Driving in the rain demands confidence, and that starts with the right tires. Wet roads significantly reduce traction, increasing stopping distances and the risk of hydroplaning. This guide cuts through the noise to present ten of the best tires engineered specifically for superior wet weather performance. From ultra-high-performance models to durable all-season touring options, these selections prioritize safety, control, and peace of mind when the skies open.
Each tire on this list excels in water evacuation, grip on slick surfaces, and overall stability in rainy conditions. We’ve analyzed key features like specialized tread compounds, advanced groove patterns, and unique siping technologies that make these products stand out. Whether you drive a sports car, sedan, or crossover, you’ll find a reliable option here to keep you securely connected to the road, no matter the forecast.
Our Top Picks for Wet Weather Tires
- MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S
- Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Performance Tire
- Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS UHP All Season
- Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack All-Season Touring Tire
- Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 2
- Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
- Yokohama Avid Ascend GT Passenger Tire
- FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S All Season High Performance Tire
- Cooper Endeavor Plus All-Season Tire
- Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady All-Season Radial Tire
MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S
For drivers who demand maximum performance in wet conditions, the MICHELIN PILOT SPORT 4 S is a top-tier choice. It utilizes a dual-compound tread that is specifically formulated to maintain excellent grip on both dry and wet pavement. The sophisticated tread pattern is designed to efficiently channel water away from the tire’s contact patch, greatly reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
This tire offers exceptional steering precision and braking performance, even on rain-slicked roads. Its dynamic response gives you confidence when navigating curves or needing to make sudden maneuvers in adverse weather. It’s engineered for sports cars and performance vehicles where safety and control are non-negotiable.
Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 Performance Tire
The Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 brings high-performance wet weather capability with the added benefit of year-round versatility. It features a high-traction silica and thermal adaptive tread compound that remains flexible in cooler, wet conditions for reliable grip. Its reputation is strong, being the first all-season tire selected by Chevrolet for the Corvette.
This tire is engineered to provide consistent performance as it wears, thanks to its even pressure distribution technology. You can expect responsive handling and shorter wet braking distances compared to its predecessor, making it a smart upgrade for performance-oriented vehicles that see all types of weather.
Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS UHP All Season
The Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 PLUS is a leader in the ultra-high-performance all-season category, with wet weather prowess being a key strength. Its SportPlus Technology and advanced tread compound are designed for responsive handling and superior grip on wet roads. The asymmetric tread pattern includes angled grooves and dense siping that work together to effectively evacuate water and enhance traction.
This tire also offers improved performance in light snow and ice, providing true all-season security. Backed by a manufacturer’s tread life warranty, it delivers a balanced combination of sporty performance, wet weather safety, and durability for drivers who want a single tire solution.
Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack All-Season Touring Tire
For luxury sedans and coupes, the Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack offers exceptional wet weather control without compromising comfort. It is engineered with a unique compound and groove-in-groove technology that helps maintain wet grip throughout its long tread life. The focus is on creating a secure, quiet, and comfortable driving experience in all conditions.
This tire provides reliable performance in wet and even snowy conditions, making it a capable year-round touring tire. With a focus on long-lasting performance, it’s an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize a smooth ride, reduced road noise, and confident wet-weather handling for the long haul.
Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 2
The Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus 2 is built with advanced technology to provide strong handling and traction in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. Its optimized footprint increases the contact patch with the road, which boosts traction and promotes even wear for a longer life. The tread design effectively manages water dispersion to resist hydroplaning.
An added benefit is its focus on a quiet and comfortable ride, achieved through optimized pitch sequencing in the tread pattern. This makes it a well-rounded choice for everyday drivers who need dependable wet-weather performance without excessive road noise.
Hankook H737 KINERGY PT All-Season Radial Tire
The Hankook Kinergy PT is a reliable all-season tire designed for sedans and minivans, offering solid performance in wet conditions. It features a symmetric tread pattern with stable shoulder blocks and circumferential grooves that help channel water away efficiently. This design promotes stability and helps maintain control on rain-soaked roads.
This tire focuses on providing a balance of all-season traction, a comfortable ride, and good tread life. It’s a practical and value-oriented choice for drivers who need dependable daily performance with capable wet-weather handling for their family vehicles.
Yokohama Avid Ascend GT Passenger Tire
The Yokohama Avid Ascend GT is built for confident driving in rain and light snow. Its asymmetric tread pattern is specifically engineered for aggressive handling and traction on wet roads. The tire uses a unique TriBlend compound with a silica-rich formula that enhances grip in various wet and wintry conditions.
Backed by a strong treadwear warranty, this tire is designed for longevity and consistent performance. It’s an excellent option for crossover, sedan, and minivan drivers looking for a tire that offers security in adverse weather and dependable mileage.
FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S All Season High Performance Tire
The FALKEN ZIEX ZE960 A/S features innovative Flask Siping technology that actively improves wet braking and hydroplaning resistance as the tire wears. This means its wet-weather safety features are designed to last throughout the tire’s life, not just when it’s new. The optimized tread pattern provides a robust and dynamic capability for responsive handling.
Its Canyon Groove Technology also enhances snow braking while maintaining a quiet ride. This makes it a compelling high-performance all-season tire for drivers who want progressive wet-weather safety technology and confident handling in a variety of conditions.
Cooper Endeavor Plus All-Season Tire
The Cooper Endeavor Plus is a recently launched all-season tire that emphasizes confidence in the rain. Its tread design incorporates a precise combination of water evacuation grooves and checkmark channels to efficiently flush water out from under the tire. This puts more rubber in contact with the road, directly improving wet traction.
Designed for crossovers and SUVs, this tire offers a comfortable ride and long tread life. It represents a strong value proposition for drivers seeking modern tire technology focused on reliable wet-weather performance and everyday durability.
Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady All-Season Radial Tire
The Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady is engineered to be a true all-weather tire, with outstanding wet and winter traction. It features Goodyear’s Weather Reactive Technology, which includes a tread compound and pattern that adapt to wet conditions for improved grip. The deep grooves and biting edges are designed to handle heavy rain and standing water effectively.
This tire carries the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating, indicating serious snow capability, which complements its excellent wet-weather performance. It’s a comprehensive safety-focused tire for drivers who face a wide range of severe weather conditions and want reliable, year-round security.
How to Choose the Best Tires For Rain
When the skies open up, your tires become the most critical safety feature on your car. It’s not just about the tread; it’s a whole system designed to channel water away and keep a firm grip on slick pavement. I always tell people that finding the right wet weather tire is about understanding a few key features, not just picking a famous brand name. Let’s break down what actually matters.
First, look at the tread pattern. Those grooves aren’t just for show. Deep, circumferential grooves are the main highways for evacuating water from under the tire’s contact patch. Look for tires with wide, prominent channels. Next, check for lateral grooves and sipes. Sipes are those tiny slits in the tread blocks. They act like thousands of tiny squeegees, wiping the road surface and providing extra biting edges for grip on wet roads. More sipes generally mean better wet traction, especially in light rain or on damp roads.
The rubber compound is just as important as the tread design. Manufacturers use special silica-enhanced compounds for rain tires. This silica mix stays flexible in cooler, wet conditions, allowing the tread to conform to the road surface better than a harder, all-season compound. A tire that’s too hard will simply skate on top of the water, a dangerous situation known as hydroplaning.
Finally, pay attention to the tire’s specific category and ratings. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG) system includes a “Traction” grade—look for an “AA” or “A” rating for the best wet grip. Also, consider the type: dedicated “rain” or “wet” tires exist, but many all-season tires are now excellent in the rain. True summer performance tires often have exceptional wet grip, but they can’t handle near-freezing temps. Your ultimate guide to wet weather safety starts with matching the tire’s capabilities to your local climate and driving style. Don’t forget to check reviews for real-world feedback on hydroplaning resistance and braking distances in downpours.
FAQ
Are all-season tires good enough for heavy rain?
Modern all-season tires are much better than they used to be, and many offer very capable wet-weather performance. However, “good enough” depends on your climate. If you live in an area with frequent, heavy downpours, a tire specifically designed for wet conditions or a high-performance all-season with top wet-weather ratings will provide a safer margin for error, especially in emergency braking situations.
What’s the difference between a “rain tire” and a regular all-season tire?
A dedicated rain tire prioritizes wet grip above almost all else. It uses a tread pattern with more aggressive water-evacuation channels and a rubber compound optimized for cooler, wet pavement. An all-season tire is a compromise, designed to handle dry roads, wet roads, and light snow. The best all-season tires for rain borrow heavily from rain tire technology but maintain broader year-round usability.
How do I know if my tires are too worn for safe wet weather driving?
The tread depth is your best indicator. While the legal minimum is often 2/32 of an inch, that’s dangerously low for rain. I recommend replacing tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch for wet weather safety. The tread’s ability to pump water away diminishes greatly as it wears. You can use the penny test (insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you see the top of his head, your tread is too low), but for accuracy, use a proper tread depth gauge.
Can I mix different tire models if I only need to replace two?
I strongly advise against mixing different tire models, especially on the same axle. Different tread patterns and rubber compounds can handle water differently, which may lead to unpredictable handling in wet conditions. For the best and safest performance, replace tires in complete sets of four. If you must replace only two, ensure the new ones are the same model as the remaining ones and mount them on the rear axle to prevent oversteer (the car’s back end sliding out) in wet weather.
Do wider tires hydroplane more easily in the rain?
This is a common myth. While a wider tire has a larger contact patch, modern tread designs are engineered to manage water evacuation effectively regardless of width. The tire’s tread pattern, depth, and compound are far more critical factors in hydroplaning resistance than width alone. Stick with the tire size recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer for the intended performance.