Does this need to be protected from the elements, or is it constructed to withstand all types of weather?

The wall thermometer is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use; hang it on your patio, deck, porch, or shed, as well as in your sunroom or lanai. Mount the gauge in direct sunlight on a wall, post or on the side of a tree. The handy built-in hygrometer measures and displays the humidity, so you are prepared for the weather in any season. Hope this helps!