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Considering that Minecraft is a sandbox survival game, it only makes sense that weather was added into the game as one of the first, original features. Though it might not be the most immersive feature, having weather changes adds slightly to the experience. Plus, Mojang is known for never adding anything without a proper reason. Everything in the sandbox has some type of utility, and that goes for weather changes as well. Many of these details even long-time players may not be familiar with. Here's what players have to know about weather in a Minecraft world.
How Is Weather Determined?
Weather in Minecraft is actually randomized unless players use the "/weather clear" command, in which case the next weather event happens within 5 minutes or so. Outside of that, weather events can happen at any time in a Minecraft world.
Another important factor to consider is the biome and height of the player's location. This won't necessarily alter when weather events occur, but rather determine what type of weather event will take place when it does. Biomes will have significantly different experiences depending on whether it's a cold or hot biome, or if the player is really high up on a mountain.
What Are The Different Weather Types?
Minecraft has about three different weather types: rain, snow, and thunderstorms. Each of them has unique effects and varying light levels when they're active. Note that some biomes won't experience all three of these weather types.
Each weather type will alter the level of light in a Minecraft world, so players who are only beginning their journey should prepare for their first weather event by building shelter as quickly as possible, or by digging underground into a cave.
Snow
- Found in cold biomes and high altitudes only.
Snow can only be witnessed if the player is in a cold biome, in which case snowfall replaces rainfall by default. Walking from a temperature biome into a cold biome will see raindrops change into snowflakes.
Moreover, if the player is standing in a location that has a high altitude, such as a mountain, they'll experience snow rather than rain. During snowfall, the light level drops to 12. Full blocks directly under the sky will receive a coating of powder snow during snowfall, which can be easily removed with a shovel. Some blocks, like stairs and doors, are not affected by snowfall.
In cold biomes or high altitudes, it's also possible to encounter a snowstorm. That's when snowfall is paired with the booming sound of thunder and lightning, which replaces rainy thunderstorms in these locations.
Thunderstorm
- Found in any biome, but varies slightly depending on temperature.
Perhaps the most exciting weather type is the thunderstorm. It can frighten an unsuspecting player when the sky suddenly becomes very dark, dropping to light level 10. This allows hostile mobs to go wild and start spawning during the day, which is also why players can sleep during thunderstorms even if it's daytime to skip to the next morning (and also skip the weather). Minecraft Villagers will often rush indoors as well, which works as a great telltale sign of an incoming storm.
Thunderstorms feature booming thunder, rain, and lightning. Lightning is particularly dangerous and can strike, mobs, the player themselves, or the roof of houses. Wooden blocks can be set on fire if thunder strikes them.
Lightning also has some interesting, adverse effects on a variety of mobs. It can strike a Creeper and turn it into a Charged Creeper. Unlucky villagers will morph into a witch when struck, and pigs have the risk of turning into Zombified Piglins. Players should also look out for Skeletons riding Skeleton Horses that spawn during lightning, as the horses can be tamed after their original owner is killed.
As of 1.17, lightning rods can be used to convert lightning strikes into Redstone signals.
Rain
- Found in temperature biomes only. Cold and dry biomes either have snow or no rainfall.
Rain is the most basic type of weather event in Minecraft. It's likely the first weather players will deal with. Though rain does darken the sky to a light level of 12, it's not always bad news to have rainfall. In fact, it can have some beneficial effects.
For example, players who are desperate for food should go fishing during rainfall, since this is when fish are even more commonly found. Players with farms outside will also see any tilled farmland become hydrated, which is great for crop growth. And of course, any open fires are extinguished.
Some mobs absolutely despise rainfall. Endermen can frequently be seen teleporting around in hopes to find cover during rainfall. Iron Golems are also at risk of dying, so if the player has a private Iron Golem helper walking outside at their base, they should build a cover for it or repair it soon with iron ingots.
Minecraft is out now for PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS, and many other devices.