Using an awning in wind and rain depends on its design, installation and the weather conditions. A retractable patio awning can provide shade and, where the model and installed pitch allow, shelter from light rain. Retract it before strong winds or heavy rain arrive. For more dependable rain protection, a purpose-designed pergola awning may be a better choice.
It is a question we hear often at Winchester Awnings, particularly from homeowners planning to use their patio beyond the summer. The answer depends on the awning model, its pitch, the way it has been fitted and the weather conditions. Here is what to consider before leaving an awning open.
Can you leave a retractable awning out in the wind?
A gentle breeze and a strong gust place very different demands on an extended awning. As wind catches the fabric, it puts force on the arms, fixings and wall. For that reason, retract your awning before strong winds or a storm arrive, even if it has a wind sensor.
There is no single wind speed that is safe for every installation. The permitted wind resistance depends on the particular model and the installation, including the wall and fixings. Your installer’s guidance and the instructions supplied with your awning should take priority over a general rule you find online.
If the fabric or front bar is moving noticeably in gusts, bring the awning in. If you are going out and windy weather is forecast, retract it before you leave.
Will an awning keep the rain off?
Some retractable awnings can offer useful shelter in light rain, provided the model and installed pitch allow water to run off. They should not be treated as a waterproof roof. If rain becomes heavy or water begins to collect on the fabric, retract the awning as soon as it is safe to do so.
Pitch matters. An awning set too flat may allow water to pool, placing considerable weight on the fabric and frame. The rain guidance varies by model, so it is important to check the instructions for your awning rather than assume that all retractable awnings can be used in the same conditions.
A shower can also arrive with gusty wind. Even where the awning could cope with light rain, changing wind conditions may mean it needs to come in.
What do wind and rain sensors do?
A compatible wind sensor can trigger a motorised awning to retract when it detects the wind conditions it is set up to respond to. Depending on the system, a rain sensor can also tell the awning to retract when rain starts. Sun sensors serve a different purpose: they can extend an awning when sunshine reaches the set level.
These controls are helpful when the weather changes unexpectedly, but they do not make an awning stormproof. Sensors and motors need power or working batteries, correct settings and maintenance. Sudden gusts can also develop quickly. We recommend retracting the awning yourself when poor weather is forecast, rather than waiting for a sensor to act.
At Winchester Awnings, we can discuss suitable controls alongside a Somfy motorised awning or another compatible system, based on the awning you choose.
A customer in Ropley chose to have wind sensors fitted to their awning. It is a useful option for anyone concerned about the weather changing while the awning is extended: the sensor can trigger it to retract when it detects the wind conditions it is set for. We still advise bringing the awning in when strong winds are forecast, rather than relying on the sensor alone.
If you are weighing up the different operating options, read our guide to motorised vs manual awnings.
You can also explore Weinor’s weather sensor options for more information about the different types of automatic control.
What if the awning gets wet?
If you need to retract an awning while the fabric is damp, do so to protect it from worsening weather. Extend it again to dry fully when conditions are safe. Leaving damp fabric rolled away for a prolonged period can encourage staining and mildew.
Do not reopen it to dry during strong wind, frost or another spell of heavy rain. Wait for suitable weather, and follow the care instructions for your particular fabric and awning.
For more advice on looking after the fabric and keeping your awning in good condition, read our Weinor awning maintenance guide.
Would a pergola awning be better for a wet or exposed patio?
If your main aim is dependable shelter from rain, tell us at the planning stage. A standard retractable patio awning is primarily a flexible shade solution. A purpose-designed pergola awning can offer greater weather protection, although its performance still depends on the model and installation.
For example, Weinor states that its PergoTex II can provide reliable rain protection when installed at the required pitch of at least 8°. That specification belongs to that particular system; it should not be applied to every pergola or patio awning. Even a pergola awning should be retracted when winds exceed the conditions specified for it.
We will look at the position of your patio, exposure to wind, available fixing points and how you want to use the space before recommending an option.
Choosing an Awning for Wind and Rain in Hampshire
A well-chosen awning can make a patio much more comfortable on bright days, including those clear autumn afternoons when low sun makes outdoor seating difficult or sends glare through bifold doors. If you would also like shelter during showers, we can talk through what the different systems can realistically provide.
Winchester Awnings is an independent, family-run business based in Alresford, supplying and installing made-to-measure awnings across Winchester, Hampshire and surrounding areas. We are an authorised Weinor dealer and can advise on motorisation, suitable weather sensors and the practical differences between residential patio awnings and pergola systems.
For a closer look at how an awning might fit your space, read our guide to choosing the right awning size or contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation. We will give you clear advice on what suits your home and how you plan to use the patio.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whether You Can Use an Awning in Wind and Rain
Can I use my awning in light rain?
Possibly, if the specific awning and its installed pitch permit it. Some retractable awnings provide shelter from light rain, but water must be able to drain away. Check your model’s instructions and retract it if rain intensifies or begins to pool.
At what wind speed should I retract my awning?
There is no universal figure. The permitted wind resistance depends on the awning and how it has been installed. Follow the guidance supplied for your installation and retract it ahead of strong winds or storms.
Does a wind sensor make an awning safe to leave open?
A wind sensor adds useful protection by triggering retraction when it detects the conditions it is set for. It cannot guarantee protection during sudden storms, power failures or faults. Bring the awning in when bad weather is forecast or when leaving it unattended.
Can I retract an awning when the fabric is wet?
Yes. If the weather is worsening, retracting it is the sensible step. Extend it again to dry thoroughly once conditions are safe, rather than leaving wet fabric rolled away for a prolonged period.
Are pergola awnings waterproof?
Some purpose-designed pergola systems provide reliable rain protection when installed to the manufacturer’s specification. Performance varies by model, fabric and pitch, so ask about the exact system rather than assuming every pergola awning is waterproof.
Should I use my awning in snow or frost?
No. Keep it retracted in snow and frosty conditions, and check the manufacturer’s instructions for any automatic controls that could otherwise extend it.