Where is the Best Place to Locate a Weather Station

Locating your weather station correctly, more often than not has the biggest impact on data quality than the weather stations sensors themselves.

For many, the ideal location suggestions below will not be possible. In which case place your weather station as close to these ideal locations as possible.

Why Location Matters

Proper siting minimises local biases, such as heat from buildings, turbulence from obstructions or splash from hard surfaces and ensures your readings reflect true weather conditions.

Temperature & Humidity Placement

• Height: 1.2–2 m above ground to match meteorological standards.
• Surface: Over natural ground or short grass, at least 9 m from heat retaining surfaces.
• Obstructions: At least four times the height of any nearby obstacle away (e.g. 20 meters from a 5 meter tree).

Direct Sun Shielding – Many all in one weather stations have temperature sensors located where the sun can’t directly shine. However, when using separate temperature sensors they should be located out of direct sunlight, in a shaded area.

Rain Gauge Placement

• Height: 0.6m – 1.5 m above ground to reduce splash‑in and wind under catch.
• Horizontal Clearance: At least twice the obstacle’s height (ideally four times) from buildings, fences or trees.
• Leveling: Keep the rain gauge perfectly level and bevel the mounting post to divert splashwater.

Wind Sensor Placement

• Ideal Height: 9m -10 m above ground; for home use, 3m to 5 m on a sturdy pole or rooftop.
• Obstruction Clearance: Ensure the anemometer is the highest point within at least a 2 m radius.
• Orientation: Align wind vanes to true north for correct directional readings. Often the wind vanes will have a mark, which should be pointing north.

Practical Installation Steps

1. Site Survey: Walk your property at sensor heights and identify clear zones.
2. Temporary Test Mount: Use a portable pole for 1–2 weeks to verify reception and exposure.
3. Secure Mounting: Install a non conductive, vibration dampened pole, use anti‑vibration brackets as needed.
4. Level & Orient: Ensure rain gauges are level; face temperature shields north in the Northern Hemisphere.
5. Cable Management: Run sensor cables through UV‑resistant conduit.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Remove debris from rain funnels and solar shields every 3 to 6 months.
• Battery Checks: Regular battery checks for weather stations that don’t report charge levels
• Re calibration: Compare your data monthly with a nearby official station to detect drift.