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10 Best Rain Gauges 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi Smart Weather Station

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Type
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
12797 reviews

Type
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 is a comprehensive weather station that offers detailed data on rainfall, wind speed, temperature, and UV index, making it perfect for users who need precise weather information.
Capacity
The rain gauge provides detailed measurements, including hourly, 24-hour, weekly, and event totals, making it highly useful for garden and pool management.
Durability
While the unit is weather-resistant, it's wise to consider the environmental factors that might affect its longevity.
Ease of Use
Setting up the weather station is straightforward if you have basic assembly skills, but the instructions can be lengthy and slightly confusing.
Additional Features
The unit's solar power with AA battery backup ensures continuous operation, though finding the ideal mounting spot might be challenging if you have a small yard or many obstructions.

The Ambient Weather WS-2902 WiFi Smart Weather Station is an intelligent option for anyone looking to monitor rainfall along with a variety of other weather conditions. Its key strength lies in its comprehensive data collection, which includes rainfall, temperature, humidity, and even wind speed. The Osprey Sensor Array provides authentic hyper-local data, making it particularly beneficial for gardening enthusiasts or homeowners who need precise weather information. The ability to access your weather data remotely through Wi-Fi and integrate it with smart home systems like Google Home or Alexa adds a modern convenience that tech-savvy users may appreciate.

Ease of use is another highlight; the LCD color display is designed to be clear and readable, allowing for quick data checks. Additionally, users can set up customizable alerts to stay updated on changing conditions. However, the unit requires 3 AAA batteries, which are not included, and this could be a minor inconvenience for some users. The pole mount is also sold separately, meaning additional costs may be incurred for complete setup.

In terms of durability, while it's labeled as weather-resistant, it’s always wise to consider environmental factors that could affect longevity. Some users might find the setup process a bit complex, especially if they are not familiar with smart technology. But for those who enjoy engaging with their weather station and taking advantage of its features, this device can be a great addition. If you're primarily interested in a simple rain gauge, this product’s additional features might be more than what you need. However, for those who want a holistic approach to weather monitoring, the WS-2902 is a solid choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,358
Type
Capacity
Durability

Most important from
12797 reviews

Type
The Ambient Weather WS-2902 is a comprehensive weather station that offers detailed data on rainfall, wind speed, temperature, and UV index, making it perfect for users who need precise weather information.
Capacity
The rain gauge provides detailed measurements, including hourly, 24-hour, weekly, and event totals, making it highly useful for garden and pool management.
Durability
While the unit is weather-resistant, it's wise to consider the environmental factors that might affect its longevity.
Ease of Use
Setting up the weather station is straightforward if you have basic assembly skills, but the instructions can be lengthy and slightly confusing.
Additional Features
The unit's solar power with AA battery backup ensures continuous operation, though finding the ideal mounting spot might be challenging if you have a small yard or many obstructions.
#2

Tempest Weather System with Built-in Wind Meter, Rain Gauge, and Accurate Weather Forecasts, Wireless, App and Alexa Enabled

Rating
9.4
Durability
Ease of Use
Accuracy

Most important from
1914 reviews

Durability
The solar-powered sensor with no moving parts ensures exceptional durability and low maintenance, outperforming traditional mechanical rain gauges.
Ease of Use
Setup is remarkably simple and quick, with the system connecting seamlessly to Wi-Fi and remaining stable even at considerable distances from the router.
Accuracy
Accuracy improves over time through AI-driven nightly calibration, resulting in rainfall measurements nearly identical to high-quality analog gauges.
Additional Features
The app offers clear, real-time data visualization and integrates smoothly with smart devices, enhancing user experience beyond basic rain tracking.

The Tempest Weather System is a comprehensive weather station that includes a rain gauge along with many other sensors for temperature, wind, humidity, and more. It uses a solar-powered outdoor sensor with no moving parts, which means it’s very durable and requires little maintenance—great if you want something reliable over time. The rain gauge benefits from this design by avoiding common mechanical wear issues. It updates data every 3 seconds and transmits wirelessly up to 1,000 feet, making it easy to place outside and monitor from indoors.

The system continuously measures rainfall with fast updates that support accurate and timely tracking of rain events. Accuracy is enhanced by the system’s machine learning technology, giving you precise, local weather forecasts and alerts based on the collected data. Setup is beginner-friendly, with a mobile app guiding you through installation and providing clean, real-time displays of rainfall along with other weather info. Additionally, it integrates seamlessly with smart home devices like Alexa, so you can automate related tasks such as irrigation based on actual rain data.

The device’s price and reliance on WiFi and a smartphone app might be a barrier for those wanting a simple, standalone rain gauge without extra features. Also, since it’s made of plastic, extreme weather or impacts might affect its long-term physical durability. This product fits well for users looking for an all-in-one weather station with high-tech forecasting and smart home connectivity, rather than just a basic rain gauge.

Rating
9.4
Durability
Ease of Use
Accuracy

Most important from
1914 reviews

Durability
The solar-powered sensor with no moving parts ensures exceptional durability and low maintenance, outperforming traditional mechanical rain gauges.
Ease of Use
Setup is remarkably simple and quick, with the system connecting seamlessly to Wi-Fi and remaining stable even at considerable distances from the router.
Accuracy
Accuracy improves over time through AI-driven nightly calibration, resulting in rainfall measurements nearly identical to high-quality analog gauges.
Additional Features
The app offers clear, real-time data visualization and integrates smoothly with smart devices, enhancing user experience beyond basic rain tracking.
#3

AcuRite Iris (5-in-1) Indoor/Outdoor Wireless Weather Station for Indoor and Outdoor Temperature and Humidity, Wind Speed and Direction, and Rainfall with Digital Display (01512M)

Rating
9.4
Ease of Use
Durability
Accuracy

Most important from
6874 reviews

Ease of Use
Effortless setup and pairing make this weather station incredibly user-friendly from the start.
Durability
The outdoor sensor's debris screen effectively keeps the unit running smoothly with minimal maintenance.
Accuracy
Accurate readings for temperature, humidity, pressure, and rainfall closely match professional weather sources.
Additional Features
Gardeners and weather enthusiasts appreciate the additional features like moon phase tracking alongside rainfall data.

The AcuRite Iris Wireless Weather Station is a versatile device that includes a rain gauge along with sensors for temperature, humidity, wind speed, and more. Its wireless design makes it easy to set up—just insert batteries and mount the outdoor sensor—and the large color display indoors shows real-time weather data, including rainfall, clearly and conveniently.

The rain gauge collects rainfall data accurately enough for typical home use, supported by the station's ability to provide over 55 weather data points and a personalized 12-hour forecast combining pressure and elevation data. It’s built with weather-resistant plastic, offering decent durability for outdoor conditions, though it’s not designed for harsh or extreme environments. The capacity of the rain gauge is suitable for everyday rainfall measurements but might not satisfy professional or heavy-duty needs.

Users appreciate the straightforward installation and the large, adjustable brightness display, which helps in reading data anytime. A limitation is that it runs on four AA batteries, which need regular replacement. While it gives reliable readings for casual weather tracking, it’s not a precision instrument for advanced weather monitoring. This product fits well for homeowners and garden enthusiasts who want detailed local weather information with a focus on ease of use and a comprehensive weather overview.

Rating
9.4
Ease of Use
Durability
Accuracy

Most important from
6874 reviews

Ease of Use
Effortless setup and pairing make this weather station incredibly user-friendly from the start.
Durability
The outdoor sensor's debris screen effectively keeps the unit running smoothly with minimal maintenance.
Accuracy
Accurate readings for temperature, humidity, pressure, and rainfall closely match professional weather sources.
Additional Features
Gardeners and weather enthusiasts appreciate the additional features like moon phase tracking alongside rainfall data.

Buying Guide for the Best Rain Gauges

Choosing the right rain gauge is essential for accurately measuring rainfall in your area, whether for gardening, farming, or simply keeping track of weather patterns. Understanding the key specifications will help you select a rain gauge that best fits your needs. Here are the main factors to consider when choosing a rain gauge.
TypeRain gauges come in different types, including standard, tipping bucket, and digital. Standard rain gauges are simple and manual, requiring you to read the measurement yourself. Tipping bucket rain gauges automatically measure and record rainfall, making them more convenient for continuous monitoring. Digital rain gauges often come with additional features like wireless data transmission and integration with weather stations. Choose a type based on how much automation and additional features you need.
CapacityCapacity refers to the maximum amount of rainfall a gauge can measure before it needs to be emptied or reset. Smaller capacity gauges (up to 5 inches) are suitable for areas with light to moderate rainfall, while larger capacity gauges (over 5 inches) are better for regions with heavy rainfall. Consider the typical rainfall in your area to determine the appropriate capacity for your rain gauge.
AccuracyAccuracy is crucial for obtaining reliable rainfall data. Standard rain gauges are generally very accurate, but they require manual reading. Tipping bucket and digital rain gauges can vary in accuracy, with some high-end models offering precise measurements. If precise data is important for your needs, such as scientific research or detailed weather tracking, opt for a gauge with higher accuracy.
DurabilityDurability is important because rain gauges are exposed to the elements. Look for gauges made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials like UV-resistant plastic or metal. This ensures that the gauge will last longer and provide consistent measurements over time. If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, prioritize durability to avoid frequent replacements.
Ease of UseEase of use includes how simple it is to set up, read, and maintain the rain gauge. Standard rain gauges are straightforward but require manual reading. Tipping bucket and digital gauges offer more convenience but may require more complex setup and maintenance. Consider how much time and effort you are willing to invest in using and maintaining the rain gauge when making your choice.
Additional FeaturesSome rain gauges come with additional features like wireless connectivity, data logging, and integration with weather stations. These features can provide more detailed and accessible rainfall data. If you are a weather enthusiast or need detailed records for agricultural purposes, these additional features can be very beneficial. Decide which features are essential for your needs and choose a rain gauge that offers them.

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