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 map above shows recent radar observations over Los Angeles, California where coverage is available. Use the map legend and timestamp to interpret the imagery. A blank map over Los Angeles can mean no detected precipitation, missing coverage, delayed data, or rain too light for radar to detect.
How often does the Los Angeles rain radar update?
Updates depend on the radar provider and local network. Check the timestamp on the map for the latest available frame, and press play to compare recent observations. Radar imagery can lag conditions on the ground.
Can I see if a storm is heading toward Los Angeles?
Press play to compare recent radar frames over California and see the direction of detected rain. This can help you assess approaching showers near Los Angeles, but storms can grow or change direction; check your local weather service for forecasts and warnings.
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.