There are two types of people in this world: those who look at a sudden rainstorm and order a pizza, and those who grab a rain jacket and a trusty pair of tongs. You are here, so I know which one you are. To grill safely in the rain, keep the grill out in the open, shelter yourself and your prep table instead, keep your fuel dry, stick to fast-cooking cuts, and stop if you hear thunder. As someone who has stood in a downpour flipping burgers more times than I care to admit, I can tell you a little water will not ruin your cookout if you plan ahead.
The Quick Take
Light rain is fine; lightning is not. Keep the grill in the open and at its usual safe distance from the house. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises at least 10 feet from your house or any building, and never under a surface that will burn. Don't move the grill under a canopy, umbrella, awning or covered porch: most grill manuals say not to use a grill under anything overhead that can burn. Wear a rain jacket, keep a small covered prep table a few steps away from the grill, keep your fuel dry, and check doneness with a thermometer, because rain and wind make cooking take longer.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Safety factor | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Thunder or lightning | Stop and go indoors. "When thunder roars, go indoors" (National Weather Service) |
| Overhead cover | No canopy, umbrella, awning or roof over the grill itself |
| Distance from the house | CPSC: at least 10 feet from your house or any building |
| Garage or porch | Never; burning charcoal or wood in enclosed spaces can cause carbon monoxide poisoning |
| Cooking time | Expect it to take longer; cook to internal temperature |
| Essential gear | Rain jacket, digital thermometer, dry towels, a sealed bin for fuel |
Setting Up Your Rainy Day Basecamp
Grilling in the rain is not just about getting wet; it is about sudden temperature drops, wind and real safety hazards. If you are cooking over an open fire, like on an Arteflame grill, the solid steel cooktop helps: it covers much of the fire and stays hot, so rain sizzles off the steel instead of drowning the coals. You still need a dry place for yourself, your food and your tools.
The instinct is to put the grill under something. Don't. A canopy, patio umbrella or awning over a grill can catch fire or melt, and most grill manuals say not to use a grill under anything overhead that can burn. Never drag a grill into a garage, covered porch or tent either: burning charcoal or wood in an enclosed space can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Instead, shelter the cook and the food. Put a small table under a canopy or umbrella a few steps away from the grill, weighted down so the wind can't blow it over, and step out to the grill to cook.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Check the sky first: if there is thunder or lightning, postpone. Wait until the storm has passed before you go back out.
- Keep the grill in the open: leave it where it normally sits, at a safe distance from the house and with nothing overhead.
- Set up a dry zone nearby: put a small prep table under a canopy or large umbrella a few steps from the grill, never over it. Keep ingredients, dry towels and tools there, and store extra charcoal or firewood in a sealed bin.
- Light the fire: start it as you normally would, shielding the starter from wind and rain. For an Arteflame, pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins, place them in the center, stack your firewood over them, and light the paper. Give the steel cooktop 30–45 minutes to heat through, and longer in cold rain.
- Adjust your cooking zones: rain cools the air and the surface. Move food closer to the hot center of the grill or cooktop to keep a good sear.
- Check doneness with a thermometer: don't trust your usual timing. Use a digital thermometer before you pull the meat.
Pro tip: keep a dry hand towel tucked into your belt loop. Wet hands slip on steel tongs, and dropping a perfectly seared ribeye into a puddle is a heartbreak you don't need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Grilling in the garage or on a covered porch: never move a grill indoors or under a roof to escape the rain. The risks are carbon monoxide poisoning and a fire in the structure above.
- Putting a canopy or umbrella over the grill: it traps heat and smoke and can catch fire or melt. Shelter yourself and your food instead.
- Grilling through a thunderstorm: standing outside with metal tools during lightning is not worth any steak. Go inside until the storm passes.
- Trusting the clock: rain and wind sap heat quickly. Use a good instant-read thermometer, such as one from ThermoWorks.
- Using wet fuel: damp charcoal or wood smokes heavily and struggles to light. Keep reserve fuel sealed until you need it.
- Overcomplicating the menu: now is not the time for a multi-hour cook. Stick to quick-searing cuts and a bold rub, such as one from McCormick, so you can get back inside faster.
Make It Your Own
Rainy days call for hearty comfort food. Once you have the basics down, adapt your menu to the weather.
- The quick sear: focus on thin cuts like skirt steak or smash burgers that finish in under ten minutes over high heat.
- Cast iron cover: put a heavy cast iron dome or pan lid over burgers or vegetables to hold in heat and keep rain off the food.
- The fire pit pivot: once the food is done and the rain has stopped, add a few logs to the center of your Arteflame and use it as a fire pit to warm up. Never leave it unattended.
- Foil packet sides: wrap potatoes and onions tightly in heavy-duty foil so they cook without taking on rainwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grill in the rain without a canopy?
Yes, and you should keep any canopy away from the grill anyway. Wear a rain jacket, keep your fuel covered, stick to fast-cooking foods, and shelter your prep table rather than the grill.
Can I put an umbrella or canopy over my grill?
No. Most grill manuals say not to use a grill under anything overhead that can burn, and the CPSC says never to grill under a surface that will burn. Put the canopy over your prep table a few steps away instead.
Is it safe to grill during a thunderstorm?
No. If you hear thunder, go indoors and wait until the storm has passed. The National Weather Service's rule is "When thunder roars, go indoors."
Will rain ruin my grill?
Not if you look after it. On a steel cooktop, scrape off food residue while it is still warm, wipe it down, and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust.
Can I light a charcoal chimney in the rain?
Yes, but heavy rain can put out the paper before the coals catch. Light it in the open next to the grill with your body or a windbreak shielding it, not under a canopy or in a garage. Oil-soaked napkins hold a flame better than dry newspaper.
Keep the Fire Going
Grilling in the rain is a badge of honor. There is something satisfying about standing in your backyard, braving the weather, and coming back with a perfectly seared steak while the rest of the neighborhood settles for soggy delivery. It takes a little extra preparation and a healthy respect for safety. Keep your tongs dry, your firewood covered and the grill out in the open. For more on safe setup, read how to grill safely. Ready for more? Explore more grilling guides and keep the fire going.