For weather enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers and fitness lovers alike, having the right tools can make a world of difference. If you’re looking for a convenient way to monitor weather conditions without carrying around a bulky device, then a outdoor watch is what you need. These watches are designed to provide you with pertinent weather information on the go, but they can do much more. Knowing where to begin your search, however, can be a bit daunting. I’ve spend hours researching the different models out there and figured that I would share what I’ve learned with you. Hopefully, this article will provide you with everything you need to know in order to choose the best outdoor watch for your needs.
So without further ado, here are my top outdoor watch recommendations. If you see one you like, click the “view” button on the right to see the official product listing. This article focuses mostly on functionality and design, so I don’t go into depth about specifications, like battery life and weight. You can refer to the Amazon listings for that. After you scroll through the list, keep reading for more a thorough discussion on the features and what the different brands have to offer. Have fun!
Best Outdoor Watches of 2020
| Rank | Model | Features | Further Information |
|---|---|---|---|
1. |  Garmin D2 Delta  Price tier: 5 💰💰💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features |  "Most Advanced Features" View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
2. |  Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN GPR-B1000-1JR  Price tier: 4 💰💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | "Most Impressive Design" View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
3. |  Garmin Fenix 6 Pro  Price tier: 4 💰💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
4. |  Suunto 9 Baro  Price tier: 4 💰💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
5. |  Casio Men's Pro Trek PRW-6000Y-1ACR  Price tier: 3 💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | "Niftiest" View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
6. |  Suunto Ambit3 Peak  Price tier: 3 💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
7. |  SUUNTO Traverse  Price tier: 3 💰💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
8. |  Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400  Price tier: 2 💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features |  #1 Best Seller View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
9. |  Suunto Core  Price tier: 2 💰💰 | Weather Features Additional Features |  #2 Best Seller "Best for the Money" View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
10. |  LAD Weather Sensor Master 5  Price tier: 1 💰 | Weather Features Additional Features | View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
11. |  Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1  Price tier: 1 💰 | Weather Features Additional Features |  #3 Best Seller View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
12. |  Casio Pathfinder PAG240-1CR  Price tier: 1 💰 | Weather Features Additional Features |  "Black Sheep" View on Amazon ➔ (jump to product description ⬇) |
Breakdown by brand
Now that you’ve taken a look at some of the best outdoor watches available, here is a brief overview of the major brands.
Garmin
Known mainly for its GPS devices, Garmin is actually a frontrunner in the outdoor watch business. In fact, they make some of the most high end model on the market. Needless to say, each outdoor watch by Garmin also has extensive GPS capabilities as well as fitness tracking and outdoor adventuring features. Visually, Garmin’s watches tend to be sleek, but they are not generally as rugged as some other brands. In fact, these watches tend to function like miniature smartphones, with apps and all. You can even download and listen to music via bluetooth. Furthermore, they can be worn dressed up or down, so they’re perfect for busy professionals who like to go outdoors on the weekends.
One important thing to note about Garmin’s outdoor watches is that they are all compatible with Garmin’s tempe Wireless Temperature Sensor. This is a sensor that pairs through bluetooth to provide users with more precise temperature readings. This add-on is not required, however, as the watches will still provide a moderately accurate temperature without it.
In the list above, there are 2 Garmin models: the D2 Delta and the Fenix 6. Here is a brief description of their differences:
Garmin D2 Delta
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 5 💰💰💰💰💰 🏆 "Most Advanced Features" Being the most sophisticated model of the bunch, the D2 Delta comes fully equipped with navigation and weather features that other models can't touch. The feature that really sets this weather watch apart, however, is its ability to access location-based meteorological reports (METARs), terminal forecast (TAF), and NEXRAD weather radar. While these reports are mainly used for aviation, they unlock an entire world of capabilities when it comes to weather monitoring. You'll have access to data for wind speed/direction, dew point, cloud cover, visibility and more. The Garmin D2 Delta is the cream of the crop when it comes to weather watches. (back to model features ⬆) (about Garmin ⬆) |
Garmin Fenix 6
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 3 💰💰💰 Although the Fenix 6 can't access METAR, TAF and NEXRAD like the D2 Delta, it does have 1 better feature: more storage. This watch comes with 32GB of internal storage whereas the D2 Delta only comes with 16GB. Although this doesn't improve the watch's ability to monitor the weather, the Fenix 6 still outperforms most of the other watches that realm. That's why it's 3rd on the list. Plus, since it's a Garmin, it has extensive GPS capabilities. (back to model features ⬆) (about Garmin ⬆) |
In addition to the models listed above, Garmin also makes the following:
💭 Note: the D2 models generally have the same weather features as the D2 Delta (detailed above), but have less of the other features. The same applies to the Fenix series.
Casio
As you probably know, Casio has been making watches for a while. These watches have the signature Casio look and are built to last. Their rugged construction makes them great for the outdoors. Plus, they are more affordable than the Garmin models. The tradeoff, however, is that they lack the extensive GPS capabilities and added functionality that the Garmin models offer through their apps. That’s not to say they don’t have GPS all, though. On the contrary, many models do have GPS, in fact; it’s just that Garmin outperforms Casio in that realm. If you just need basic navigation features, the best outdoor watch for you might be a Casio. These watches are suitable for someone who needs ruggedness and dependability on the fly.
One more thing to note about the Casio models here is that they all have solar charging systems. No other brand actually has that feature, which makes the Casios unique in that regard.
In addition to the models listed above, Casio makes a ton variations. The Pro Trek and Rangeman series are the ones you want to look for. These watches have what Casio refers to as the “Triple Sensor” component, which is a barometer, altimeter and thermometer in one. Here is an Amazon search query for all the Casio watches that have the Triple Sensor.
Casio G-SHOCK RANGEMAN GPR-B1000-1JR
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 4 💰💰💰💰 🏆 "Most Impressive Design" This watch is the only Casio on the list with navigation. It's also built like a rock, has server-controlled time keeping and a carbon fiber wrist band for superior comfort and durability. It's one of the most advanced Casio models out there. Although it does't have aviation network features like the Garmin D2 Delta, it has superior durability and water resistance. I chose this Rangerman model as having the most impressive design because in addition to its rugged construction, it's the only watch that has both solar power charging and GPS navigation together. In fact, the navigation feature can run for a limited period of time just on solar energy alone. Hence, I ranked it #2 on the list. (back to model features ⬆) (about Casio ⬆) |
Casio Men’s Pro Trek PRW-6000Y-1ACR
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 3 💰💰💰 🏆 "Niftiest" This model has a classic analogue face as well as an LCD. The really cool part, though, is that the clock hands move out of the way automatically when viewing the LCD. Not many watches do this! For that reason, I've bestowed upon this beautiful timepiece the niftiest weather watch award. Another great feature of this model is radio-controlled atomic time keeping. You'll never have to adjust the time as it will adjust by itself. That's one less thing to think about! Moreover, this watch actually has one weather feature more than both of the Rangeman models: a barometric pressure change alert. (back to model features ⬆) (about Casio ⬆) |
Casio G-Shock Rangeman GW9400
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 2 💰💰 🥇 #1 Best Seller Also built like a rock, this Casio model is basically the same as the Rangerman GPR-B1000-1JR, minus the the GPS, server-controlled time keeping, and carbon fiber wrist band. With its modest price point, reputable brand and essential weather features, this weather watch is the top seller on the list. If you just need to monitor weather conditions without navigation, this watch might very well be the ideal choice for you. (back to model features ⬆) (about Casio ⬆) |
Casio Pro Trek PRG-270-1
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier: 1 💰 🥉 #3 Best Seller Being a Pro Trek model, this weather watch has similar features to the Pro Trek PRW-6000Y-1ACR 9 (detailed above). It too has the change in barometric pressure alarm, whereas the Rangeman models do not. The only difference is that this ProTrek model does not have radio-controlled time keeping or the classy analogue face with the auto hand shift feature. You'll have to manually set the time every now and then, but it has all the same basic weather functions. Overall, this watch is a popular choice, ranking at #3 on the best seller list. (back to model features ⬆) (about Casio ⬆) |
Suunto
Suunto has actually been around for longer than Casio. They are a Finnish company, established in 1936 (Casio was established 10 years later). While Casio has become a household name for all sorts of watches, Suunto has focused more on producing specialty sports watches. Suunto models have the sleekness and high functionality of the Garmin lines, but are generally more affordable. Some functionality is sacrificed for the lower price tag, however. If you don’t need the extensive bells and whistles that Garmin provides, yet still want some GPS features and a sleek design, then a Suunto might be the best weather for you.
Suunto 9 Baro
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰💰💰💰 The main reason this watch is the most expensive Suunto model is because it has impressive navigation capabilities (GPS, GLONASS, & GALILEO, & QZSS). Plus, it looks awesome. The face is a sleek color digital display. With regards to weather monitoring only, although the Baro 9 still has great features, it actually comes in second to the less expensive Suunto model – the Ambit3 Peak. (back to model features ⬆) (about Suunto ⬆) |
Suunto Ambit3 Peak
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰💰💰 While the Suunto Baro 9 excels in navigation, the Ambit3 Peak excels in weather monitoring. It beats the Baro 9 with the following weather features: sea level pressure, weather trend indication, tide information, and up to 26 hours of historical weather data. Although you'll still have decent navigation abilities with the Ambit3 Peak, the Baro 9 will have more. Another tradeoff is you get a basic LCD display instead of a color one. Last but not least, this model has a battery life of up to 200 hours, which is very difficult to beat when it comes to weather watches with GPS. (back to model features ⬆) (about Suunto ⬆) |
Suunto Traverse
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰💰💰 This watch is priced just a little bit lower than the Ambit3 Peak, but as the added feature of GLONASS navigation (in addition to GPS). On the other hand, the battery life of this model is 100 hours: still impressive, but only half the battery life of the Ambit3 Peak. The rest of the features are pretty much identical. (back to model features ⬆) (about Suunto ⬆) |
Suunto Core
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰💰 🏆 "Best for the Money" 🥈 #2 Best Seller This model basically has all the features of the Ambit3 Peak and Traverse, but without navigation. On the plus side, no navigation means longer battery life. People have reported that they change the batteries on this watch only 2 to 3 times per year. Since this model gives you great weather monitoring features for such a reasonable price, I given it the "Best for the Money" award. Evidently, many people feel the same; hence its #2 rank on the best sellers list. (back to model features ⬆) (about Suunto ⬆) |
Some other honorable mentions by Suunto are listed below. They basically have all the same weather features, but are stripped of some of the fitness features.
LAD Weather
The final brand I’d like to discuss is LAD Weather, which is is the most affordable of all the brands. These watches provide the bare bones for weather monitoring. Their design falls between the ruggedness of Casio and the sleekness of Suunto. The Sensor Master series, which is LAD Weather’s flagship series, is extremely popular due to its modest price range and relatively impressive models. If you’re just starting out and looking for the best entry level outdoor watch, LAD Weather has you covered.
LAD Weather Sensor Master 5
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰 The Sensor Master 5 has all the basic weather monitoring functions, plus one unique feature that no other weather watch has in its price range: weather forecasting. However, be careful when going in the water with this watch as it is only resistant up to 30 meters. That's the lowest water resistance rating on the entire list. That's the main tradeoff for the lower price tag. (back to model features ⬆) (about LAD Weather ⬆) |
LAD Weather Sensor Master 4
 View on Amazon  | Price Tier 💰 "Black Sheep"I just had to include this little device. Even though it's not a wrist watch, it's still a watch and does pretty much the same stuff. Actually, it's probably easier to operate because of its larger display. Furthermore, it tops the Sensor Master 5 for weather features, so don't turn your head away from this black sheep before you know the facts! With this device, you get a hydrometer plus get a bunch of weather trend information that you won't get with the Sensor Master 5or with many of the other model listed above. You might end up preferring the clip on style too. (back to model features ⬆) (about LAD Weather ⬆) |
LAD Weather also manufactures some other outdoor watches worth nothing:
Selecting the Best Outdoor Watch: Final Words
By now, you should have a pretty good understanding of what’s out there. Perhaps you have a few choices in mind and are still trying to decide which one is best. Personally, I like the Suunto Core because you get the most for your money. I also really dig the LAD Weather Sensor Master 4 (black sheep baaah) because it’s practical and has a built-in hydrometer; no other watch has that! What’s most important, though, is that you choice the one that best for you. If you have the money, then just go for the Garmin D2 Delta – it’s a beast!