10 Easy Ways to Enjoy the Outdoors in Autumn (Even If It’s Raining)

Let’s be honest: in Ireland (and the UK too), autumn often means rain. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay cooped up indoors. With the right mindset (and a decent waterproof!), autumn rain can feel refreshing, cosy, and even fun. In fact, there’s something special about the sound of raindrops on leaves, the smell of damp earth, and the glow of lights against a grey sky. Here are ten easy ways to embrace the outdoors this season, no matter what the skies are doing.

person under umbrella — Photo by julie aagaard on Pexels.com

1. Go puddle-jumping

Yes, even as adults. Pop on your wellies, grab a raincoat, and splash through puddles with abandon. Kids love it, but so do grown-ups once you give yourself permission to play.

2. Take a “sound walk”

Rain has its own music. Head outside and really listen — hear it tapping on roofs, dripping from branches, and splashing into puddles. It’s a grounding way to slow down and notice the season.

3. Pack a flask and umbrella

Bring a warm drink outdoors and find a little shelter — under a tree, at a bus stop, or even your back doorstep. Sip slowly while listening to the rhythm of the rain.

4. Visit a local woodland

Rain transforms the woods. The smell of damp leaves and earth is incredible, and raindrops glistening on branches make everything feel magical. Bonus: woodlands are quieter in the rain, so you may have the place to yourself.

5. Try a photography walk

Autumn rain makes for beautiful photos: puddle reflections, glistening spiderwebs, droplets on berries and leaves. Bring your phone or camera and look at the world with fresh eyes.

6. Collect rainwater for your plants

Set out a bucket or jar during a shower. Later, use the water to nourish your houseplants or garden. A small, sustainable habit that connects you to the season.

7. Do a garden tidy-up in drizzle

Light rain can actually make outdoor jobs easier. Pulling weeds, planting bulbs, or turning soil is gentler work when the ground is damp — and you won’t need to water afterwards.

8. Go for a rainbow walk

Autumn showers often give way to dramatic rainbows. Head out just after the rain passes, and you might be rewarded with one of the most breathtaking sights of the season.

9. Walk at twilight

There’s something magical about rainy evenings — streetlights reflecting on wet roads, houses glowing warmly against the grey. Take a short stroll and soak up the cosy contrast.

10. End with a warm reward

Make the rain part of the ritual. After stepping outside, return indoors to something comforting — a bowl of soup, a hot bath, a blanket by the fire. Let the outdoors make the indoors feel even cosier.

water splashing from a person in black workers boots stepping on wet pavement — Photo by JACK REDGATE on Pexels.com

Get outside this autumn…

Autumn rain doesn’t have to be gloomy. With the right coat, boots, and mindset, it can feel like part of the season’s magic. The sound of raindrops, the smell of the woods, the glow of streetlights on wet pavements — they all remind us that beauty is found in every kind of weather. After all, the glow of autumn is always worth stepping out for — drizzle or no drizzle.

Chat soon,

Ciara