If you live in an area where winters get harsh, the wind is strong, and it snows frequently or heavily, it is best to keep the wind chimes indoors. In case the winter is mild, your wind chime is built with weather-resistant materials, and you still spend lots of time outdoors, you can leave the wind chime outdoors. However, make sure that the above-mentioned rules apply.
Therefore, it depends on what the winter looks like in your area and the materials employed for your wind chime’s construction. In some cases, the items can be used outdoors year-round without getting damaged as a result of the mild weather fluctuations.
A cheap wind chime is likely to break even when the weather is warm, not to mention when it snows, rains, or there are great temperature differences. Before storing it for the winter, make sure you clean it properly and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions and recommendations.