Top Tire Brands for Superior Wet Weather Performance

When it comes to driving in rainy conditions, selecting the right tires can make all the difference in ensuring a safe and smooth ride. The best tires for rain are those that offer excellent traction, superior water evacuation, and reliable wet-weather performance. Top brands like Michelin, known for their exceptional rain-friendly designs, Goodyear with its innovative Aquatred technology, and Bridgestone that consistently tops charts for wet handling, stand out as some of the most trustworthy options available. Curious to learn more about these brands and what sets their rainy-day tires apart from the rest? More information can be found below.

Illustration of tire for rain

Best brands of tire for rain in 2025

Michelin

Michelin is renowned for producing some of the best tires for rain performance, particularly with the CrossClimate 2 model. This tire has been rated 9.5 out of 10 by Tire Rack for its excellent wet performance, demonstrating exceptional stopping power and resistance to hydroplaning even in heavy rain and flooding conditions. In internal wet braking tests, the CrossClimate 2 stopped up to 50 feet shorter than leading competitive tires when worn down to 3/32" tread depth. This tire also outperforms competitors in terms of wear, offering up to 15,000 extra miles of use compared to other models. Its superior wet-weather capabilities make it a top choice for drivers who frequently encounter rainy conditions.

Continental

Continental is renowned as one of the best tire producers for rainy conditions, with products like the ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus and the EcoContact 6 showcasing exceptional performance. These tires have received top EU tire label ratings for wet grip, with the EcoContact 6 exceeding the EU label value A requirements by around 17 percent for energy efficiency and achieving outstanding wet braking performance. The ExtremeContact DWS 06 Plus features SportPlus Technology, enhancing grip on wet roads and extending tread life, and has been praised for its handling and lack of hydroplaning issues even in heavy rain. Continental's innovative sidewall structure and special rubber compounds further enhance safety and efficiency. These advancements make Continental tires a reliable choice for driving in wet conditions.

Bridgestone

Bridgestone is renowned as one of the top producers of tires for rainy conditions, leveraging advanced technologies such as its Silica Rich Compound and Pulse Groove Technology to enhance wet performance. The Silica Rich Compound increases gripping capability in wet conditions and low temperatures, ensuring superb handling. The Pulse Groove Technology improves water channeling and drainage, reducing tire slip ratio in wet conditions. Bridgestone's BATTLAX Racing W01, for instance, is designed from MotoGP wet tires and provides a larger contact patch for higher grip, making it 2 seconds faster per lap compared to previous models. With a global tire market share of 14.1% as of 2022, Bridgestone's innovations in tire technology make it a trusted choice for riders in various weather conditions.

Goodyear

Goodyear is renowned as one of the best producers of tires for rainy conditions, particularly with the introduction of the Assurance WeatherReady(r) 2, which outperforms competitors like Michelin and Bridgestone in wet handling, wet braking, and dry handling. This tire features innovative All-Weather Technology and AquaTred(r) Technology, ensuring superior performance in various weather conditions. It has earned the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMS) designation, indicating excellent snow traction, and comes with a 60,000-mile tread life warranty and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Available in 58 sizes, it is compatible with a wide range of popular vehicles, making it a top choice for drivers seeking confidence and control in any weather. Goodyear's commitment to innovation and quality has solidified its position as a leader in the tire industry.

Pirelli

Pirelli is renowned for producing high-quality tires optimized for rain conditions, as evident from their Cinturato All Season SF3 model, which has achieved the highest classification on the European label for wet grip, with a class "A" rating. This tire features a tread pattern designed for efficient water dispersal and enhanced grip, ensuring optimal performance on wet surfaces across a wide range of temperatures. In 2023, Pirelli's Eco & Safety Performance products, which include rain-optimized tires, represented 72% of their total car tire turnover, with 98% of new IP Codes meeting the highest European labelling classes for wet grip.

Nokian

Nokian Tyres is renowned for producing some of the best tires for rainy conditions, leveraging its advanced Dual Zone Safety technology to ensure exceptional safety and stability on wet roads. The Nokian Wetproof, for example, has been praised for its outstanding wet grip and aquaplaning resistance, earning high ratings in tests by German magazines such as Auto Motor und Sport and AUTO Strassenverkehr, where it ranked "very good" and was highlighted for its harmonious cooperation with ECS systems and easy handling on dry asphalt. Nokian Tyres has a long history of innovation, having invented the first winter tires in 1934 and holding more winter tire patents than any other manufacturer. The company's commitment to safety and quality is further underscored by its elimination of high-aromatic oils from its production process since 2006, reducing environmental and health impacts. With a strong focus on consumer car and vehicle tire replacement markets, Nokian Tyres ensures top-notch performance and reliability.

Hankook

Hankook Tire is renowned for its exceptional performance in rainy conditions, as evidenced by its top rankings in recent tire tests. The Hankook Kinergy 4S 2, for instance, received praise for its "balanced presentation" and "good performance" in wet evaluations, with testers noting its impeccable handling and short braking distances on wet surfaces. In the TUV SUD Tire Test 2024, the Hankook iON evo AS demonstrated superior wet braking performance, achieving a stopping distance of just 30.4 meters on a wet road surface. Additionally, the Hankook Winter i*cept evo 3 X SUV tire impressed with its high aquaplaning safety reserves and dynamic dry handling, earning a "Good" rating from Auto Bild and an "Exemplary" rating from Auto Bild Sportscars. With over 70 years of history, Hankook continues to innovate and deliver high-quality, reliable tires. Discover more about their achievements and tire technologies by visiting their official media center.

Dunlop

Dunlop is a reputable brand in the tire industry, though its performance in rainy conditions varies depending on the specific tire model. For instance, the Dunlop D401/D401 T, a stock tire on some Harley-Davidson models, performed poorly in wet weather tests, with a braking distance of 167 feet from 62 mph and a maximum lean angle of 22.1°, ranking it 7th out of 7 tires tested. In contrast, the Dunlop Roadsmart IV showed better wet handling, especially when new, though its performance degraded significantly after 6,000 miles of use. The Dunlop Sport Maxx RT series, designed for performance and comfort, offers good wet weather handling with a deep tread design and water channels to prevent hydroplaning. However, these tires may not match the exceptional wet weather performance of some other brands like Michelin. For further insights, check out reviews of the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT series.

Yokohama

Yokohama, Japan's third-largest tire manufacturer, is renowned for producing high-quality tires that excel in rainy conditions. The Yokohama A032R tires, in particular, are highly praised for their grip and performance in wet weather, with users noting they are as good as, if not better than, many street tires in rain, especially when they have sufficient tread depth. These tires have been successfully used in various racing and driving events, demonstrating their reliability and traction in wet conditions. Yokohama's advanced tire manufacturing techniques, leveraging materials like natural rubber and synthetic rubber, contribute to their tires' excellent wet grip and longevity. In the fiscal year ending December 2022, tire sales accounted for 87.7% of Yokohama Rubber Company's total sales, highlighting their expertise in the field.

Cooper

Cooper tires are highly regarded for their exceptional performance in rainy conditions, as evident from the Cooper ProControl tires which have shown significant improvements in wet-weather grip and hydroplaning prevention. These tires have resolved issues of tire spin in wet and cold conditions, and they also offer a quieter ride and enhanced fuel economy, with an observed increase of over 3 MPG in average fuel economy. The Cooper ProControl tires are priced about 10 to 15% lower than other premium brands and come with a 70,000-mile tread wear protection. Additionally, the Cooper Zeon RS3 ultra-high-performance tire boasts world-class dry and wet road traction. Cooper's strong performance in rain makes them a reliable choice for drivers.