The 10 Best Outdoor Clocks
Special Honors
BigTimeClocks Giant Thanks to foot-high numerals and bright LEDs, the BigTimeClocks Giant is a cinch to read, even from afar. It is on the pricey side, but it has plenty of useful features, including the ability to display either 12 or 24 hour time. bigtimeclocks.biz
Howard Miller Luis A double-sided model, the Howard Miller Luis has a decorative wall bracket that allows it to swivel, so it's easy to set up for viewing in any space. It is made to high quality standards with top-notch materials, from stainless steel, rust-proof screws to a robust powder-coated case. clockshops.com
The Personalized Patio Clock by Hammacher Schlemmer If you're looking for a customized feel, The Personalized Patio Clock by Hammacher Schlemmer is just the ticket. Under the body, a plaque displays your family's surname, up to 16 characters, in letters that are just over an inch tall. The face itself boasts Roman numerals, with large hands finished in an attractive gold color. hammacher.com
Editor's Notes
April 28, 2020:
At this time, we have kept a range of both illuminated and non-illuminated models for outdoor use, including decorative and plain choices. For those who want the convenience of a lighted face, we've selected the simple but attractive Bulova Champagne. Like most, its LEDs are powered by D batteries, while the clock itself requires AA batteries. Its lighting turns on and off automatically, but doesn't have any settings; if you want more control over the illumination, consider the AcuRite Illuminated, instead. It is more feature-heavy overall, with temperature and humidity gauges and more. We have removed the AcuRite Metal, however, a budget-friendly model from the same company that struggles to be durable enough for the long term.
As for non-illuminated choices, we've kept the SkyNature Large, for those who need a hygrometer and a thermometer, and the Whitehall Products Compass and the Whitehall Products Times and Seasons for those who don't need the bells and whistles. And, for the rail fans, we've selected the Homello Vintage, a double-sided model that offers an old-time train station feel.
Finally, because outdoor clocks tend to be more expensive than simple indoor models, we selected one of the latter that's robust enough for use out of doors — provided that it is not exposed directly to rain or moisture. This Bernhard Products Wall is exceptionally inexpensive and simple, making it a great budget choice for garages, covered patios, decks, and more. There's the choice of a black or white face, and it only requires one battery, so it won't be expensive to run, either.