On sweltering summer days that lack a nice breeze, outdoor ceiling fans can make spending time in your open-air spaces like patios, porches, pergolas, and gazebos more comfortable. Outdoor fans differ from indoor-only fans because they have ratings that indicate they are suitable for damp or wet locations, meaning they can handle moisture and even direct contact with water in some cases. These fans are built to resist rust and other damage caused by weather exposure, which indoor-only fans are not equipped to resist. If you're not quite sure which outdoor ceiling would fit your home best, read on to learn about the best fans for every type of outdoor space. We consulted our previous coverage of ceiling fans, which mostly covered indoor ceiling fans, to identify the most trusted brands of fans.