How to make it rain in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, explained

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here

Gamefreak has made many new additions throughout the history of the storied Pokémon series, weather being one of them. Depending on the weather in a certain location, you’ll be able to find new Pokemon, as well as buff or weaken certain move types. If you’re after a particular Pokemon, knowing how to make it rain will aid in the search. Luckily, we can help you get it to rain in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Is there a way to change the weather in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? 

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet get it to rain: Totodile using rainy day to make it rain during battle
Rainy Day is a good move that makes it rain during battle. Image captured by VideoGamer

No, you cannot change the weather while roaming, but you can make it rain during battle. Some weather conditions can be triggered by location-based prompts (such as snow when you enter Glaseado Mountain), rain in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is not one of those conditions. For the majority of regions, rain is a random event tied to the in-game clock.

How to make it rain during battle

To make it rain in battle, send out a Pokémon that knows the move “Rain Dance” and use it. Once used the battle space will rain for five turns. This is a great way to strengthen some water type Pokémon’s moves.

🚀 Save Up to $1,200 on the Samsung Galaxy S25!

Pre-order now and save big with trade-in and Samsung credit. Limited time only!

*Includes trade-in value + $300 Samsung credit.

Where does it rain in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?

It tends to rain in grassy areas and near the sea, places like Porto Marinda Market, Medali will have rain at random times. To avoid the rainy weather, hang around the Asado Desert or Glaseado Mountain, this is because it will not rain at all as it is not a weather condition possible in those terrains. Instead, rain is replaced by sandstorms or snow in those areas, respectively. You also can’t determine what areas are raining at specific times.

When does it rain? 

The chance of rain is tied to the in-game clock, where a day-night cycle is 30 minutes long. Unlike previous Pokémon games, which were tied to real-time, being tied to the in-game clock means that changing your Switch’s time is not going to affect the in-game time in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, even if it is a random event, it does not mean you’ll have to wait too long to experience it. Usually, it rains every four to five minutes, so you should be able to get caught in the middle of one fairly frequently. Just remember not to wander around the Asado Desert or the Glaseado Mountains.


🎮 Must-Listen: Publishing Manor Lords w/ Joe Robinson 🎙️


What happens when it rains in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Once it does start to rain, then what? For one, you can summon your level 50 Sliggoo in the rain to make it evolve into Goodra. Additionally, unbeknownst to some players, weather events bring with them a slew of buffs, nerfs, and move changes. When it comes to changes during battle, fire-type Pokémon are at a disadvantage because Fire-type moves do less damage. Meanwhile, Water-type Pokémon are at an advantage because Water-type moves deal more damage in the rain. Additionally, some Grass-type moves will take an extra turn to charge and some healing moves might not be as effective. Moreover, there are a number of Pokémon abilities which are affected during a rainstorm. We’ve summarized the respective effects below: 

AbilitiesEffect
Swift SwimGives the Pokémon a Speed boost.
HydrationRemoves any negative keywords (such as poison or fire) that the Pokémon may have.
Dry SkinMakes the Pokémon heal some Health Points every turn.
Rain DishMakes the Pokémon heal some Health Points every turn.
The effects of rain on Pokémon moves

Can you make it rain in the Pokemon Indigo Disk Terrarium?

Unlike the normal game, the Indigo Disk DLC features a Terrarium that you can explore and use to catch all different types of Pokemon. Unfortunately, you can’t make it rain in there either. The Terrarium has set weather patterns and biomes that do not change. For the most part, it is always sunny or nighttime in the Terrarium and it does not experience any other weather patterns.

About the Author

Aden Carter

Aden Carter is a guides writer for VideoGamer with a focus on action RPGs and adventure games. When he isn't busy writing, he is spinning tales with his friends at the local game shop.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

  • Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
  • Genre(s): RPG
7 VideoGamer