Getting caught in the rain without a jacket or umbrella is a recipe for a bad day.

According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the average yearly rainfall across the contiguous United States is 28.35”. And if you live in the Southern half of the U.S., you’ll likely experience the brunt of that total precipitation. Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Florida received the highest rainfall in 2022, while the West received the least rain.

But even if you’re traveling through a dry state doesn’t mean you’re in the clear because notoriously dry states like Wyoming and New Mexico received about 14” of rain last year.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable rain jacket, keep reading. I’ve curated a list of the top 12 rain jackets for women that will not only keep you dry during those unexpected downpours but also feel good to wear in varying climates.

Criteria for Selection

I selected the 12 women’s rain jackets you see below based on two pieces of criteria.

Quality of Materials

A good rain jacket should be breathable, flexible, easy to stuff in a backpack, and live up to its name in terms of water resistance.

Community Favorites

Shopper favorites are the rain jackets with only high, favorable customer reviews, proving these pieces to be well-loved and reputable.

12 Best Women’s Rain Jackets

Stay dry during the rainy season by slipping on one of these 12 breathable, comfortable, protective rain jackets for women. Listed in no particular order.

KUHL JETSTREAM™ TRENCH

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$219

A friend of The Portal Editorial recommended the JETSTREAM™ TRENCH from KÜHL. It is lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and longer than the traditional rain jacket. Its extended length offers seat and thigh coverage.

Mosebacke Raincoat

HEAVYWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$325

STUTTERHEIM’s Mosebacke Raincoat is a heavyweight A-line-shaped raincoat with durable, seriously luxurious material. Its notable features are a drawstring hood, under-arm ventilation, double-welded seams, and a 100% PVC rubberized coating.

Women’s H2OFF Rain Jacket, Mesh-Lined

MIDWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$179

Though it is made from a midweight polyester material, the H2OFF Rain Jacket is surprisingly lightweight and wearable. It has a relaxed fit, falls below the hip, and is ventilated in the upper body for breathability.

Adventure 2.0

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$219

With over 1,600 reviews and a nearly five-star rating, the Adventure 2.0 women’s rain jacket is a true shopper favorite. A combined 16 pockets dot the interior and exterior. The material itself is breathable, durable, and made from 100% recycled materials.

REI Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$39-99

Crafted with REI Co-op’s innovative Peak 2.5-layer recycled ripstop nylon shell, this rain jacket offers protection from light rain and wind while remaining breathable. REI’s Co-op Rainier Rain Jacket falls to hip length and features underarm ventilation zips.

REI Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$169

Crafted with REI’s Gore-Tex PacLite® material, this women’s rain jacket is windproof and waterproof and provides highly breathable protection. The Co-op XeroDry GTX Jacket features core vents (mesh-lined pockets), zippered pockets, and an adjustable hood and cuffs.

Women’s Switchback™ III Rain Jacket

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$75

With over 2,000 customer reviews, the Columbia Women’s Switchback™ III Rain Jacket is easily one of the best women’s rain jackets. This rain jacket features a waterproof nylon shell, preventing moisture from penetrating the material.

Women’s Arcadia™ II Rain Jacket

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$100

Designed for everyday use, the Women’s Arcadia™ II Rain Jacket from Columbia is made from waterproof and breathable material. It features an adjustable storm hood and hem and zippered pockets, and you can pack it away inside one of the hand pockets.

WOMEN’S CREW HOODED SAILING JACKET

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$165

Helly Hansen’s Women’s Crew Hooded Sailing Jacket is one of the best rain jackets for women who live their best lives on the water or at the marina. It has a classic marine design, Polartec® fleece-lined comfortable collar, stow away hood, and zippered pockets.

WOMEN’S STORMLINE STRETCH RAIN SHELL

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATERPROOF.

$127-170

The StormLine Stretch Rain Shell is a versatile rain jacket designed for women who hike or rock climb. This rain shell features DWR-sealed pit zip vents for ventilation, two zippered hand pockets, and a waterproof center front zipper. The jacket’s underarm gussets and ultra-stretchy fabric provide mobility and durability, making it ideal for climbing.

Always Effortless Jacket

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATER RESISTANT.

$148

Lululemon’s Always Effortless Jacket lives up to its name, as it is a water-repellent featherweight rain jacket for women on the move. Interior pockets and exterior pockets provide room to hold your essentials, and the back is vented to allow airflow.

WOMEN’S RAIN DEFENDER^® RELAXED FIT LIGHTWEIGHT COAT

LIGHTWEIGHT. WATER RESISTANT.

$47-79

As the name implies, the Women’s Rain Defender® rain jacket from Carhartt is a casual lightweight shell for drizzly days. Notable features include elastic cuffs, breathable polyester mesh lining, adjustable drawcords, and full-coverage extended length.

Which rain jacket would you add to this list? Drop your recommendations in the comments!