The best weather vanes in the UK 2023

Beyond its function of indicating the direction of the wind, the weathervane is also a decorative object. The trends have evolved and we now see weathervanes more and more modern. It's hard to choose from the number of models available. Find what you need in our guide to the best wind vanes.

Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model 1
9/10

Best value for your money

Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model

The best weathervane in 2021

Very original, this bee weathervane carrying a small bucket indicates with precision where the wind comes from. An all-purpose and useful decorative object: a treat for the eyes.

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A decorative accessory in its own right, this weathervane finds its place in any environment: on your terrace, in the garden or on the roof. With a well thought-out design, both sturdy and full of history, it fulfills its function in any season. The 4 ends are adorned with details that are as appealing as they are intriguing.

A metal rod makes it easy to install this bee weathervane with its hive on the roof. If you are looking for a quality decoration, try this one. The entire structure is painted in high temperature treated epoxy protecting it from weathering and rust. Laser cutting makes the design even more aesthetically pleasing.

CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL 2
8/10

Best value for your money

CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL

The best entry-level weathervane

Let this little bird spread its wings to show you the direction of the wind. With its captivating design, this CIM wind vane is sure to attract attention.

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Well installed on its perch, this bird turns slowly to help you know which way the wind is blowing. Despite its fragile appearance, this handmade wind vane has all the right features. The main element is made of fiberglass, a material known for its resistance to weather. The connectors and bearings are made of plastic.

There is no need to install it high up to make it turn according to the wind! Moreover, this wind vane does not require any specific maintenance. All parts of the bird are connected with polyester thread to counteract the action of strong winds. A real little gem at an unbeatable price!

3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn 3
7/10

Best value for your money

3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn

The best high-end weathervane

This 3D rooster weathervane has a proud gait. It will proudly stand out on a balcony, roof or garden. A luxury decorative element very robust and suitable for large structures.

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An indispensable weather instrument on the one hand, and a true work of art on the other, this weathervane will be the envy of many once installed in your home. This 3D copper rooster has a majestic look. It measures 60 cm high, fixed on a metal rod of 63 cm. Robust by its materials and elegant by its design, it has everything to please.

The presence of refined details, such as the compass rose or the compass, can be seen at first sight. This weather vane has a neat and realistic finish thanks to the 3D technology. A noble, aesthetic and functional decorative object.

Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH 4
8/10

Excellent

Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH

The best traditional weathervane

Notice or purists! This rooster weathervane with a vintage spirit invites itself at home to decorate the garden, the roof or the balcony without distorting the other decorations in place.

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If you are looking for a classic wind vane with a modern twist, this one is likely to be of interest. This wind sensing device is also a beautiful outdoor decorative item. The metal rod supporting the 35 cm cockerel is 130 cm high and is very sturdy and resistant to abrasion. The bright colors of the rooster brighten up the whole.

This retro-contemporary weathervane will bring a touch of elegance to the place where it is placed. Supplied with a fitting to attach to flat surfaces, it is easy to install and assemble. This also makes it very stable. It should be noted, however, that this weathervane is not guaranteed to be rustproof.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best weather vane

Any specific needs?

The best weathervane in 2021

The best entry-level weathervane

The best high-end weathervane

The best traditional weathervane

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best weather vanes

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model 5
9/10
CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL 6
8/10
3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn 7
7/10
Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model
CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL
3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn
Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH
Very original, this bee weathervane carrying a small bucket indicates with precision where the wind comes from. An all-purpose and useful decorative object: a treat for the eyes.
Let this little bird spread its wings to show you the direction of the wind. With its captivating design, this CIM wind vane is sure to attract attention.
This 3D rooster weathervane has a proud gait. It will proudly stand out on a balcony, roof or garden. A luxury decorative element very robust and suitable for large structures.
Notice or purists! This rooster weathervane with a vintage spirit invites itself at home to decorate the garden, the roof or the balcony without distorting the other decorations in place.
Material
Metal
FabricPlasticGlass
Metal
PlasticMetal
Dimensions
49 x 64.2 cm
38.1 x 29.46 x 4.06 cm
63 x 60 cm
130 x 35 x 35 cm
Pattern/Color
Black
RedWhiteBlack
Polished CopperBlack
RainbowBlack
Weight
1.3 kg
0.03 kg
5 kg
1.5 kg
Style/Design
Classic-modern
Modern
3D
Architectural

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Buying guide - weather vane

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How to choose your weather vane

Whether it's decorative or used to tell the direction of the wind, choosing the best weathervane depends on several criteria. Here are our tips to help you choose the best wind vane for you.

#1 - Solidity

A weathervane, since it will be installed outside the house, must resist all kinds of elements: wind, rain, hail, etc. Sturdy materials should therefore be preferred. The most common choice is metal. The rod should be stable and rigid, no matter where it is placed.

#2 - The fastening system

Some older models do not have a fastening system. Some older models don't have a mounting system, so you'll have to invent one that attaches to the ground or roof. Choose newer weathervanes that have versatile devices that can be attached to any support.

#3 - The size

Size is a key criterion in choosing a weathervane. Apart from being a weather tool, it is also a decorative element that should be seen and appreciated. Large models are the most recommended for the garden. You can choose a medium-sized weathervane for the roof.

#4 - The design

This

criterion depends on the taste and preferences of everyone. If before the rooster weathervane was very popular, the trends have changed in recent years. You can for example buy a weathervane representing other animals or flowers. It's up to you to choose the one that most closely matches your decorating style. The main thing is that it brings out the beauty of your property.

#5 - The cardinal points

This criterion has evolved a lot since the very first appearance of weather vanes. It used to be that the four letters of the cardinal points were prominently displayed. Models with windmills play on the direction of the propeller to orient themselves. The most recent ones have both the letters and a compass. The main thing is that the wind vane is effective.

How to read a wind vane?

You have a wind vane at home or you were planning to buy one, but you don't know how to use it, nor how to interpret each movement and displacement of the device. The reading of a wind vane is based on the change of season.

In the summer, if your weathervane is pointing north or east, it's a sign that the weather is nice (warm and dry) and there are no clouds on the horizon. If the arrow is pointing south or west, it means that a storm is forming and you should expect heavy rain.

For the winter season, a weather vane pointing north or east means a cold spell. The direction of the arrow to the south or west may mean that there is a risk of a storm. Finally, if your weathervane is pointing east in winter, it means that a heavy rain is coming soon.

The different types of weather vanes

You will find here the different types of weather vanes according to their utility. It is also to show you that the weather vanes have evolved over time.

The classic weather vane

Appearing in the Middle Ages, the classic weathervane is a small device found on the roofs of some buildings. It is used to indicate the direction of the wind. The most traditional one is the rooster weathervane. But this era is over, because it has evolved and comes in many forms. Despite the fact that they are meteorological instruments of great utility, the current trend is that these classic weathervanes are only used for decoration.

The automatic wind vane

Appearing

recently, the automatic weather vane is an extremely improved version of the usual weather vane. It is mostly used by weather stations to monitor and measure the wind direction. The most common one is the electronic potentiometer wind vane. Of course, the automatic wind vane is very efficient, but the spirit of the wind vane is not there anymore. It is more a performance tool than a decorative object.

The Girouette Anemometer

With the

advancement of technology, the wind vane has given way to the anemometer which is a multifunctional device capable of giving precise statistics as to wind direction, wind speed, temperature, humidity, etc. Everything is controlled from a console and some models even have USB ports or touch screens.

Weathervane or wind turbine ?

Weathervane

The weathervane is more appreciated because it is both functional and decorative. Moreover, you can choose from the many models available on the market. You can even go as far as ordering a custom-made weathervane with the shape, material and colours you like.

Apart from being a beautiful decorative object, a weathervane has only one function: to detect the direction of the wind.

Garden Wind Turbine

Simple in design, but more practical, the garden wind turbine can be used both to detect the wind and to produce household energy that you can use to power parts of your home.

The only concern is that there are not many choices and you should have the proper equipment that comes with it to be able to produce energy.

Verdict

You can choose a wind vane to embellish your house, garden or terrace. However, a garden windmill will be more advantageous in terms of investment. Either way, the choice is yours.

Tips

Adjusting a wind vane properly

First of all, you have to choose the right location. Then, position the windvane facing the wind. When you see that it turns well and that it points to a precise direction, it is well adjusted. You can then proceed to attach it.

Using a weather vane in your garden

A

weathervane is not just a decorative element once placed in your garden or vegetable garden. It holds an important role in whether you can garden or not. Not only does it serve to indicate the direction of the wind, but it also keeps pests away.

Protect the windvane from rust and corrosion

Traditional wind vanes rust faster, but you can slow this down by applying detergents to them that remove the stain and rust. You can also use anti-rust paint to paint the stem.

Maintaining your copper weathervane

If

you find that the copper on your weathervane is turning black, you can clean it with baking soda and lemon. You can also use salt dissolved in vinegar. You'll see, your weathervane will get a beautiful shine again.

Weathervane, a great gift idea

Giving

a weathervane to a loved one is to remind him of the good old days when everything was simple. Thus, he will always remember the moment when you had offered him this beautiful object as soon as he throws a glance at the garden or at his roof.

FAQ

What is the best weather vane?

The best wind vane depends on your needs and your budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

How do I attach the wind vane to the roof?

Installing a wind vane on the roof is very easy, especially if it has the original mounting systems. Usually a windvane is placed on the peak of the roof or at the top of the chimney. Make a 15 mm hole, put the weathervane in it, check that the shaft is straight and fix it with the fixings included in the pack you received.

How to fix the weather vane in the garden or terrace?

It's easy to fix a weathervane in a garden or on a terrace. First, check the location. Then fix the weathervane to a post or wall. Make sure that it is high enough. And that's it, your weathervane is installed.

What is the role of a weather vane?

A wind vane shows the direction of the wind. It consists of an arrow and a support. The whole thing turns as soon as the wind blows. Generally, the cardinal points, North, South, East, West, are indicated on a wind vane. This makes it easier for you to know where the wind is coming from.

What material for a weather vane?

A weathervane must be resistant to bad weather and abrasion. Choose weathervane stems made of iron, zinc or steel. The silhouette at the top of the rod should also be made of sturdy material such as fibreglass or steel. The important thing is that your weathervane lasts over time.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , Jardinage.lemonde.fr
  2. , cuckooland.com
  3. , Meteocentre.com
  4. , Exterieursdesignmagazine.fr
  5. , Wikipedia.org
  6. , Systemed.fr
  7. , Pandablue.com
  8. , Jardindeco.com
  9. , Netatmo.com
  10. , girouette.fr
  11. , amazon.co.uk
  12. , outils-et-nature.fr
  13. , larousse.fr
  14. , cdiscount.com
  15. , girouette.com
  16. , decorexpro.com
  17. , fr.wikipedia.org
  18. , manomano.fr
  19. , girouettes-enseignes.com
  20. , girouette.fr
  21. , outils-et-nature.fr
  22. , pinterest.fr
  23. , m.youtube.com
  24. , mesgirouettes.com
  25. , girouettesdumage.com
  26. , rueducommerce.fr
  27. , mesgirouettes.com
  28. , dictionnaire.sensagent.leparisien.fr
  29. , systemed.fr
  30. , millan-decor-girouette.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model 9
Weathervane Bee and its Wrought Iron Hive Small model
CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL 10
CIM Small 2 in 1 weathervane GIMPEL
3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn 11
3D arrow weathervane in polished copper Wetterhahn
Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH 12
Girouette Coq Bulary Traditionnel SHOH

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