Listen to rain
How loud is rain?
Rain is about 50 dB, with a typical range of 45–60 dB. Steady rain heard from outdoors under a roof.
That is quieter than normal conversation (60 dB).
Can it damage your hearing?
No – 50 dB is well below the 85 dBA level at which prolonged exposure starts to risk hearing damage.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as rain
Background level of a quiet reading room.40 dBRefrigerator hum
Modern fridges are often rated 32–40 dB.50 dBQuiet office
Typical open office with low conversation.50 dBTyping on a keyboard
Mechanical keyboards are louder than laptop keyboards.60 dBAir conditioner
Window unit or indoor split unit at a few metres.60 dBDishwasher
Quiet models are rated 40–45 dB; older ones exceed 60 dB.60 dBNormal conversation
Two people talking at about 1 m.60 dBOcean waves on the shore
Standing on the beach; storm surf is much louder.
More recordings elsewhere
- Rain, Moderate, C.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Rain, Moderate, A.wav by InspectorJ – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- The rain falls against the parasol by straget – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Heavy Rain by lebaston100 – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Heavy Rain by lebaston100 – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is rain?
About 50 dB, with a typical range of 45–60 dB.
Is rain louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while rain is about 50 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Rain Rain Rain (Antti Luode) by Antti Luode – CC BY 3.0
- Rain and wind in London 2026 08 28 by Acabashi – CC BY-SA 4.0
- En-us-rain fire and brimstone by Baymiwuk – CC BY-SA 4.0
- Singin' in the Rain by vocals by Cary Bass-Deschenes , lyrics by Arthur Freed , music by Nacio Herb Brown , music publication date: 1929 – CC BY 4.0