don’t Like

  • Due to its size, the umbrella is heavy and unwieldy to set up, requiring 2 people

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.

What our tester says: Stacey Nash, a Bob Vila contributing writer and product tester, notes in the cantilever umbrella guide, “This square cantilever umbrella from Purple Leaf really impressed us. In testing, the canopy seemed much larger than its 10-foot size thanks to the scope of its tilt and rotation. The umbrella sits on a rust-free powder-coated aluminum frame that is both tilt and rotation adjustable. The thin frame is lightweight yet proved surprisingly strong.”

Get the Purple Leaf patio umbrella at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Fabric

Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-Foot Sunbrella Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-Foot Sunbrella Umbrella
Photo: wayfair.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 9 feet
  • Fame material: Aluminum
  • Canopy material: Sunbrella
  • Colors available: 6

What We Like

  • Constructed from Sunbrella fabric, which includes an excellent 5-year warranty
  • Features high-quality materials, giving it a neat and appealing appearance
  • Available in several fun and vibrant color options, enhancing its aesthetic appeal

What We Don’t Like

  • Prone to showing stains, such as those from bird droppings, which can affect its appearance

When it comes to outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella is a reputable and durable pick and the canopy material of choice for the Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 9-foot Sunbrella umbrella. The canopy is UV-, fade-, mold-, mildew-resistant, 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. 

Get the Sol 72 Outdoor patio umbrella at Wayfair.

Best Color Options

California Umbrella Sun Master 9-Foot Patio Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions Option: California Umbrella Sun Master 9-Foot Patio Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 9 feet
  • Frame material: Aluminum and fiberglass 
  • Canopy material: Olefin 
  • Colors available: 23

What We Like

  • Offers 23 neutral and bright colorways, including several patterns, to suit various tastes and styles
  • Includes fiberglass ribs that add strength and flexibility to the umbrella frame, enhancing durability in windy conditions
  • Features a collar tilt system that simplifies adjusting the umbrella’s tilt by twisting the collar housing

What We Don’t Like

  • Provides a 1-year warranty on canopy fade resistance, which is relatively short compared to industry standards

Patio umbrellas are so large and eye-catching that they’re decorative and 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, 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. The crank mechanism and collar tilt system work to open, close, and adjust the angle of the umbrella at the twist of a crank or collar housing. 

Get the California Umbrella patio umbrella at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best with Lights

ABCCanopy Patio Umbrella With LEDs and Ventilation

 The Best Patio Umbrella Option ABCCanopy Patio Umbrella With LEDs and Ventilation
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 11 feet
  • Frame material: Aluminum 
  • Canopy material: Polyester
  • Colors available: 12

What We Like

  • Features 32 LED lights along the interior frame to provide warm ambient lighting
  • Includes solar-powered lights, eliminating the need for an external power outlet
  • Offers vibrant color options; ideal for those seeking a bright patio umbrella

What We Don’t Like

  • The lights are not very bright, making them more suitable for ambient rather than practical nighttime lighting

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 many bright colors, each with a double-vented design to help it hold up to the wind. 

Get the ABCCanopy patio umbrella at Amazon.

Best Half Umbrella

Pure Garden 9-Foot Half-Round Patio Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions Option: Pure Garden 9-Foot Half-Round Patio Umbrella
Photo: amazon.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 9 feet long by 52 inches wide
  • Frame material: Aluminum
  • Canopy material: Polyester 
  • Colors available: 8

What We Like

  • 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

What We Don’t Like

  • Lacks a tilt feature, limiting its adjustability
  • No base included

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.

Get the Pure Garden patio umbrella at Amazon, The Home Depot, Walmart, or Bed Bath & Beyond

Also Consider

Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Crank Auto-Tilt Umbrella

 The Best Patio Umbrellas for Windy Conditions Option: Safavieh Venice 9-Foot Auto-Tilt Umbrella
Photo: walmart.com

Product Specs 

  • Canopy size: 9 feet
  • Material: Polyester and aluminum 
  • Colors available:

What We Like

  • 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

What We Don’t Like

  • Lacks a tie to secure the umbrella when it’s closed 

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. It is easy to set up and built to be sturdy with an aluminum umbrella pole and a 9-foot polyester canopy. 

A crank mechanism smoothly opens and closes the umbrella, plus it has the option to tilt left and right using the tilt mechanism. Most importantly, this umbrella holds up nicely to wind and light rain. 

What our tester says: Kristen Mosier, a Bob Vila contributing writer and product tester, noted in the best patio umbrella guide that “the umbrella felt sturdy out of the box with its metal pole and polyester covering. We tested it on, arguably, the windiest day of the season, and it stayed put and wasn’t any worse for the wear. It also passed our water-resistance test, shielding the table below from getting wet. The 9-foot canopy was very easy to raise and close; even our children could manage it. The tilt mechanism was also effortless, with optional right and left positioning.”

Get the Safavieh patio umbrella 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 umbrella pole to the 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. 

Jasmine Harding Avatar

Jasmine Harding

Contributing Writer

Jasmine Harding is a freelance writer specializing in home products. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2020 and covers a range of product-related topics, from the best household appliances and tools to the latest gadgets and tech for the home.

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