You’ve booked flights, a hotel, and non-refundable tickets or a sightseeing pass but unusual San Diego weather is in the forecast. Should you still visit San Diego Zoo in the rain?

If you’re willing to get a little wet, you may have a more exclusive and active animal experience in ways that don’t usually happen in sunshine. Believe it or not, I know some annual passholders and Zoo staff members who strongly prefer less crowded rainy days because some animals love rain and mud.

Why San Diego Zoo Is Doable in the Rain

The Zoo is situated in Balboa Park, and the fact that it’s also a botanical garden gives it a rainy-day advantage.

Natural Umbrellas
Dense foliage in some areas, with bamboo groves, large ficus trees, fern canyons, and more, provides some coverage from the rain, especially on the more forested pathways.

Indoor Spaces
The Zoo has some indoor or covered exhibits where you can escape heavier rain. You can pop into the Reptile House, Hummingbird Habitat, or Wildlife Explorer’s Basecamp buildings to enjoy animals under cover.

Covered Dining & Shops
You can also seek refuge in some of the covered dining and retail areas, though the seating can be wet because most dining patios are open air.

Paved Paths
Nearly all walking paths are concrete or asphalt, which drain well, partly thanks to the hilly terrain.

Exit and Re-Entry
If a heavy rain shower rolls in and you’d prefer to wait it out, you don’t have to stay. You can either find indoor shelter inside the Zoo or exit temporarily. Get a handstamp on your way out and hold onto your original ticket, which allows same-day re-entry. You could walk (outside) to Balboa Park’s indoor museums. Once the weather clears, you can re-enter the Zoo and continue exploring.

The App Is Your Guide
You will be able to see maps and what’s open or closed through the San Diego Zoo app in real time.

What to Bring When It’s Raining

Here are some things to consider packing:

• a compact travel umbrella
• extra socks
• extra clothes for the kids in case they get wet
• rain coat or poncho
• rain cover for your stroller or wagon
• plastic bags for your wet socks or anything needing protection from rain
• a small towel (microfiber dries quickly) for wiping down slightly wet surfaces or your phone lens
• snacks and refillable water bottles as some of the smaller snack stands may close
• an extra poncho or garbage bag for seating—many people use them to cover wet benches.
• an external battery for your phone because you will rely more heavily on the San Diego Zoo app to alert you of closures and to find indoor sanctuaries

Wear shoes with good grip because while the terrain is paved, there can be slopes and slippery spots. You will see a lot of people in rain boots (hopefully comfortable ones for all the walking).

It’s a good idea to collapse your umbrella when you don’t need it as they can spook some animals.

Guided Bus Tour Will Run (Stay Drier, See It All)

Is the San Diego Zoo Bus Tour open in the rain? Yes! The famous double-decker Guided Bus Tour runs rain or shine (unless there is something really extreme), and it’s a great plan on a wet day.

• Where to sit: The buses have two levels. You’ll sit on the lower deck, which is fully roofed and they will close the side windows in poor weather. You’ll stay dry and comfortable while the bus driver gives you a 35-minute tour of the grounds.
• Why do this first: You get to see a animals from the dry comfort of the bus. If the rain gets heavier later or you decide to cut the day short, at least you’ve seen the Zoo from the tour. This tour can also help you plan the rest of your visit by showcasing which animals are active and areas you may want to explore further.

I personally still enjoy this bus because no two rides are ever the same and there’s always something new to learn about the Zoo or animals from the narrator. Parents use it as a time to rest kids’ legs, take power naps (kids and babies do sleep on it), and snack.

Follow the Sanctuary Hopping Itinerary

The Zoo conveniently has clusters of indoor exhibits or heavily sheltered areas, and most are along Front Street near the entrance. Here’s are some smart stops that maximize animal time and minimize getting soaked.

Wildlife Explorers Basecamp (Former Children’s Zoo)
This area is a fun rainy-day refuge for younger kids with two big indoor habitats. Spineless Marvels is a glow-in-the-dark style invertebrate house filled with cool insects, spiders, scorpions, and more. There’s also Cool Critters, a large indoor amphibian and reptile habitat with snakes, frogs, and lizards. It’s warm and humid inside, a nice break from any chill outside.

Why it’s great: It’s engaging, educational, and completely covered. Kids can easily spend an hour here with the creepy-crawlies and interactive exhibits while you wait out a rain squall. There are also restrooms and the Busy Bee Cafe nearby. Splash pads operate here seasonally which means there are full-body dryers you can pay a few dollars to use!

Reptile House
This historic building near the Zoo entrance is fully enclosed, and it’s actually kept toasty warm for the reptiles. By the time you’ve seen the giant pythons, geckos, and everything in between, you’ll have warmed up and dried off a bit. It might be busy here as the building itself isn’t huge.

Hummingbird Habitat
Right next to the Reptile House is a small, enclosed walk-through aviary full of gorgeous hummingbirds. The Komodo dragons are adjacent and definitely worth stopping by in case they’re out.

Lost Forest Trails (Hippos, Monkeys, Tigers)
You’ll see the flamingos when you enter the Zoo. To the left of them, use Monkey Trail to start your way into Lost Forest, one of the best areas to explore when it’s raining. Dense trees and even bamboo provide natural cover, and several trails here offer sheltered views and indoor experiences. And, honestly, you could spend a whole day on these trails alone.

Lost Forest Trails Worth Visiting in Wet Weather:

• Fern Canyon Trail: A scenic, shaded downhill path past waterfalls, birds, and aviaries. Not stroller-friendly.
• Hippo Trail: Ends at a dry, enclosed hippo viewing cave, where you can watch them swim from indoors.
• Monkey Trail: Features monkeys, birds, and lush canopy cover with overhangs near exhibit areas.
• Tiger Trail: Loop through mangrove-like habitats with tapirs and Malayan tigers with partial shelter available.
• Treetops Way: Leads uphill to Bashor Bridge and elevators and connects Lost Forest to the mesa and dining spots.

Tip: Elephant Odyssey is on the other end of Bashor Bridge!

Scripps Aviary
You’ll find big walk-through bird aviaries in the Lost Forest area. They are outdoors, but completely netted over the top, and feel like stepping into a rainforest thanks to the myriad of lush tropical plants that can catch drizzle. Some birds love fluttering about, singing, and bathing in puddles when it rains. There’s also the Parker Aviary just off Treetops Way.

Rainy-Day Closures at the Zoo

Even though the Zoo stays open, these are the two attractions that are likely to close.

Skyfari Aerial Tram
The Skyfari is the gondola that normally zips you over the treetops from one end of the Zoo to the other. This will close due to high winds, heavy rain, or lightning in the area. If it’s just light rain with no wind, they sometimes keep it running (since the gondolas are covered), but often they shut it down as a precaution.

Plan to walk: The Zoo is hilly. Normally, Skyfari helps prevent tired feet by helping people get uphill and downhill. When it’s closed, you can also use elevators, but I don’t find the walk too difficult.

Outdoor Shows
The main show, Wildlife Wonders at Wegeforth Bowl, is in an outdoor amphitheater. If it’s actively raining, they will typically cancel the live show for guest and animal safety and comfort. On the bright side, there are often keeper talks or smaller encounters at indoor areas that still happen rain or shine.

Most other exhibits stay open. The animals might choose to hide (or you might not see them all). Keep an eye on the app for any special closures.

Best Places to Stay Dry While Eating

Albert’s Restaurant is the best place to eat because it offers indoor dining and a covered patio. It’s tucked into the Lost Forest zone where you’re likely to be exploring anyway.

I like eating here because the food is surprisingly good for a theme park and they serve beer and wine. You should make a reservation on OpenTable as soon as possible because you won’t be the only person with this idea.

The rest of the Zoo’s dining areas are mostly covered by umbrellas, which can help in light rain, though they aren’t 100% dry. These places have indoor counter service and large covered patios and are likely to be open:

• Front Street Cafe: This is near the entrance, and they serve burgers and typical theme park food as well as some huge desserts and margaritas
• Sabertooth Mexican: I like eating here, rain or shine. It’s also cafeteria style with covered outdoor seating.
• Sydney’s Grill: It has the added bonus of being near the koalas. I would duck in to see if they’re out, but they’re probably not moving (they don’t move a ton in normal weather either).

And of course, you’re always welcome to bring your own food and sit anywhere you like to eat it. See my guide to San Diego Zoo food policies and where to eat in San Diego Zoo.

Animals: Who Loves the Rain (and Who Doesn’t)

One of the best perks of a rainy zoo day is how the animals respond. Many people assume animals hide from the rain. In reality, plenty of them become more active and playful. While I can never guarantee who you will or won’t see, here are the usuals.

Rain-Loving Wildlife

Looking at this list, these are the animals I like to see in sunshine, too.

Elephants (Top Pick)
Elephants absolutely love the rain. At both the Zoo and Safari Park, you’ll often see the elephants flapping their ears, splashing in puddles, and coating themselves in mud, which is their version of a spa day.

Tigers
Unlike housecats, tigers don’t mind water. They regularly swim on hot days, and on cooler rainy days, they are more actively pacing and giving visitors a show.

Giant Pandas
These bears are built for cool, wet weather with thick fur that repels water. On a drizzly day, you might still see the pandas sitting out in the open, contentedly munching bamboo. (If it truly pours, they do have indoor habitats to retreat to.)

Polar Bears
What’s also nice about the Polar Bear Plunge exhibit is that the viewing area is covered. So you can take a seat and hopefully see some of the bears swim in their pool.

Pygmy Hippos
They’re in the water anyway and also in the Lost Forest, so be sure to see them. Their viewing area is also covered.

Rhinos & Giraffes
These safari icons are pretty indifferent to showers and usually keep grazing as usual. This means you’ll still see them out and about. Rhinos also tend to love mud.

Those That Prefer to Hide

Gorillas & Orangutans
These great apes are a lot like us and don’t love getting wet. At the Zoo’s Gorilla Forest, if it’s raining heavily, you’ll likely spot exactly zero gorillas outside. They have comfy heated indoor rooms and outdoor rock shelters. Orangutans are similar and might stay in their treehouse. So temper your expectations for ape encounters in a downpour.

Reptiles (outdoor species)
Animals, such as Galápagos tortoises, or other reptiles with outdoor yards, are usually given access to their heated indoor dens when it’s cold and wet. They often choose to stay inside or remain inactive.

Most other animals will be hit-or-miss. Many will be active simply because it’s cooler. Birds tend to be more vocal. And some animals might hide. It’s a bit of luck, but generally a rainy day yields more action than a hot summer day.

Indoor Shops & 4D Movie Theater

Along Front Street you’ll find a few very large indoor shops full of all the merch you’d like. I do enjoy stopping in for birthday gifts and to browse books.

And the 4D theater is up by the polar bears should you want to duck into see an educational yet entertaining movie. An additional fee applies and it’s currently $8 per person. You can check the movie schedule online.

San Diego Zoo on a Rainy Day FAQ

Photography Perks on Rainy Days

A lot of people practice photography at the Zoo and I’ve heard throughout the years that a rainy day visit can lead to better photos even with just your phone.

Less Glass Glare
Many animal exhibits (think tigers, jaguars, gorillas, etc.) have viewing windows in sheltered areas where raindrops may not obstruct your view. On sunny days, these can have glare, and with cloudy, diffused light, the glare disappears.

Richer Colors & Moods
Cloud cover works like a giant softbox in photography. The colors of the foliage and animals can actually appear more saturated. You also won’t get the harsh shadows that midday sun creates, so it’s possible to capture more animal detail like an elephant’s wrinkles or a gorilla’s face. Plus, the rainy environment adds atmosphere if you know how to catch the actual drops.

Fewer People in the Background
The likelihood of having to erase random people in the background of your photos is reduced on less crowded days.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Elements

Visiting the San Diego Zoo in the rain requires extra prep and rain gear, but you’ll also enjoy a crowd-free, up-close-and-personal experience with the animals and exhibits.

My advice: If it’s not a thunderstorm or severe downpour, go have the best day ever. Just do not pay full price on San Diego Zoo tickets.