Weather Tools
Rain Gauge Placement Guide: Getting More Accurate Backyard Rainfall
Where to place a rain gauge, what causes bad rainfall readings, and how trees, roofs, wind, and splash affect totals.
Quick answer: A rain gauge works best in an open area away from trees, roofs, fences, and surfaces that cause splash or blockage.
Open exposure
Nearby objects can block rain or create turbulence that changes how much water reaches the gauge.
A clear area improves consistency.
Avoid splash
Hard surfaces can splash water into the gauge, while roofs can drip extra water into it.
Both create misleading totals.
Reading totals
Check the gauge at the same time each day during rain events.
Compare with nearby official stations to understand local variation.