An awning doesn’t suddenly become pointless the moment the clocks go back.

In winter, it can actually be surprisingly useful  – helping keep a seating area drier, giving you a bit of shelter when it’s drizzling, and making your patio feel like part of the home rather than a space you abandon until spring.

That said, winter weather is also when an awning gets properly tested. Wind, heavy rain, and constant damp can put pressure on the framework and fabric if you leave it out at the wrong times. 

So the best approach is simple: you can use an awning in winter, but you need to treat it like a “sometimes” feature, not a permanent roof.

What Winter Weather Really Does to an Awning

Winter tends to bring the type of weather that’s unpredictable and often intense. Even if you only get a few truly bad days, the combination of frequent rain and sudden gusts can create the exact conditions that put stress on an awning.

Wind is usually the biggest factor. An awning that’s extended in strong gusts can behave like a sail, which increases strain on the arms, brackets, and fixings. Rain is also important, not because awnings can’t handle it, but because heavy downpours can lead to water pooling if the pitch isn’t steep enough. 

Meanwhile, cold and damp don’t always cause instant problems, but over time they can encourage mould or mildew if the fabric is constantly rolled away wet.

Wind: The One Thing You Should Never Ignore

If there’s one winter rule worth remembering, it’s this: when it gets windy, retract the awning. Even a well-installed awning isn’t designed to stay extended through strong, gusty weather for hours at a time.

The tricky part is that winter wind often comes in bursts. It can look calm for a while, then suddenly pick up and start battering anything that’s exposed. If you’re standing outside and thinking, “This feels a bit lively,” that’s usually the moment to bring it in rather than hoping it settles down.

Rain: Fine for Shelter, Bad for Pooling

Awnings can be great for keeping rain off an outdoor seating area, but the key is making sure water runs off properly. If the awning is set too flat, rain can collect and create a sagging “pocket” of water, which adds weight and stress in all the wrong places.

A simple habit is to keep a decent pitch on the awning during wet weather so the water drains away. If you notice pooling, retract it, let the water clear, and avoid leaving it extended in heavy rain until you’re confident it’s angled correctly.

When You Should Retract Your Awning in Winter

Winter use is all about timing. You’ll get plenty of days when an awning is helpful, but there are also moments when retracting is the safest option and will protect your awning long-term.

You should retract it when the wind starts picking up, even if it doesn’t feel extreme. You should also retract it if heavy rain is forecast, especially if it’s going to last for hours. 

Another smart rule is to retract it overnight, because conditions can change while you’re asleep and you don’t want to wake up to a surprise. Finally, if you’re leaving the house, it’s best to retract it too, because you won’t be there to respond if the weather turns.

Easy Winter Care Tips That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to obsess over maintenance, but winter is a good time to be slightly more proactive. A couple of quick habits can keep your awning looking fresh and working smoothly.

Brushing off leaves and debris regularly helps more than people realise, because trapped organic material can hold moisture against the fabric. 

For general cleaning, lukewarm water, a soft brush, and mild soap is usually enough. It’s best to avoid harsh chemicals or aggressive pressure washing, because that can damage protective coatings and stitching.

Another big one is moisture. Sometimes you’ll need to retract the awning when it’s wet – that’s normal – but if you can, try to extend it again when things dry out so it can properly air. This helps reduce mildew and that “musty fabric” smell that tends to build up over winter.

Can You Leave It Out All Winter?

You can, but it’s not the best idea unless your winter weather is consistently mild and calm. The safest, most sensible approach is to use it when conditions suit, then retract it when they don’t.

Think of your awning as winter-friendly rather than winter-proof. It’s great for making outdoor space more usable on calmer days, but it isn’t meant to take constant punishment from storms and gusts week after week.

The Takeaway: Winter Use Is About Choosing Your Moments

Yes, you can absolutely use an awning in winter, and for many households it makes the garden or patio feel more practical even in the colder months. The trick is knowing when to enjoy it and when to tuck it away.

If it’s calm, lightly wet, and you’re around to keep an eye on things, an awning can be a brilliant bit of shelter. If the wind starts showing off, the rain turns heavy, or you’re heading out or going to bed, retract it – and you’ll protect the fabric, the framework, and your peace of mind until spring rolls around again.

If you would like any more information about our awning ranges, or any of our ranges of blinds and shutters, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are more than happy to help. Alternatively, you can also arrange a home visit at a time that works best for you.