How GoodDayTo judges outdoor dining weather
Outdoor dining can look inviting in sunshine but still be uncomfortable when wind is strong or a shower is approaching. GoodDayTo gives rain and wind a meaningful penalty and favours the afternoon and evening rather than treating every dry hour as equally useful.
- Comfortable apparent temperature
- Rain probability
- Wind speed
- Wind gusts
- Practical meal times
🍽️ Make the result practical
- Wind often matters more than people expect when you are sitting still.
- A sheltered terrace can feel much better than the forecast wind suggests.
- Restaurant opening times and reservations are not part of the weather score.
Why wind matters so much when sitting outside
People generate less body heat while sitting than while walking or running, and loose menus, napkins and tableware make gusty weather annoying quickly. The score therefore prefers lighter wind and moderate temperatures. It does not demand sunshine, because shade or cloud can still produce a very comfortable outdoor meal.
Lunch versus evening conditions
A warm midday can become a calmer evening, while a pleasant afternoon can be followed by showers. GoodDayTo compares the upcoming practical meal windows and can recommend a later period if it is meaningfully better. Very late-night weather is capped because it is not a normal default dining window for everyone.
What the outdoor dining score cannot know
The app cannot know whether a table is under an awning, beside a heater, in deep shade or exposed to a wind tunnel between buildings. It also does not know opening hours, table availability, dress requirements or whether a venue closes its terrace. Treat the result as a weather filter, not a reservation system.
What the score means
GO means the weather factors GoodDayTo measures look favourable for this activity. WAIT means conditions are mixed or a better upcoming window is available. NOT TODAY means the forecast currently contains enough unfavourable signals that this is a poor weather choice. These are planning recommendations, not guarantees or safety clearances.
Frequently asked questions
Does outdoor dining require sunshine?
No. Mild, dry and calm weather can be excellent even with cloud. The score focuses on practical comfort rather than bright skies alone.
Why does wind lower the score quickly?
Sitting outside is more sensitive to wind than many active activities, and gusts can make tables, food and conversation less comfortable.
Can a covered terrace still work on a WAIT day?
Possibly. Shelter from rain and wind can improve the real experience, but GoodDayTo does not know the exact protection offered by your chosen venue.
Does the app find restaurants with terraces?
Not currently. The nearby context for this activity stays general because outdoor seating data is incomplete and varies too much to present as a reliable availability check.
Does GO guarantee I will be comfortable?
No. Shade, heaters, clothing, shelter and personal preference can change how the same forecast feels.