These Outdoor Ceiling Fans Will Keep You Cool and Comfortable All Summer Long

There's little point in having a beautifully furnished indoor-outdoor space if it's too hot and uncomfortable to lounge in during the heat of summer. For patios and decks, buying a large cantilever umbrella can help create some much-needed shade, but for covered areas, like porches or sun rooms, or spaces with open overhangs, such as a veranda or pergola, what you really need is an outdoor ceiling fan. Whether you're looking to create a cool breeze in a large space or want a light source with the added benefit of air circulation, read on for our top recommendations.

Best Outdoor Ceiling Fans

What to Consider

Figuring out how well a particular fan will cool a room can be confusing, an equation that’s determined by motor strength (DC motors are known for being powerful and quiet), the number of blades, and the blades' width, length, and pitch (which refers to the angle they’re tilted in relation to the floor). Fans typically have at least three speeds and three blades. A good rule of thumb is to consider the square footage of your room and the fan’s maximum number cubic feet per minute (CFM), which will give you an idea of how much air circulation it’ll create in the space. For more in-depth info, check out our deep dive on ceiling fans.

Ceiling fans that are intended for indoor-outdoor use are appropriate for damp or moist climates and should generally be installed in a covered space. Fans that are solely for outdoor use are rated for wet conditions and can handle exposure to the elements, so you can install them in an open-top pergola or veranda. Next up is to consider how the fan is mounted. With a low ceiling, you’ll likely want a flush-mount fan. Many ceiling fans come with multiple mounting options to accommodate various ceiling heights and angles.

Other things to look for when shopping include whether there’s a light kit included, if the fan has a reversible motor to change its direction, and if it’s fully remote-control operated or turns on and off with a pull chain. There are also smart ceiling fans on the market, though they tend to be pricey.

How We Selected

All of the fans featured below have average user ratings of four stars or more. During our research, we scoured countless user reviews, dug into our own research, and consulted expert sources, such as The Spruce and Wirecutter. Outdoor ceiling fans have a slew of features, as mentioned above, and we highlighted the most notable for every fan we cover. We also selected fans in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, plus options across multiple price points, from budget to high-end.