How Do I Make My Patio Cooler?

You’ve got a new grill, your guests are seated around the table, and the latest hit is playing on the speakers. It’s shaping up to be a beautiful sunny afternoon—except for the heat.

Don’t let this uninvited guest ruin your memorable moments. Take back your outdoor space with our expert patio cooling tips. From shaded decor and fans to portable evaporative coolers, we’ve got simple, cost-efficient solutions to help you get outdoor heat relief.

6 tips to make your patio cooler

You can have a cool and comfortable patio even in the middle of summer. Our patio cooling solutions are scalable and customizable for your unique space, whether you rent or own your home, or your own business.

1. Decorate your patio with light colors and cool fabrics

Choose light colored furniture, decorations, rugs, and paint to help your patio stay cooler. Even if you only get sun for part of the day, dark-colored furniture and decorations can make your patio feel hotter.

Synthetic or plastic-coated cushions and pillows can also be uncomfortable on hot days. Swap them out with natural canvas fibers, since these will reflect the sun and provide natural moisture wicking.

2. Shade is your best friend

Direct sun can cause a sunburn, and it can also heat up your furniture and floors. This trapped heat can take a while to cool. Protect your guests from extra sun exposure and heat with easy-to-install shade.

Umbrellas are quick and inexpensive ways to shade your patio. You can customize the fabric, color, and size to cover your tables and chairs. Retractable awnings and pergolas can also match your space and work as a more permanent solution.

Pro tip: Don’t just bring out the shade when you go outside. Set it up beforehand to block the sun and keep your patio furniture and floors cooler.

3. You can never have too many plants

Plants are a simple and sustainable way to cool your patio. Tall plants and trees provide shade, but even small plants make a difference. That’s because all plants have their own built-in cooling system: evaporative cooling. Their leaves release tiny drops of water, which evaporate and cool the surrounding air.

Choose plants that complement your space and have lots of leaves, like monstera, fiddle leaf ferns, or ivy. In addition to cooling your patio, plants can improve mental health and productivity.

4. Setup outdoor fans

Fans don’t cool your patio, they only make your patio feel cooler by moving around hot air. Outdoor fans are only useful when the temperature isn’t too hot. When temperatures are in the 70s or 80s, a fan can help you feel better. Yet fans stop being effective above 90°F because they don’t actually lower the ambient temperature.

To make your fan more effective, position it near plants, trees, water fountains, and/or misters. This way, it can circulate the air that has already been cooled down.

5. Cool your patio with misting fans

Water absorbs a significant amount of heat and cools the surrounding air through evaporation. Misting systems use this principle to provide outdoor heat relief. They cool the air and your skin, making you feel refreshed on a hot, dry day.

However, misters may not always be the best solution for your patio. They can make food, furniture, and clothes feel damp and soggy. Unchecked, they can also cause a spike in your water bill.

6. Beat the heat with a portable evaporative cooler

A portable cooler, also known as an evaporative cooler, can dramatically cool your patio. By passing hot air through specialized evaporative media, Portacools can lower the surrounding air temperature by up to 30°F. They’re also highly energy efficient, making them both affordable and eco-friendly.

While fans circulate hot air, evap coolers actually lower the air temperature. Unlike misters, portable coolers don’t spray water, keeping guests and furniture dry.

To cool down your patio as much as possible, we recommend pairing portable evap coolers with other patio cooling solutions like strategically placed furniture and decor, plants, and shade.

How do I make my patio cooler this summer? Easy, choose Portacool

Portacool APEX™ evaporative coolers are the perfect choice to help you make the most of your patio in hot weather. They come in a range of sizes and can be easily wheeled around to cool your outdoor space.

In addition to providing targeted outdoor heat relief, Portacool offers best-in-class warranties and customer service, so you know you’re getting a solution that will keep you cool for many summers to come.

Portacool has been the industry leader in evaporative cooling technology since 1990. All of our patio evaporative coolers are made in the USA and available in all 50 states and around the world. Visit a local retailer or contact us directly for large bulk orders.