The sun has got his hat on, and he's coming out to play! Safety should be one of your main priorities when you're spending a day at the beach because you don't want to end up with sunburn, or worse, sunstroke. A beach umbrella offers more protection than sun lotion alone, plus it'll give you some shade so you can stay cool and see that book you're reading.
There are a few things to consider when picking a sun umbrella so you can find one that's portable, lightweight and does the job of protecting you and your family. We've put together a helpful guide with info on UV protection and special features like anchors and adjustability so you know what to look out for. Don't miss our top 10 recommendations from Amazon and Argos too!
Quick List - Top Beach Umbrellas
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Picking the right beach umbrella isn't as simple as it might seem, as there are lots of different things to consider. You're about to discover our important tips for choosing a top-notch beach umbrella, so sit back, relax and have fun reading the article!
Sitting outside on a sunny day can feel relaxing, but if you don't protect yourself against harmful UV rays, it can also cause sunburn and increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
Beach umbrellas offer more sun protection than SPF lotion alone and often have a UPF rating to protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If the fabric has a higher UPF rating, it will block more UV rays and reduce your exposure risk.
Not all umbrellas offer UPF protection, so make sure to check if you like to spend all day at the beach – a high protection of UPF 30+ is best for this. For short visits, an umbrella with a low UPF rating may suffice. Always remember to use suntan lotion, though!
It's important to consider the product measurements when picking a sun umbrella, and the first one to check is the weight. Lightweight umbrellas of around 1 kg or under are portable and ideal for beach or camping holidays at home or abroad. You'll also be grateful for a lightweight design if the walk to the beach is a long one!
Heavier parasols of or above 2 kg are perfect for day trips to the seaside in the UK where the beaches are often windy. The extra weight will help to anchor the umbrella down and hopefully stop it from blowing away. You don't want to spend your day at the beach chasing after an umbrella!
Different beach umbrellas have different diameters, ranging from 150 cm to over 200 cm – this tells you how large the fabric parasol itself will be. You don't want to get to the beach to find your umbrella is only large enough to shade the kids but not you. No one should be leaving the beach with sunstroke!
Pick an umbrella that has a large diameter if you're trying to shade a family or group of friends. A medium size of 160 cm will be wide enough to shade couples, and anything smaller will work if you're planning a solo holiday or like to relax on the beach alone.
Adjustable height, tilt, water-resistance and a sand anchor are some of the most common special features beach umbrellas come with to make your trip to the beach safe and stress-free. Read our helpful tips to learn the benefits of each one.
A trip to the beach would be a lot easier if the sun stayed in one position, but this sadly isn't the case. The earth is in constant motion, which means your umbrella may be in the correct position to block out the sun when you first arrive at the beach, but you'll have to move it around if you want to keep your shade.
It's much easier to find that shade when your umbrella has tilt and adjustable height, as you'll be able to move it around to cast a shadow over your beach towel. The adjustability function will be on the pole and the button to tilt the umbrella will be at the top.
Some beach umbrellas are water-resistant, but that doesn't mean you should use one in the middle of a storm! This feature is different from being waterproof (which offers complete protection), although it will still repel light rain.
A water-resistant parasol is perfect if there's a rain shower whilst you're at the beach as you can take shelter and wait for it to pass. It's also handy if you or the kids end up running in and out of the sea, as the umbrella won't become damaged if you get it a bit damp.
Have you ever found yourself having to surround a beach umbrella with stones to make it stay in the ground? When the sand is soft, it can be hard to get your brolly in the sand deep enough to make it stay put. A sand anchor can save you time and energy by offering extra stability.
This type of technology is patented by the American brand Tommy Bahama and has two extra handles that fold down and help secure the umbrella in the sand. Alternatively, if there's a product you like that doesn't have this feature, you could purchase a separate base or screw that will stick in the sand and anchor down the umbrella.
A beach day or holiday is a break from everyday life, so why not choose an umbrella with a fun print or colour to put a smile on everyone's face? They can come in all sorts of patterns from flamingos to fruit, so you're sure to find something that takes your fancy.
Colour can also help you stay cool on a warm summers day, with red, yellow and white being the best at warding off extra heat. Bright colours aren't only associated with summer because they're fun. They also reflect high levels of light, which will keep you cool. So, look out for these colours when choosing your beach umbrella!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrella | ![]() | A Stand-Out Product With Unique Features | |
2 | SUNMER Blue & White Beach Umbrella | ![]() | Classic Coverage for the Whole Crew | |
3 | Koopp Bright Coloured Parasol | ![]() | A Fun Flamingo Print With UV Protection | |
4 | Argos Home Seagull Parasol | ![]() | Cute and Portable Yet Sturdy Enough to Stand | |
5 | Unibos Sun Shade Protection | ![]() | A Large but Lightweight Choice Great for Families | |
6 | Nalu Multicoloured Umbrella Parasol | ![]() | A Fun Multicoloured Piece Kids Will Love | |
7 | Outsunny Hawaii Beach Sun Umbrella | ![]() | Add Some Fun Tiki Vibes | |
8 | GERI Umbrella Beach Shade | ![]() | An Inexpensive Option With a Fun Design | |
9 | Argos Home 1.6 m Parasol | ![]() | Water-Resistant in Case of a Sudden Shower |
This stylish beach umbrella from Tommy Bahama is a superior pick with 50+ UV protection and a special aluminium lining that makes sure you won't be leaving the beach looking like a lobster. It has a large-range tilt too, as well as a ventilation skirt for increased stability.
It's also the widest on the list with a 180 cm diameter, allowing everyone to get some shade, and it's weighty, which makes it durable. Perhaps the best feature, however, is the sand anchor with two extra handles that you can fold down and secure, ensuring it'll be exactly where you left it when you come back from a dip!
Are you looking for an umbrella with a classic seaside design? This pattern is your perfect pick as it's attractive but doesn't draw too much attention. More importantly, its fade-resistant polyester shade has UV protection, so it'll work as a helpful barrier and stay looking good for longer.
It's a decent option for a group of friends or a family, as it's nice and wide as well as having a sturdy weight that'll offer some wind protection. It's super easy to fold down and pack into its handled carry bag, too.
Unlike many other quirky options that focus more on the design than the features, this umbrella has both a fun print and UV protection. The flamingo and toucan vibe will put you in the mood for a day at the beach and you'll surely be able to spot it amongst the crowd.
Its bright colours will also keep you cool by repelling the sun's rays better than most, plus the compact design is perfect for popping in your suitcase if you decide to take a trip by yourself. Hey, holidays aren't only for couples and families!
What's one of the first things you think of when someone says seaside? Seagulls! This umbrella is beach-ready with its cute pattern but don't worry, it won't attract a bunch of the birds who want to steal your ice cream! The seagull pattern is the standout feature of this umbrella if fun designs are a must for you.
Practicality-wise, it offers decent coverage for two people and it weighs just over a kilo, so you'll be able to carry it around but it's not so light it'll easily blow over. It's also water-resistant and adjustable, so it'll be able to protect you from the sun and any light showers.
Wide in diameter yet also lightweight and portable, this brolly is perfect for a family holiday. It's adjustable and has a tilt function as you'd expect, and there's a UV protection of 40 so no one is going to get sunburnt lying under it!
We also love the bold vintage pattern with its strong holiday vibes, but better yet, the red and white colours can help to keep you cool on hot days. Plus, it's a great value option if you're trying to save some pennies.
This beach umbrella from Nalu is a lot of fun with its multicoloured design that's sure to appeal to both kids and adults. It has a UV rating of 40 too, so it'll protect your skin, and the mix of bright colours will help keep you cool in the shade.
Weighing just 80 grams, this umbrella is a great pick if you are looking for a light option to take on holidays at home or abroad, but this means that it probably won't stand up too well on a very windy day.
Tropical tiki vibes can help you get into a summer party mood, so why not use some of these exciting umbrellas at your next beach bash? They're 160 cm wide, so they'll shade around two people or even look great as a decoration. They're water-resistant too, so they'll protect you against light rain showers.
You can adjust and tilt this umbrella to get it in the position you need for sun protection. The only drawback is that it's quite expensive for an umbrella that doesn't offer UV protection, as there are better value options that do the same job.
Looking for something quirky? You'll love the fresh orange-themed design of this parasol that makes you think of happy summer days. It has a small diameter so it's ideal for solo beach days, and there's a tilt option allowing you to change the position as you need to.
This umbrella is an inexpensive option that will do the job, but it is known to be a little flimsy, especially if it's windy on the beach. But if you're not using it too often, it's still a fun piece that'll liven up a holiday!
Here's a water-resistant parasol that will protect you if there are any showers whilst you're at the beach or in the garden. It also has tilt and adjustable height so you'll be able to fix the position to block out the sun. This umbrella is a nice size and weight for a couple's holiday – you'll even be able to fit it in your suitcase!
The solid colour design is chic and ideal for anyone who doesn't like busy patterns. However, the very dark fabric of this umbrella could soak up the sun and may not keep you as cool as other options.
No. 1: Tommy Bahama|Beach Umbrella
No. 2: SUNMER|Blue & White Beach Umbrella
No. 3: Koopp|Bright Coloured Parasol
No. 4: Argos|Home Seagull Parasol
No. 5: Unibos|Sun Shade Protection
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