Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with a pronounced dry season, averaging only around 380 mm (about 15 inches) of rain a year, most of which falls between November and March. Because the region gets so little rain overall, storms that do arrive can feel outsized in impact: hillsides burned bare by wildfire season are prone to dangerous debris flows and mudslides even from moderate rainfall, and the city’s drainage systems aren’t built for the occasional atmospheric river event that can dump a significant portion of the year’s rainfall in a day or two. Radar is particularly valuable in this kind of climate precisely because heavy rain is the exception rather than the rule, giving residents in fire-scarred canyon communities a practical way to track incoming bands well before they reach the hills. Southern California’s weather is monitored by the National Weather Service’s regional Doppler radar network.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Los Angeles right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Los Angeles, California in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Los Angeles, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?
Yes. Press play on the radar to animate the last few hours of rainfall and watch which way rain cells over California are moving – the clearest way to judge whether a shower will reach Los Angeles or pass by.
Is this Los Angeles 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.