Traditional culture in plain words
Grain Rain (穀雨)
Grain Rain is the last solar term of spring in the traditional Chinese calendar. Warm showers feed the young crops, giving the term its name, 'rain for the grains'.
At a glance
What the solar terms mean
Grain Rain falls around 19 or 20 April. It falls on 20 April in 2026 and 2027, and on 19 April in 2028. 'Grain' means the five grains, and 'rain' means the spring showers. Farmers of old welcomed this rain for sowing, hence the saying 'rain brings forth a hundred grains'.
After Grain Rain comes Start of Summer (立夏), the first solar term of summer. Spring is nearly over. The weather grows warmer and the rains increase. This has long been an important season for the crops.
Traditional customs in different places
In southern China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, tea picked around Grain Rain is prized as 'Grain Rain tea', traditionally said to be at its most fragrant. In parts of northern China, people enjoy the peonies in bloom or taste fresh toon shoots. Many overseas Chinese families keep these customs as a gentle way to mark late spring.
Solar terms belong to the traditional calendar and are shared for cultural reference. For weather, please follow the forecast from your local weather service.