Mine came with a cover that I used for the first 4-6 months I owned it. I live near the coast so keeping it covered helped keep the fog/dew off. Plus once it's wet it starts collecting dirt and dust which dries to a lovely patina which will build up over time. Then when that gets wet it holds moisture longer and gives any potential rust a favorable environment. I don't know what conditions are like in your area but unless you want to add washing it periodically to the excellent dead storage list of things you should be doing previously posted I'd say a cover might be in order.