Are canopies good for rain?

People usually use canopies to block the sun, but can they really hold up in the rain? The answer depends on how you use it and the "temperament" of your particular canopy.

1. Handling Light Rain is No Problem

Most canopies perform quite well against light rain or showers. As long as the fabric has a waterproof coating, rainwater will bead up and roll off, just like on a lotus leaf. If you just need a temporary shelter from the rain or want to keep your picnic food dry, it's definitely a good helper.

2. The Danger of Water Accumulation

The biggest problem with using canopies in the rain is uneven support. If the fabric is loose, rainwater will accumulate in the depressions at the top, forming a large puddle.
If this accumulated water is left unchecked, it will get heavier and heavier, eventually soaking through the fabric.
Even worse, the weight of the large puddle can bend or even collapse the metal frame. Therefore, you need to check frequently during rain to prevent water from accumulating on top.

3. The "Little Secret" in the Needle Holes

Sometimes you might find that the canopy fabric isn't leaking, but water is dripping from above. This is usually because of needle holes in the seams.
Most canopies are sewn together, and without special waterproof sealing, it's common for heavy rain to seep through the stitching.
So, if you plan to use it for extended periods during the rainy season, choose a model with sealed seams, or apply some waterproof spray as a remedy.

4. Wind and Rain Often Come Together

Rain is often accompanied by gusts of wind. Canopies have a large surface area, like a large kite.
If you only focus on blocking the rain and forget to weigh down the four legs (e.g., by tying them to trees or using sandbags), a gust of wind might blow the canopy away before it even blocks the rain, and it could even damage surrounding objects.

5. Post-Use "Logistics"

This point is crucial! After using canopies on a rainy day, you absolutely must not simply fold them up and put them away in the bag while they are still wet.
You must find a sunny day to set them up and let them dry completely.
If you put them away while they are still wet, the fabric will become moldy within a few days, developing unsightly black spots.  Not only will it look bad, but the fabric will also become brittle, significantly reducing its lifespan.