You’re about to get ready for a cookout but the weather is not looking good. It’s getting rainy and stormy and you wonder, do I need to cancel? Can I grill in the rain?

Yes, you can grill in the rain. Grilling under a cover like a pergola or awning is best. Your grill may require a few more minutes to preheat than usual. Keep the lid closed as often as possible. Don’t open the lid fully to keep water out of the inside of the grill. You can also have a friend hold an umbrella over it if there’s heavy rain.

When you’re done cooking, dry the grill to prevent rust. Keep the grill dry by covering it with a grill cover.

Here are 11 tips on grilling in the rain in this post to help you cook comfortably and efficiently outdoors.

11 Tips for Grilling in the Rain

Invest in an outdoor cover.

One of the best ways to protect your grill and other outdoor appliances from the weather is an outdoor cover. They can get quite expensive, especially gazebos and custom roof extensions.

But these outdoor covers are built to last decades. So you can get a lot of value out of your investment.

We’ll go over a few popular types of outdoor covers briefly below. For an in-depth look at these outdoor covers, check out our complete guide. 

Pergola

A pergola is a versatile outdoor cover for your patio. Simple pergolas can be DIYed by beginners with a little research. Or you can go with a high-end design and hire a professional. Most pergolas feature an open-roof grid style design. In other words, they don’t have a flat roof but will protect quite well from UV rays and inclement weather.

Awning

An awning is another great option for your outdoor patio. It’s not as versatile as a pergola but is easy to install. Retractable awnings are the most practical choice. If there’s inclement weather, you can retract your awning so it stays in great condition. Unless you’re outside too, of course!

It also gives you flexibility. If you just want more sun you can keep your awning retracted. Awnings do require consistent maintenance though. You’ll have to remove leaves and debris from the top before retracting it each time. Ask a friend to help and this can go pretty quickly.

Make sure the awning is around eight feet high so it doesn’t come into direct contact with heat coming from your grill. If the awning is too close to the grill, it’s a fire hazard. Also, it will accumulate grease and smoke stains over time which are hard to remove.

Roof extension

A roof extension is a home addition with a closed roof. Under it, you’ll have your outdoor patio, appliances, a guest area…whatever you’d like. A roof extension is a durable, permanent addition that doesn’t require much maintenance. You might need a permit to install yours though. If you live in a homeowner’s association, check with them before proceeding with your installation.

Under a deck or overhang

A quick solution to grilling in the rain is taking advantage of existing structures. You can move your grill under a deck or overhang in your home. That way you won’t have to spend extra money installing a cover or time finding the right contractor. Not everyone will have this luxury. But consider how you can use your existing structures before you pour money into a big project.

Don’t use an electric grill in the rain.

This may be obvious, but it’s important. Electric grills may short circuit in the rain and you run a high risk of injury. You should only use your electric grill indoors or in dry areas. If you use it outside, make sure you unplug it and store it when you’re done.

Ask a friend to hold an umbrella over your grill while cooking.

Ok, this isn’t the most practical solution. But you may only need to keep your grill open for a few seconds to put the burgers on. So it may be worth asking a friend to shield you from the rain for a little while. Work quickly and close the lid as soon as possible to keep water out of the inside of the grill.

Keep charcoal and pellets dry.

You’ll never get your grill to light with wet charcoal or pellets. It will take forever and likely won’t get hot enough to grill. Store your pellets and coals in a dry place. Load them into the grill quickly so they don’t absorb heavy moisture.

Keep the lid closed.

One of the most effective ways to grill in the rain is to close the lid as soon as possible. The grill will cool down as water gets inside, so only take as much time as you need to lay out your meats, poultry, or vegetables.

Pay attention to the grill temperature.

In cold, rainy weather, it may take more time for your grill to heat up. Watch its temperature closely before you start grilling. The longer you have the lid open, the faster the grill loses heat. Keep this in mind while cooking.

Dry the grill after use.

To prevent rust and hard water spots, dry your grill off after use. If it’s still raining, wait until the rain subsides and dry off your grill with a few towels.

Cover the grill after use.

After you dry your grill, cover it with a grill cover to keep water, dirt, and debris out. A grill cover is an important investment. If you don’t have one, check this one out on Amazon.

Precook what you can in the oven.

This isn’t mandatory, but it can make your job easier. You should be able to heat up your grill and cook comfortably enough in light rain. But in nasty weather, it can be quite convenient to cook a few dishes in the oven.

Avoid grilling in windy weather.

If it’s windy, your best bet is to cook indoors. You don’t want your food to go flying! Don’t try to grill in your garage without a powerful range hood, though. It’s quite dangerous and can cause a fire.

Preheat your grill for a little longer.

In cold weather, your grill will take a few extra minutes to heat up. Keep a close eye on the thermometer as we mentioned above. Be patient and wait for the grill to reach the desired temperature. Don’t try to rush cooking anything, if possible. It can be tricky to get the cook time right when cooking at different temperatures.

Can you use a propane grill in the rain?

Yes, you can use a propane grill in the rain. The most important thing to remember is to never bring your propane indoors. It is a highly combustible material. Your propane grill may take longer to preheat in the rain.

Can you use a gas grill in the rain?

Yes, you can use a gas grill in the rain. It can be helpful to have a friend hold an umbrella over the grill while you lay out your meats. Keep the lid closed as long as you can so water doesn’t get inside the grill.

Can you use an electric grill in the rain?

No, do not use an electric grill in the rain under any circumstances. Electricity and water don’t mix and you could get shocked. Only use an electric grill indoors or in dry areas.

Can I grill in the winter?

Yes, you can grill in the winter. Just make sure to give the grill more time to preheat and close the lid right after placing your meats. Once you’re done cooking, cover your grill to protect it from the elements.

How to Protect Grill from Rain

Cover your grill with a grill cover to offer great protection from rain. After each use, dry your grill thoroughly to prevent rust buildup. If you’re not using your grill for an extended period, store it in a dry shed for the winter to keep it in great condition.

Starting a Charcoal Grill in the Rain

If you’re lighting charcoal in the grill, hold the lid over it. This allows some air to get it as fire needs oxygen to start. But it protects the grill from rain

If you’re using a chimney starter, you can cover the top with some aluminum foil and poke a few holes in the foil to let the smoke escape.

Or you can have someone hold an umbrella over the starter (or grill). Just make sure it’s not too close to the heat.

That’s all for our post on grilling in the rain. It’s safe to grill in the rain. Just don’t use an electric grill! Remember that it’ll take a while for the grill to preheat. To keep the water out, close the lid right after adding your meat.

Thanks for reading! To read more about outdoor grilling, check out the articles below!

Related Articles

7 Types of Grills Explained (Pros and Cons)

How to Start a Charcoal Grill (4 Effective Methods)

Can you use a cast iron skillet on a grill?