BBQ in the Rain — Is It Possible and How Do You Do It?

This is the Netherlands. It's raining. And you want to barbecue. Good news: you can – provided you know what to look out for. Rain affects your fire, your temperature, and your bark, but with the right approach, you can have a great BBQ, even if the heavens open.

Can you BBQ in the rain?

Yes – both with charcoal and gas. Rain itself is not a dealbreaker. What does matter:

  • Charcoal BBQ: Rain can extinguish your fire if the BBQ is open. With a well-closed lid, the problem is limited.
  • Gas BBQ: Virtually unaffected by rain. The burner is protected, and the temperature remains stable.
  • Open fire / no lid: Difficult with heavy rain. Use a cover or wait for a dry period.

What does rain do to your BBQ session?

  • Lower temperature: Rain cools the outside of the BBQ, requiring more fuel to maintain temperature. Expect 10–20% more charcoal or gas.
  • Longer cooking time: Especially with low & slow. Allow 15–30% extra time in truly wet and cold weather.
  • Bark forms with difficulty: Humid air slows down the Maillard reaction and caramelization. Make sure the meat itself is dry – pat it dry well before rubbing.
  • Wood chips burn differently: Wet wood chips produce more bitter smoke. Always store wood chips dry.

How to protect your BBQ in the rain?

  • BBQ cover or parasol – the easiest solution. Ensure sufficient ventilation for carbon monoxide to escape.
  • Patio screen or party tent – works well for longer sessions. Maintain at least 1 meter distance between the fire and the cover.
  • BBQ with a tightly closing lid – a kettle BBQ or kamado retains heat and smoke better in the rain than an open grill.
  • Kamado – the kamado is the most rain-resistant BBQ. The ceramic wall retains heat excellently, and rain barely affects the temperature.

→ Kamado BBQ Tips – everything you need to know

Safety when BBQing in the rain

  • Never BBQ in an enclosed space – not even in a garage or under a low cover without ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
  • Electric lighters wet – be careful – keep electrical aids dry.
  • Slippery surface – wet patio tiles are slippery. Place the BBQ stably.
  • Lightning – stop in a thunderstorm. No discussion.

Dry rub in the rain – what changes?

A dry rub behaves slightly differently in humid weather. Practical tips:

  • Pat the meat extra dry – in high humidity, meat absorbs moisture faster. Patting it dry just before rubbing is extra important.
  • Use a binder – mustard or olive oil helps the rub adhere despite the humid air. → Mustard as a binder – why it works
  • Do not apply rub too early in wet weather – in high humidity, the rub can become damp and run off the meat. Apply it just before grilling or use a binder.
  • Choose a rub that works at lower temperatures – the Shawarma BBQ Rub and Jamaican Jerk have spices that caramelize well at 160–170°C.
  • Bark may be less crispy – accept that and compensate with a shorter finish at high temperature.

→ Perfect Bark on the BBQ – step by step
→ The Maillard reaction explained for BBQ

Best dishes for a rainy-day BBQ

In the rain, choose dishes that are quick to prepare (less time with the lid open) or that benefit from the closed-lid method:

Prefer to stay indoors? Then this

→ BBQ Rub in the Oven – tips and temperatures
→ BBQ Rub in the Airfryer – tips, temperatures & recipes
→ BBQ without a garden – oven, grill pan & airfryer