Manaus sits at the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where the Rio Negro meets the Amazon River, and it receives an enormous amount of rain, averaging around 2,300 mm (about 91 inches) a year. Rainfall is heaviest from December through May, when the combined flow of the surrounding rivers can rise dramatically, sometimes flooding riverside neighborhoods and the famous floating docks that adjust with the water level. Daily tropical thunderstorms are the norm through much of the year, often building quickly in the afternoon heat and dropping intense, short-lived downpours. Because the region’s flood risk comes from both the cumulative rise of the rivers over weeks and the sudden intensity of individual storms, radar is particularly useful for the second part: seeing a heavy cell building over the basin before it reaches the city. Brazil’s SIPAM Amazon monitoring system, alongside INMET, maintains radar coverage across this remote but closely watched region.
Learn more: Flash Flood Warning Signs on Radar · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Manaus right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Manaus, Amazonas in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Manaus, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Manaus rain radar update?
The radar refreshes continuously, typically every few minutes, so the map reflects current conditions rather than an hours-old forecast. Press play to animate the most recent frames.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Manaus?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over Amazonas are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Manaus or pass by.
Is this Manaus rain radar free to use?
Yes, completely free – no account, app download, or sign-up required. It works in any browser on desktop and mobile.