A parasol is basically a sheet of fabric on a pole. On a sheltered city terrace you barely notice that, but in an open garden, by the coast or on a roof terrace, every gust tugs at the canopy. If you choose the wrong parasol or put up a base that's too light, you'll end up holding the parasol more than sitting under it.
In this buying guide you'll read which features make a parasol more resistant to wind, what "wind resistant up to Beaufort 4" means in practice and whether a centre pole or cantilever parasol is more practical. You'll find a comparison of available parasols whose brand says something about wind, the heavy bases and ground anchors that suit them, and a short quiz that shows which parasol suits your spot.
In short: no parasol is storm-proof. Look at five things: a wind rating from the brand, a sturdy pole, a wind vent or airy canopy, flexible ribs and, above all, a heavy base or ground anchor. According to the brand, the Garden Impressions Hawaii models are wind resistant up to Beaufort 4, which is moderate wind. If it blows harder, close the parasol. Not sure? Take the choice test.
At a glance: today's prices
| Product | Today's price | |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Big Pole II cantilever parasol 350x350 cm | €799 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Hawaii parasol S 250x250 cm | €199 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Beaufort premium cantilever parasol 320x320 cm | €779 at Tuinmeubelwereld | View at Tuinmeubelwereld → |
| Coolfit cantilever parasol 300x300 cm | €399 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
What does wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 mean?
Wind force is measured on the Beaufort scale, from 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane). Several Garden Impressions parasols list "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4" in their specifications. That is moderate wind: clearly noticeable, but not yet a storm. This is how to recognise the wind forces around that limit:
| Wind force | What you see outside | What do you do with the parasol? |
|---|---|---|
| 3, gentle (12 to 19 km/h) | Leaves and twigs move | Open, base weighted |
| 4, moderate (20 to 28 km/h) | Dust and paper blow about, small branches move | Limit of the Hawaii models, stay with it |
| 5, fresh (29 to 38 km/h) | Small trees sway | Close and secure |
| 6, strong (39 to 49 km/h) | Large branches move | Close, put the cover on, preferably store it |
Keep two things in mind. First, the gusts: a forecast of force 3 or 4 can include gusts that are much stronger. It's those that lift a canopy. Second, a wind rating tells you something about the parasol, not about your base. A parasol rated to Beaufort 4 will still blow over in that wind if it stands in a base that's too light.
In the morning, don't just look at the wind force but also at the gusts in the forecast. If there's a gust well above moderate wind, leave the parasol closed, or only open it if you're going to stay with it.
Features that determine wind resistance
You don't recognise a wind resistant parasol by one feature, but by a combination. This table shows what to look for and where you'll find it in the product information.
| Feature | Why it helps | Where you see it |
|---|---|---|
| Brand's wind rating | You know what wind it can handle | "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4" |
| Sturdy pole | Bends and wobbles less | Pole cross-section, e.g. 95x65 mm |
| Wind vent | Air escapes at the top | Opening at the top of the canopy |
| Airy canopy | Catches less wind | HDPE shade fabric |
| Flexible ribs | Bend with a gust | Fibreglass ribs |
| Heavy base or anchor | Keeps everything in place | Manufacturer's advice |
A few examples from the range. The Hawaii Big Pole II has a pole with a cross-section of 95x65 mm. The Hawaii Deluxe has, according to Garden Impressions, a wind vent at the top so air can escape from under the canopy. The Madison Monaco Flex III has wind vent openings at the top. The HDPE canopy of the Nesling Coolfit lets wind and water through, according to the manufacturer. And the Athene has fibreglass ribs, which flex more than rigid ribs.
The canopy matters too: a taut, firm canopy flaps less than a loose one. The Platinum Beaufort premium has canopy tensioners and a 240 gsm Spuncrylic canopy, while the Big Pole II has a 250 gsm PA coated polyester canopy. You can read more about these features in these features of a wind resistant parasol.
Centre pole or cantilever parasol in wind?
With a centre pole parasol, the pole sits in the middle under the canopy, directly above the base. With a cantilever parasol, the canopy hangs from an arm beside the pole. That's handy over a lounge set, but the base has to resist more. For that reason, brands generally advise much heavier bases for cantilever parasols.
- Centre pole parasol: simple and compact, and the base can stay lighter. The Platinum Riva Ø350, for example, has a 48 mm pole and therefore fits the Cosmo 30 kg base or the wheeled Eureka 40 kg, which can take pole diameters up to 55 mm. Platinum does not state a wind rating for the Riva.
- Cantilever parasol: no pole in the way and often a larger canopy. The parasols with a wind rating in the range are mostly cantilever parasols. For these, choose a heavy base or a ground anchor.
- Tilting: a tilted canopy catches the wind on one side. If a gust picks up, first return a tilted parasol to upright and then close it.
Still undecided between the two types? Read cantilever parasol vs centre pole parasol.
Wind resistant parasols compared
This table lists available parasols whose brand says something about wind in the product information. We only pass on what the brand itself states.
| Parasol | What the brand says about wind | Tilting |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Big Pole II 350x350 | Wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 | Sideways and backwards |
| Hawaii S 250x250 or Ø300 | Wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 | Not tiltable |
| Corfu 250x250 | Wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 | Not tiltable |
| Athene Ø300 | Wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 | Not tiltable |
| Platinum Beaufort premium 320x320 | Wind stable, scissor mechanism | Not stated |
| Hawaii Deluxe 300x300 | Wind vent at the top | Sideways and backwards |
| Madison Monaco Flex III | Wind vent openings at the top | Sideways and backwards |
| Nesling Coolfit 300x300 | Canopy lets wind and water through | Backwards |
Notice that the simpler models don't tilt? The Hawaii S, Corfu and Athene have a fixed position. That's less flexible when the sun moves, but you also don't have a tilted position you'd first have to return to upright in wind. The Hawaii S can be rotated and adjusted in height, though.
Four parasols for a windy spot
To make the choice concrete, below you'll find four parasols for different situations. You can see current prices on the cards.
Open garden, large terrace: Hawaii Big Pole II
The Hawaii Big Pole II is the sturdiest in this overview: an aluminium pole with a cross-section of 95x65 mm, eight aluminium ribs and a 350x350 cm canopy. Garden Impressions lists it as wind resistant up to Beaufort 4. It tilts sideways and backwards, rotates and is adjustable in height, with a clearance of 210 cm.
Hawaii Big Pole II cantilever parasol 350x350 cm
Tip: in the lawn, secure it with the Hawaii ground anchor for Big Pole parasols, without concrete.
Smaller terrace, simple operation: Hawaii S
The Hawaii S is a compact cantilever parasol measuring 250x250 cm, also available as a round Ø300 cm. According to Garden Impressions, this one is also wind resistant up to Beaufort 4. It doesn't tilt, but it does rotate and is adjustable in height. The aluminium frame has eight aluminium ribs and a 180 gsm polyester canopy.
Hawaii parasol S 250x250 cm
Tip: according to Garden Impressions, the Hawaii ground anchor fits the Hawaii S, Deluxe, Original and Lumen. You screw it into the ground, without concrete or digging.
Tiled terrace, luxury canopy: Platinum Beaufort premium
Don't be misled by the name: Beaufort is a model name here, not a wind force. Platinum does explicitly describe this cantilever parasol as "wind stable" and "extra sturdy thanks to scissor mechanism". It opens with a gas spring and has a 240 gsm Spuncrylic canopy with canopy tensioners. The parasol comes without a base; Platinum advises a 120 kg parasol base.
Beaufort premium cantilever parasol 320x320 cm
Tip: according to Platinum, the Platinum Modena 120 kg base is suitable for the Beaufort among others, and you can move it on extra large swivel wheels with brakes.
Sunny and windy: Nesling Coolfit
The canopy of the Nesling Coolfit is not a closed fabric but a woven HDPE shade cloth of 285 gsm. Thanks to its open structure, it lets wind and water through, according to the manufacturer, and it feels airier underneath the parasol. It tilts backwards and rotates 360 degrees.
Coolfit cantilever parasol 300x300 cm
Note: an open canopy catches less wind, but you still need to close the Coolfit when the wind picks up. According to Platinum, the 120 kg Modena is also suitable for the Coolfit.
Also worth a look:
Corfu 250x250, Beaufort 4
View parasol →
Athene Ø300, fibreglass ribs
View parasol →
Hawaii Deluxe with wind vent
View parasol →
Monaco Flex III, base included
View parasol →You'll find more models in the cantilever parasols section and in best cantilever parasol 2026.
Heavy base or ground anchor
However sturdy the parasol is, it will blow over without a good base. How heavy your base needs to be depends on the type and size of the parasol. Always follow the manufacturer's advice and check that the holder fits your pole.
- Granite base: heavy and stable. The 120 kg Modena is made for cantilever parasols and has swivel wheels with brakes.
- Fillable base: the Madison fillable base weighs 12.5 kg empty and up to 85 kg filled with water or sand, on a surface of 100x100 cm. According to Madison, don't leave water in it if there's a risk of frost.
- In-ground base: the Platinum in-ground base is fitted without concrete: dig a hole, place the base in it and backfill with sand. According to Platinum, it's suitable for the Challenger and the Hawaii among others.
- Ground anchor: the Hawaii ground anchor made of galvanised steel is screwed into the ground. For the Big Pole there is a separate ground anchor measuring 50x50 cm.
Hawaii ground anchor
View anchor →
Ground anchor for Big Pole
View anchor →
Platinum in-ground base
View base →
Madison fillable up to 85 kg
View base →Tip: in the grass, an anchor is better
A loose base can sink unevenly into soft ground, and a crooked parasol catches the wind on one side. A ground anchor or in-ground base stays firmly in the ground and leaves no base on your terrace. According to Garden Impressions, check after a dry spell or heavy rain whether the anchor is still secure.
You'll find an overview of weights per size in which parasol base do you need? Or browse all parasol bases, in-ground bases and wheeled parasol bases.
Choice test: which parasol suits your spot?
Answer four questions to see which wind resistant parasol best suits your situation.
Which wind resistant parasol suits your spot?
How large is the area that needs shade?
- A bistro table or a small terrace
- A large lounge corner
- A dining table for six
- A seating area in full sun all afternoon
How is your garden positioned in relation to the wind?
- Fairly sheltered, between walls or a fence
- Open, with few trees or buildings around it
- Close to the house, but the wind sometimes comes round the corner
- Sheltered enough, but it's often stuffily warm there
How do you want to keep the parasol in place?
- With a small anchor in the grass or a base on the tiles
- Firmly in the lawn, with a large ground anchor
- On a heavy base on wheels, so I can move it
- On a heavy base, preferably under an airy canopy
What bothers you most about a parasol in the wind?
- Fiddling with handles and tilt positions
- A pole that wobbles and bends
- A canopy that billows and flaps
- A canopy that catches the wind like a sail
Hawaii S. Compact, wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 according to Garden Impressions, and without a tilt position: open, rotate, close. With the Hawaii ground anchor you secure it in the grass.
Hawaii Big Pole II. A 95x65 mm pole, a 350x350 cm canopy and wind resistant up to Beaufort 4. With the ground anchor for Big Pole parasols, it stays firmly in the lawn.
Platinum Beaufort premium. According to Platinum, it's wind stable and extra sturdy thanks to the scissor mechanism, with canopy tensioners for a taut canopy. Place it on the 120 kg Modena base with swivel wheels.
Nesling Coolfit. The open HDPE canopy lets wind and water through, according to the manufacturer, and feels airy in the sunniest spot. Also suitable for the 120 kg Modena base.
Do you also need to choose garden furniture alongside the parasol? Then try our choice guide.
Common mistakes
Thinking a heavy base solves everything
A heavy base keeps the base in place, not the canopy or the ribs. In strong wind the canopy can still turn inside out. A wind rating and a closed parasol are the real protection.
Trusting the name
"Beaufort" in a product name is not a wind force. Check the specifications to see whether the brand gives a wind rating, such as "Wind resistant: Beaufort 4", and what it advises about the base.
Leaving the parasol tilted
A tilted canopy catches the wind on one side. When the wind picks up, first return the parasol to upright and then close it.
Relying on the table hole alone
A centre pole parasol through the hole in your garden table still needs its own base. The table itself won't hold the parasol back in a gust.
Leaving it open when you leave
Platinum advises never leaving a parasol open when unattended, and closing it when wind, rain or a long absence is expected. A sudden gust does more damage than a whole summer of sun. Also read how do I protect my parasol?
Tip: take the wind out of the equation instead of fighting it
A spot in the lee of a wall, fence or hedge makes a big difference, and a windbreak can make an open terrace much calmer. Read where do you place a parasol? and windbreaks and privacy screens for garden and balcony.
Checklist for a windy spot
- I've checked whether the brand gives a wind rating
- The pole is sturdy, or the canopy has a wind vent or open structure
- For a cantilever parasol I choose a heavy base or a ground anchor
- The weight of the base follows the manufacturer's advice
- The base or anchor suits my parasol and my ground surface
- I return the parasol to upright before I close it
- I close it when wind picks up and when I leave
How to choose quickly
- Small, sheltered spot: Hawaii S with ground anchor
- Open garden or large terrace: Hawaii Big Pole II with Big Pole anchor
- Tiles and moving it around: Beaufort premium on 120 kg base
- Sunny and windy: Nesling Coolfit with open canopy
- Prefer everything in one go: a parasol with base
Frequently asked questions
Which parasol is best against the wind?
Choose a sturdy parasol whose brand indicates wind resistance, and place it in a heavy base or on an anchor. Garden Impressions lists the Hawaii Big Pole II, Hawaii S, Corfu and Athene as wind resistant up to Beaufort 4. Platinum describes the Beaufort premium as a wind-stable cantilever parasol with an extra-sturdy cross-arm system. You should still close these parasols in strong winds.
What does wind resistant up to Beaufort 4 mean?
Beaufort 4 is a moderate breeze, roughly 20 to 28 km/h: dust and paper blow about and small branches move. According to the brand, a parasol with this rating can be used up to about that wind force. If it blows harder, or there are strong gusts, close it. Garden Impressions advises that for these parasols you should always close them in strong winds.
Is a centre pole or cantilever parasol better in wind?
With a centre pole parasol, the pole sits in the middle beneath the canopy, directly above the base. A cantilever parasol hangs out from the centre, so the base has to hold back more force. That is why a cantilever parasol needs a much heavier base or a ground anchor. A sturdy cantilever parasol on a good base or anchor can stand well in a windy spot, as long as you close it when the wind is strong.
How heavy should a parasol base be for wind?
Always follow the manufacturer's advice for your parasol. Platinum advises placing the Beaufort premium cantilever parasol on a 120 kg parasol base. On a lawn, a ground anchor or in-ground base is a good alternative, such as the Hawaii ground anchor, which fits the Hawaii S, Deluxe, Original and Lumen.
Does a wind vent help stop a parasol blowing over?
A wind vent is an opening at the top of the canopy. According to Garden Impressions, air trapped under the canopy can escape through it, so the parasol stays more stable. This reduces the pressure under the canopy, but it does not make a parasol storm-proof. Even with a wind vent, close the parasol when the wind picks up.
Can the Platinum Beaufort withstand a storm?
No, Beaufort is a model name, not a wind force. Platinum describes the Beaufort premium as a wind-stable cantilever parasol, extra sturdy thanks to its cross-arm system, but does not state a wind force rating. Platinum advises never leaving a parasol open unattended and closing it when the wind picks up.
