Oakland, across the bay from San Francisco, has a Mediterranean climate with around 580 mm (about 23 inches) of rain a year, concentrated almost entirely in winter with a long, dry summer typical of the Bay Area. The surrounding Oakland Hills, scarred by past wildfires including the catastrophic 1991 firestorm, are particularly prone to landslides and debris flows when intense winter rain, especially from atmospheric river events, falls on slopes with reduced vegetation to hold soil in place. Because a typical summer week here involves no rain at all, radar is most useful during the concentrated winter storm season, particularly for hillside neighborhoods. NWS Doppler radar KMUX (San Francisco Bay Area) covers the region.
Learn more: How Does Rain Radar Work? · Open the full Rain Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it raining in Oakland right now?
The live radar map above shows precipitation over Oakland, California in real time. Blue shades indicate light rain, while yellow, orange, and red mark heavier downpours. If no colored echoes appear over Oakland, no significant rain is currently being detected.
How often does the Oakland 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 Oakland?
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 Oakland or pass by.
Is this Oakland 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.