Rainy weather doesn’t have to put out your fire. In fact, we’d argue it makes the experience even more exciting. After all, a braai just hits differently when the rain’s coming down.
So, can you braai in the rain? Short answer: yes, you can braai in the rain. All you need is proper cover, dry fuel, and gear tough enough to take a beating, starting with a decent pair of braai tongs in your hand.
In this guide, we’re exploring how to braai in bad weather with a few practical steps for your wet-weather braai (which might just become your favourite kind).
1. Find (or Build) Shelter
One of the most important steps for a successful rainy-day braai is finding proper cover.
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Use what you’ve got: Covered patios, garages, or carports work best. If you’re really lucky, you have an indoor braai (Hi there, Capetonians, we see you), and you don’t need to change a thing.
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No cover? No problem: Rig up a tarp between trees, or pitch a pop-up gazebo. Just ensure it’s high enough that wind doesn’t blow your fire into it.
Keep it safe: Always ensure proper ventilation. Smoke and carbon monoxide buildup is dangerous, so avoid fully enclosed spaces.
Pro tip: Use a slanted cover so rain runs off instead of pooling and collapsing your setup mid-braai.
2. Keep the Fire High and Dry
Wet ground acts like a cold sponge, draining heat from your fire. Use a raised fire pit or built-in braai stand to keep the flames going strong. Going old-school? Lay down a layer of dry bricks or stones before lighting your fire on the ground.
A kettle grill is also a great option here. Not only is it elevated and portable, but it comes with a lid, which is perfect for shielding your coals and meat from wind and rain. If the weather turns quickly, you can easily move the kettle grill to a more protected spot. The enclosed design helps retain heat, shortens cooking time, and keeps your fire efficient even in challenging conditions.
3. Choose the Right Fuel
Your fire is only as good as what you feed it. When braaiing in the rain, fuel matters:
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Go Namibian Hardwood: Kameeldoring and Sekelbos burn hot and long even when the air is damp.
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Keep it dry: Store your wood in bins or sealed bags in the garage.
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Use The Paddle: If your wood is wet, The Paddle is going to be your best friend. It sends large amounts of oxygen into the flames, helping your fire stay alive even in damp conditions.
4. Shield the Flames: Wind & Rain Protection
Where there’s rain, there’s usually wind, and wind = cold.
Create a makeshift windbreak using your parked car (safely), or position your braai in a protected spot against a wall or between structures. This helps your fire stay lit and efficient.
5. Use a Lid
A kettle grill is a must-have when braaiing in bad weather. If the heavens open mid-braai, you need to lock in the heat. A lid also helps to shield your food from the raindrops.
6. Dress the Part
Layer up like you mean it. Waterproof jackets, boots, and even a wide-brim hat can turn a soggy setup into a great adventure. Keep a dry towel and a warm hoodie inside for when you're done. Bonus points if you look like you’ve just emerged victorious from a wilderness survival challenge.
7. Set the Mood (Yes, Really)
Rainy braais have their own kind of magic. Make the most of it:
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Hang warm string lights or lanterns to offset gloomy skies.
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Add a Bluetooth speaker for some great music (but keep it dry!).
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Pour a drink. Share stories. Embrace the chaos.
Some of the best braais happen when things don’t go as planned. There’s something unforgettable about standing in the rain, Donkey Long Tong 80cm in one hand, cold one in the other, smoke rising all around you.
8. Why Donkey Long Tong is Built for This
Rainy-day braais test your gear, and this is exactly where the Donkey Long Tong 80cm and Donkey Tong 69cm prove their worth:
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Long reach keeps your hands out of the heat and your dry spots dry.
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A strong grip means fewer dropped wors and slippery wood, even in slippery, stormy conditions.
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Built tough: It handles smoke, heat, and a thunderstorm without flinching.
When the elements are wild, you need gear that can handle the pressure. This tong’s got your back.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let a Little Rain Rule Your Fire
Braaiing in the rain isn’t just doable; it’s fun. It’s a rite of passage, a bonding moment, and a story you’ll tell for years. With the right prep, the right tools, and the right mindset, bad weather becomes part of the experience, not the end of it.
So next time the skies turn grey? Light the fire anyway. Rain or shine, the fire must go on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you braai in the rain?Yes. You need three things: cover so the fire and coals stay dry, fuel that hasn’t already turned to mush, and a windbreak so the flame doesn’t get snuffed out. A kettle braai with a lid makes it even easier, since it shields the coals and food in one go. |
Is it safe to braai under a covered area or indoors?Only with proper ventilation. A carport, open garage, or covered patio works well. A fully sealed room does not. Smoke and carbon monoxide need somewhere to go. If you’re lucky enough to have a proper indoor braai (built for it, with a flue), you’re sorted. |
What’s the best fuel for braaiing in wet or winter weather?Hardwoods like Kameeldoring and Sekelbos burn hot and long, even in damp air. Keep your wood dry in a sealed bin or bag before you need it, and use The Paddle to push extra oxygen into the flames if it’s struggling. |
Do I need a special braai for winter or rainy days?Not a special one, but a kettle braai has a real advantage: the lid locks in heat, blocks wind, and keeps rain off your coals and food. If your only braai is an open fire pit, focus on shelter and a solid windbreak instead. |
