Why You Might Want a Weather Station for Your RV or Home
Let’s be honest, checking your phone’s weather app for the forecast when you’re parked in the middle of nowhere can be pretty useless. That’s where an RV weather station comes in handy.
A good weather station tells you more than just the temperature. It also warns you about dropping barometric pressure (incoming storm!) and rising humidity. I’ve saved my awning more than once thanks to these early warnings.
These digital weather stations are basically a small screen inside your RV that talks to a sensor outside. It tells you things like indoor outdoor temps, humidity, pressure trends, even moon phases if you’re into that. The wireless ones run on batteries, so no messy wiring needed.
In this review, we’ll go over the best weather stations for RVs, including top features to look for, how they work, and our favorite models for camping and travel. Whether you want something basic or packed with features, there’s an option here for every kind of RVer.
What Makes a Weather Station Good for RV Use?
Here’s the thing about picking a weather station for your RV, you shouldn’t just grab any old model off the shelf. First off, you need something that runs on batteries.
When you’re boondocking and running on solar, the last thing you want is another gadget hogging your precious power. A battery powered weather station is non-negotiable, and oddly enough, a hard thing to find.
Size matters too. Your counter space is already fighting for room with the coffee maker and toaster, so look for a compact camping weather station that won’t crowd you out. The wireless setup is perfect for RVs. Just stick the sensor outside (I use command strips on mine) and keep the display wherever it’s convenient. No drilling holes or running wires through your RV walls.
As for features, you want the basics done right: a display that dims for sleeping, clear indoor outdoor readings, a weather station with humidity sensor (super important for controlling condensation), and weather icons that actually make sense at a glance. If it shows barometric pressure, even better, that’s your heads-up for weather changes.
The best weather station for RV life is one that’s tough enough to handle the vibrations of travel but simple enough that you’re not squinting at tiny buttons every morning.
| Model | Battery Powered | Display Type | Tracks | Smart Features | Best For | Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | La Crosse Technology C85845 | Yes (3 AA, display limited) | Color LCD | Temp, Humidity, Forecast | No | Simple RV Setups | Amazon |
 | AcuRite 00829 | Yes (basic display & data) | Bright LCD | Temp, Humidity, Barometer, Forecast | No | Quick weather checks | Amazon |
 | Unni Swiss Sensor | Yes (USB or battery only) | Compact Bold LCD | Temp, Humidity, Forecast, Barometer | No | High accuracy in small setup | Amazon |
 | Sainlogic Station | Yes (battery + plug) | LCD with Backlight | Temp, Humidity, Wind, Rain, Pressure | No | Well-rounded RV weather data | Amazon |
 | La Crosse Pro 328-69357 | Yes (battery + WiFi optional) | Color LCD with Auto-Dim | Temp, Humidity, Wind, Rain, Pressure | Yes (WiFi + App Alerts) | Full-time RVers & weather enthusiasts | Amazon |
Best Weather Stations Reviews & Info
1. La Crosse Technology C85845 Wireless Forecast Station
Key Features
- Powered by plug or 3 AA backup batteries.
- Easy-to-read color display with weather icons.
- Shows indoor/outdoor temp and humidity.
- Custom alerts for temperature and humidity.
- Atomic clock with calendar and daylight savings.
My Review
The La Crosse C85845 is a great pick for RVers who want basic weather tracking without the fuss. You get your indoor outdoor temps and humidity readings, plus those little weather icons that give you a heads-up on what’s coming.
What I really like is the alert feature, set it to beep when temps hit freezing or when humidity gets too high. Super handy when you’re worried about pipes or condensation.
This portable weather station needs to be plugged in for the best experience, but the battery backup works to power it full time as well. The display stays nice and bright when it’s plugged in, then automatically dims on battery power to save juice.
Nothing fancy here, just a solid digital weather station that fits nicely on a small shelf or counter. Perfect if you’re weekend camping or just getting started with RVing and don’t want to blow the budget on weather gear.
Pros
- Simple setup and operation.
- Great value for what you get.
- Works on batteries in power loss.
- Comfortable indoor/outdoor humidity chart.
Cons
- Limited features (no wind or rain).
- Backlight only stays on when plugged in.
2. AcuRite 00829 Digital Weather Station
Key Features
- Runs on batteries (no power cord needed).
- Shows temp, humidity, barometric pressure, and forecast.
- Moon phase and heat index display.
- Self-setting clock with date.
- Simple setup with outdoor sensor.
My Review
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers, the AcuRite 00829 is worth checking out. You get all the essentials, indoor outdoor temperature, humidity readings, plus barometric pressure that actually helps predict weather changes. The 12-hour forecast isn’t perfect, but it’s surprisingly accurate for such a basic barometric pressure weather station.
What makes this one perfect for RV life? It runs completely on batteries. No hunting for outlets or dealing with cords while you’re boondocking. The screen isn’t super bright, you won’t be reading it from across a dark room, but in normal daylight it’s fine.
Setup is simple. Pop in batteries, stick the sensor outside, and you’re good to go. This battery powered weather station might not have all the bells and whistles, but for weekend warriors or anyone who just wants to know if they need a jacket in the morning, it’s honestly all you need.
Sometimes simple is better, especially when you’re trying to enjoy the outdoors instead of fiddling with complicated gadgets.
Pros
- Long battery life.
- Shows useful info in a compact setup.
- Great value for basic tracking.
- Easy to mount or move.
Cons
- No backlight for nighttime use.
- No wind or rain tracking.
3. Unni Wireless Weather Station with Swiss Sensor
Key Features
- Swiss-made sensor for precise data.
- Battery or USB powered.
- Forecast and barometric pressure chart.
- Supports up to 3 sensors.
- Compact display for small RV spaces.
My Review
If accuracy matters most to you, the Unni hits different. That Swiss-made sensor isn’t just marketing fluff, this thing nails the temperature every time. The humidity readings are just as reliable, which matters when you’re trying to keep your RV from turning into a mold farm.
Here’s what makes this RV temperature monitor perfect for the road: total power flexibility. Run it on batteries when boondocking or plug it into any USB port when you’ve got shore power.
The display packs everything into a small footprint. Current conditions, forecast, even a little barometric pressure chart that shows trends over time. It’s like having a mini weather lab on your counter.
Size-wise, this travel weather station is about as big as a smartphone standing up. Perfect for tiny RV spaces. The forecast feature actually learns your local patterns over a few days, so it gets more accurate the longer you stay put.
At the very least, a small budget portable weather station like this should be in every RV. It’s reliable, accurate and helps predict localized weather.
Pros
- High accuracy, great for sensitive climates.
- Battery-only operation makes it flexible.
- Clear, compact screen.
- Great wireless range (up to 330 ft).
Cons
- No wind or rain tracking.
- Not as bright as larger displays.
4. Sainlogic Wireless Weather Station
Key Features
- Tracks wind, rain, pressure, temp, and humidity.
- Runs on batteries with optional plug-in power.
- Adjustable backlight for day or night use.
- Weather alerts for wind and temperature.
- Wide wireless range (up to 328 ft).
My Review
The Sainlogic station is basically the Swiss Army knife of RV weather stations. While most just tell you temp and humidity, this one goes all out and tells you wind speed, rainfall, barometric pressure, the works.
Most RVers would love to know when winds are picking up before the awning starts flapping like crazy. The rain gauge isn’t a must have, but it can be interesting data when you’re out in the wildness.
The display is huge, which means you can actually see it from across an RV without getting up. It has extreme weather alerts too. You can set it to warn you when winds hit a certain speed or temps drop too low.
Power-wise, you’ve got options. Plug it in at full hookup sites or run it on batteries when you’re off-grid. The outdoor sensor is easy to mount (use a simple bracket on the RV ladder), and can handle nasty weather without missing a beat.
Sure, it’s overkill if you only camp in perfect weather, but if you’re out there year-round, having all this data helps you make smarter decisions about when to move, when to hunker down, and when to just stay inside with a good book.
Pros
- Full set of weather data.
- Easy to set up.
- Great for changing weather conditions.
- RV-friendly power setup.
Cons
- No smart features or WiFi.
- Screen may be too large for tight spaces.
- Needs to be taken down before travel.
5. La Crosse Technology 328-69357-INT Pro Weather Station
Key Features
- Full weather tracking: wind, rain, temp, humidity, pressure.
- Works on batteries with optional WiFi and power plug.
- Custom alerts and history logs.
- Bright color display with auto dimming.
- View and control settings via smartphone app.
My Review
For full-time RVers or weather nerds (you know who you are), the La Crosse 328-69357 is basically the Cadillac of portable weather stations.
This thing monitors everything. Wind speed, wind direction, how much rain you got last night, plus all your standard temp and humidity stuff. The auto-dimming screen is fantastic for RV life since it won’t blind you at 2 AM but stays readable during the day.
Here’s where it gets really good: WiFi connectivity (for those who have mobile hotspots). You can check your RV’s weather from inside the grocery store using the La Crosse View app. Wondering if that storm hit your campsite while you’re out exploring? Just pull up your phone. The app also stores historical data, so you can see patterns and trends over time.
The fact that this high-tech weather station with forecast capabilities runs on batteries is huge. No scrambling for outlets or losing data when you unhook. Set custom alerts for whatever worries you like high winds, freezing temps, or heavy rain. If your connected to WiFi, it’ll ping your phone even if you’re not at the RV.
The La Crosse 328-69357 is overkill for weekend camping trips, but if you’re living the RV life full-time or just love tracking weather data, it’s hard to beat. Between the WiFi monitoring, battery power option, and comprehensive weather tracking, this digital weather station takes the guesswork out of dealing with whatever Mother Nature throws your way.
Pros
- Great for full-time RVers.
- Battery-friendly with advanced options.
- Tons of weather info, including wind and rain.
- WiFi app for remote tracking.
Cons
- Not budget friendly.
- Bigger display may need more mounting space.
- Needs to be taken down before travel.
How to Use a Weather Station in Your RV
Setting up your RV weather station right makes all the difference. I learned this the hard way when my first sensor gave me readings 10 degrees too high because I stuck it in direct sunlight. Mount the outdoor sensor somewhere shaded, under your awning works great, or on the side that doesn’t face the sun.
Watch that barometric pressure, when I see it dropping fast, I know it’s time to batten down the hatches. Steady pressure drop = incoming weather, usually within 12-24 hours. Rapid drop = grab your awning NOW.
Most awning manufacturers say to roll them in at 15-20 mph winds, but honestly? I’m bringing mine in at anything over 10-15 mph. Better safe than sorry when you’re talking about a repair or even worse, a full awning fabric replacement.
Your weather station with humidity sensor is basically your mold prevention system. Indoor humidity creeping above 50%? Time to crack a window or fire up that vent fan. In winter, this gets critical, all that breathing and cooking creates moisture that’ll condensate on every cold surface. I check mine every morning with my coffee.
For you boondockers out there, overnight low temperature is important info. Hit 32°F? Better disconnect those hoses or wrap them up.
Your battery powered weather station will also show patterns after a few days. It can show you things like how that pretty spot by the lake drops 15 degrees colder than the sites up the hill. Write this stuff down (or take phone pics) for next time you’re in the area. Trust me, future you will thank present you for keeping track of which sites turn into wind tunnels and which stay cozy.
Tips for Using a Weather Station in Your RV
- Mount the outdoor sensor in shade – Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near metal or vents. Under your awning or on the north side of your RV is best.
- Bring in the awning at 15–20 mph wind speeds – Strong gusts can tear or bend your awning arms. If in doubt, bring it in sooner.
- Watch for dropping barometric pressure – A fast drop often means bad weather or high winds are on the way. Check your setup and secure loose items.
- Track high indoor humidity – Humidity over 60% inside your RV can cause condensation and mold. Open windows, run a fan, or use a dehumidifier.
- Use low temps to protect water lines – If your weather station shows freezing or near-freezing outdoor temps overnight, protect your RV’s water hose and tanks.
- Check daily highs and lows – This helps you plan your clothing, meals, and travel. It also tells you how cold your rig gets overnight.
- Use battery-powered models when boondocking – Stations that run on batteries keep giving you updates even without hookups or shore power.
- Use multiple sensors to monitor gear bays or fridge vents – Some weather stations support more than one sensor, which is handy for RV compartments or outdoor kitchens.
- Rely on alerts if your model has them – Set custom alerts for high heat, low temps, or strong winds so you don’t miss important changes.
- Keep your screen visible and away from heat – Don’t place the indoor display near your RV stove, furnace, or a sunny window. This keeps readings accurate.
Final Thoughts
After years of RVing, I can honestly say a good weather station is one of those upgrades you don’t think you need until you have one. Then you can’t imagine traveling without it.
Whether you’re escaping for weekend getaways or living this lifestyle full-time, having real-time weather data right there on your counter changes how you camp. No more guessing if that wind is strong enough to damage your awning or wondering why everything feels damp inside.
The best weather station for RV life doesn’t have to break the bank or have every feature imaginable. Find one that runs on batteries (trust me on this), shows the data that matters to you, and has a display you can actually read without your glasses.
Some folks want all the bells and whistles with WiFi and rain gauges, others just need temp and humidity. Both are totally fine, it’s about what helps you stay comfortable and safe out there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weather Stations
Do I really need a weather station in my RV?
Yes, having a weather station in your RV can be very helpful. It lets you see indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity, and sometimes wind or rain. This helps you stay comfortable, protect your gear, and know when bad weather is coming, especially when you’re camping without good phone signal.
What is barometric pressure and why should I care?
Barometric pressure tells you about changes in the air. If the pressure is dropping, it usually means a storm or windy weather is coming. If it’s rising, the weather is probably going to be calm. Watching this helps you plan your day or decide when to pack up and move.
How windy is too windy for an RV awning?
It’s best to bring in your awning if wind speeds reach 15–20 mph or more. Even one strong gust can bend or tear your awning. Some RVers play it safe and bring theirs in at 10 mph if they’re leaving the campsite for a while.
Can I use a weather station while boondocking?
Yes! Just make sure you choose one that runs on batteries. That way it still works even when you don’t have hookups or solar power.
Where should I put the outdoor sensor?
Mount the sensor in a shaded spot, like under your awning or on the north side of your RV. Keep it away from vents, metal, or windows so the readings stay accurate. A place that gets air flow but is protected from direct sun and rain is ideal.
How far can the outdoor sensor be from the display?
Most weather stations work within 100 to 330 feet, depending on the model. That’s plenty for any RV setup. Just make sure there aren’t too many thick walls or metal panels between the sensor and the display.
Can a weather station warn me about freezing temperatures?
Yes, many weather stations show outdoor lows and let you set alerts. If the temperature is getting close to freezing, it can remind you to protect your water hose, tanks, and pipes from freezing damage.
Are weather stations hard to install in an RV?
Not at all. Most are plug-and-play. Just mount the outdoor sensor using a hook or screws, and place the indoor screen where you can see it easily. Setup usually takes less than 10 minutes.
Can I get weather data on my phone too?
Some high-end weather stations connect to WiFi and let you check your RV’s weather data from a mobile app. This is handy if you leave camp for the day or want alerts while you sleep.
Most RV’s are clad in aluminum. Dies that limit the wireless signal from the sensors from getting to the console?
Hello Herbert,
No, I haven’t had any issues with the sensor not being able to sync to the base station. I have tried both cheap and expensive models. Most weather stations can do at least up to 100 feet even with several walls between.
Hi Folks… I wonder about the wind cups while the RV is going down the road. I don’t see that mentioned anywhere and curious if this is easily damaged due to the speed + the wind it is subjected to. I realize the actual wind speed isn’t going to be accurate while driving, and that isn’t any concern. But what about how well it’s made to withstand being subjected to that wind while driving? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Hello Jerry and Kathy,
Thank you for your comment, that’s an important thing we forgot to mention.
Large sensors with moving parts should be taken down during travel. They’re not made to withstand highway or freeway winds in any way and should only be up and used when the RV is parked.
Jesse
One of the best articles that I’ve read in a very long time! I Took notes and surely gonna implement and test bunch of stuff you talked about.
You’re a beast! Cheers, Ash
Any thoughts on where you would recommend placing the outdoor sensor so that it’s always in the shade on a motor home? Also, how does the Atomic Clock work when moving from place to place? We are rovers who rarely stay in one spot for more that a few days…maybe a week. Do all of these models have to be reset every time you cross a timeline, or are some set up to “converse” with GPS and update automatically?
Hello Jana, so sorry for the late reply.
We’ve velcroed our sensor to the frame of our travel trailer where it’s hidden from the sun at all times. You still have to set a time zone and daylight savings on/off.
Jesse
So, which is the best bet for Boondocking RVr’s? Yes I have solar and inverter, but its a 3000w inverter and does drain the battery. Is there a way to connect to a 12v USB port and bypass the 5v 110 adapter?
It depends on how many features you want. I have the La Crosse S85814 and it has been running on the same batteries for about a year now. The screen isn’t lit up but you can still read it perfectly fine. I have it mounted on the wall inside my camper, and the sensor is velcroed to the frame of my trailer. Not sure how you would power one off of a USB port.
Jesse