How Fast Do Raindrops Fall?

In situations that do not involve rain that is being blown by wind, raindrops can fall at a speed as fast as 18 miles per hour (29 km/h). The reason why raindrops will not fall any faster is that any speed over this amount will create air friction that causes the drops to break into smaller drops. The actual speed of a raindrop is determined by its size and the amount of wind involved.

More facts about raindrops:

• Although many people believe that raindrops are shaped like human tears, that is not the case. Typically, raindrops are round and somewhat flat, assuming a shape that is similar to that of a hamburger bun.


• Rain and raindrops are sometimes mentioned in popular songs. One well-known example is Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head, which was written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Recorded by B.J. Thomas and released in late 1969, the song reached No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and held that position for four weeks in January 1970.


• Raindrops are formed by the condensation of water vapor in clouds. When the drops become heavy enough, they fall from the clouds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average speed at which raindrops fall?

Typically, raindrops fall at speeds between 9 and 13 miles per hour (mph). However, their size greatly influences their terminal velocity. Small droplets can drift down at about 2 mph, while larger ones can reach speeds up to 20 mph before they hit the ground, according to studies on precipitation dynamics.

Does the size of a raindrop affect its falling speed?

Yes, the size of a raindrop significantly affects its falling speed. Smaller droplets, often less than 0.02 inches in diameter, fall slower due to higher air resistance relative to their mass. Larger drops, which can grow up to 0.2 inches in diameter, fall faster as gravity overcomes air resistance more effectively.

How does the height at which a raindrop falls impact its speed?

Raindrops accelerate due to gravity until they reach their terminal velocity, at which point they fall at a constant speed. The height from which a raindrop falls allows it more or less time to reach this speed. However, most raindrops reach their terminal velocity within a few hundred meters from the cloud base.

Can wind affect the falling speed of raindrops?

Wind can significantly alter the trajectory and effective falling speed of raindrops. Horizontal winds can carry them over large distances, making their descent appear slower. Conversely, updrafts can slow down or even cause raindrops to ascend temporarily, while downdrafts can increase their speed towards the ground.

Are there different types of raindrops based on their falling speeds?

Raindrops can be categorized by size, which correlates to their falling speed. Meteorologists often classify them as small, medium, or large. Small drops fall slower and may evaporate before reaching the ground, while large drops fall faster and can sometimes break apart if they become too heavy, creating smaller droplets.

How do raindrops maintain their shape as they fall?

Raindrops maintain their shape through a balance of surface tension and air resistance. As they fall, they actually adopt a teardrop shape due to air pressure, flattening at the bottom and becoming rounded at the top. If a drop becomes too large, it can split into smaller droplets to prevent breaking apart.