A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "It's raining" in Spanish
Learn how to say 'it's raining' in Spanish with this simple guide to weather-related small talk for everyday conversations.
Está lloviendo.
es-TAH yo-vee-EN-dohneutral
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Use this when you are looking out the window or stepping outside and notice rain falling. It is the perfect icebreaker to start a conversation while waiting for a bus or standing in line during a storm.
Alternatives
- Llueve mucho.Use this when you want to emphasize that it is raining heavily.
- Va a llover.Use this when you see dark clouds and want to say it is going to rain.
- Está cayendo un aguacero.Use this when you want to describe a sudden, intense downpour.
Ways to get it wrong
Don't use 'ser'
Always use 'estar' for weather conditions because they are temporary states, not permanent characteristics.
The 'll' sound
In most of Latin America, the 'll' is pronounced like a 'y' in 'yellow' rather than an 'l' sound.
A small cultural note
In many Spanish-speaking regions, commenting on the weather is the most common way to initiate small talk with someone you don't know well.
Frequently asked
How do I say it is raining hard?
You can say 'Está lloviendo fuerte' to indicate that the rain is intense. Adding 'fuerte' at the end is the most natural way to describe heavy precipitation.
Why don't I say 'es lloviendo'?
The verb 'ser' is used for permanent traits, while 'estar' is used for actions happening right now. Since rain is a temporary event, 'estar' is the only correct choice.
What is the difference between lluvia and lloviendo?
'Lluvia' is the noun for rain, while 'lloviendo' is the gerund form used for the action of raining. Use 'lloviendo' when describing what the weather is doing at this moment.
What is the correct way to say it's raining in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'it's raining' in Spanish is 'Está lloviendo'. You can also use the verb 'llover' in other forms, like 'Llueve'.
How do Mexicans say rain?
In Mexico, like in most Spanish-speaking countries, 'Está lloviendo' is the standard way to say 'it's raining'. You might also hear slang terms depending on the region.
How do you say it is raining?
The most direct translation for 'it is raining' is 'Está lloviendo'. This uses the present progressive tense to describe the action happening now.
It's going to rain in Spanish?
To say 'it's going to rain', you can use 'Va a llover'. This uses the informal future tense construction with 'ir a'.
