In colloquial language, the love of rain is known as pluviophilia. It is not a specialized term, that is, it does not refer to a formal clinical category; however, it has been commonly used to describe a number of rain-related interests and hobbies.

What is pluviophilia? In this article we’ll look at that.

What is pluviophilia?

In ancient Greek, the word “philos” means “love,” and the suffix “ia” means “quality. Hence, “philia” (“filia” in English), means quality of feeling love for a given situation, object or practice. These are the opposite experiences to phobias, in which an intense fear of specific situations prevails.

In turn, “pluvium” comes from “pluvial” which means “from rain or related to it”. Having said this we can see that “pluviophilia” is the love, fondness or special attraction for the rain and everything that concerns it .

It should be made clear that this is not pathological behaviour. In fact, although there are many types of “philias”, few have become specific diagnostic criteria (e.g. paraphilias). For the most part, hobbies that are considered pathological are diagnosed with the suffix “mania” (such as kleptomania); and not with the “phylia”.

In this sense, the special and intense enjoyment of rain does not in itself represent a threat or require treatment. Does this mean that rainwater fever cannot cause discomfort? No. Pluviophilia (like other philias), can be accompanied by diagnosable or undiagnosable experiences of discomfort. It can even be accompanied by poor flexibility, discomfort, or a low mood in situations where the weather is more uncomfortable (e.g., sunny). But in itself, pluviophilia is not a clinical picture nor does it necessarily generate clinically significant discomfort .

5 characteristics of pluviophilia

While it is a special fondness for the rain and everything related to it, the general characteristic of pluviophilia is the inclination to all circumstances that allow the sensory enjoyment of rain. For example, through sight, touch or smell. It is based on the thought that rain is a beautiful and pleasant phenomenon , contrary to what is often thought.

1. Love of windows

Pluviophilia does not necessarily imply a special interest in being in the rain. It can also be pleasant to watch from a window. For example, people who assume themselves to be rainy say they enjoy watching the raindrops fall, or counting them and looking for which one falls first. In this sense, staying close to a window in rainy weather can be an important element for those who enjoy it intensely.

2. Preference for cloudy skies

Contrary to what is usually thought, there are people whose moods are favourable or even improve with grey skies and cloudy weather. That is, they may be more uncomfortable with hot and very sunny weather. In rainfall, the grey sky is perceived as a beautiful natural phenomenon and looking at it is enjoyed.

3. Taste for soaking

Often people avoid getting wet in the rain. If we go out in rainy weather, we go prepared with umbrellas, raincoats, boots, car, etc.

Motivated by the risk of getting sick or dirty, or by the simple fact of not wanting to get wet, we usually worry when we see the rain. This is not the case with pluviophilia. Far from avoiding it, the experience of being under the rain can transmit a feeling of freedom and security ; even if one recognizes the possibility of catching a cold. Feeling your body wet in the rain is in this case pleasant.

4. Devotion to the sound of rain

The ear is another sense that can easily be stimulated through the rain. In fact, even without the presence of rain, the sound of rain is usually pleasant, so it is often used to relax or to concentrate.

There are several theories as to why the latter works. On the one hand it may be because listening to the sound of rain in the comfort of our home gives us a sense of shelter and protection . On the other hand, it may be because the intensity and variability of the sounds caused by both raindrops and thunder are in themselves comfortable. In pluviphobia these sounds may be preferred to any other and people may spend several hours listening to them.

5. Enjoy the smell that remains after it rains

Finally, the smell allows us to enjoy the rainy season as well. Or rather, the moments and smells that the rain leaves behind when it ends. The smell of the streets while it is raining and after it has rained can be very pleasant, comfortable and even refreshing. There are even some perfumes that have tried to imitate in some tones the smell of rain.

Bibliographic references:

  • Trinidad, M. (2015). 7 signs you are a pluviophile. Recovered 26 July 2018. Available at https://thoughtcatalog.com/mica-trinidad/2015/03/7-signs-youre-a-pluviophile/.