For the first time in two decades, the world-famous Rose Parade in Pasadena is staring down a near-certain chance of rain on New Year’s Day 2026, putting a rare weather twist on one of America’s most-watched travel spectacles.

With forecasters calling for a strong Pacific storm system to move across Southern California on January 1, officials, local businesses and hundreds of thousands of visitors are rapidly recalibrating plans for the 137th edition of the parade and the celebrations that begin on New Year’s Eve.

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Forecast: A Wet Start to 2026 for Pasadena

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service and private forecasters are now projecting a very high likelihood of rain over Pasadena from late on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. Probabilities for measurable rain on January 1 are close to 100 percent in some outlooks, a striking statement for a parade that has become synonymous with sunny California skies in the depths of winter.

The incoming system is expected to spread light showers into the Los Angeles Basin sometime between the evening of December 31 and the early hours of January 1. Heavier, more persistent rain is forecast to develop during the morning and midday hours on Thursday, coinciding directly with the parade’s scheduled 8 a.m. Pacific Time start and its multi-hour run along Colorado Boulevard.

Current projections suggest coastal and valley areas, including Pasadena, could see 1 to 3 inches of rain by the time the storm cycle concludes, with higher totals in nearby foothills and mountains.

After a week that has already seen soggy conditions and localized flooding in parts of Southern California, forecasters warn that saturated soils and elevated stream levels could enhance runoff and minor flooding risks, although the New Year’s event is not currently expected to match the intensity of recent atmospheric river storms.

“We Try Not to Say That Word”: How Rare Is Rain on the Rose Parade?

Despite its winter timing, rain on the Rose Parade is a statistical rarity. Tournament of Roses officials note that in more than 130 years of festivities, measurable rain has dampened the parade fewer than a dozen times. The last truly wet parade was in 2006, when spectators and participants endured steady rainfall that soaked floral displays, band uniforms and overnight campers along the route.

The unusual nature of the forecast has not been lost on organizers. Tournament spokespersons have acknowledged that staff often avoid even talking about “rain” around parade time, in keeping with Pasadena’s long tradition of cooperative New Year weather.

Yet the 2026 outlook is now impossible to ignore, with local and national outlets highlighting the strong odds of precipitation intruding on an event that draws global television audiences and an estimated several hundred thousand people in person.

Longtime Pasadena residents and repeat visitors recall the 2006 downpour as proof that the event can and does continue in wet conditions. Diehard fans are known to line the curbs regardless of the forecast, many citing family traditions that stretch back generations.

Organizers emphasize that the parade’s history of persevering through occasional rain is part of its mystique, even as they acknowledge the logistical headaches that wet weather brings.

What Rain Means for Visitors on New Year’s Eve

The Rose Parade is as much a New Year’s Eve phenomenon as it is a New Year’s Day spectacle, with thousands of visitors arriving early to stake out curbside viewing spots, camp overnight on Colorado Boulevard and explore Pasadena’s hotels, restaurants and museums. This year, that tradition is colliding with a storm timeline that brings showers into the region just as campers traditionally settle in for the night.

City of Pasadena officials have reiterated long-standing rules for overnight camping along the route, including a noon start time on December 31 for staking out positions and a ban on tents and fully enclosed shelters.

Those regulations are designed to preserve visibility and ensure access for public safety crews. They also mean that spectators braving the 2025 to 2026 transition on the sidewalks will need to prepare for exposure to the elements if rain arrives as forecast.

Local travel experts advise visitors planning to sleep on-site to reconsider camping with young children or anyone sensitive to cold, damp conditions this year. While overnight temperatures are not expected to plunge toward freezing, the combination of wet pavement, limited shelter and hours of waiting before the parade begins could present challenges.

Travelers with hotel bookings are being urged to confirm cancellation policies in case road conditions or personal comfort concerns prompt last-minute changes of plan.

Grandstands, Umbrellas and What Spectators Can (and Cannot) Bring

Whether you are traveling to Pasadena from across town or across the country, the most immediate impact of the rain threat will be felt in the rules governing what you can bring along the route. In a policy that sometimes surprises first-time visitors, umbrellas are prohibited in ticketed grandstand seating areas, where they can obstruct sightlines, create safety issues and drip onto neighboring spectators.

Curbside viewers who are not in ticketed grandstands are allowed to use umbrellas, subject to the city’s general public safety rules, but officials are strongly encouraging guests to think beyond basic rain gear. Lightweight, waterproof outer layers, ponchos, rain pants and waterproof or water-resistant footwear are all being recommended. Compact stadium cushions, wool or synthetic blankets and hand warmers can also make the difference between a miserable and a memorable morning along the curb.

For grandstand ticket holders, planning will require a more nuanced approach. Without umbrellas, layered clothing and water-repellent outerwear become essential. Many experienced Rose Parade attendees swear by disposable or reusable ponchos paired with baseball caps or wide-brimmed hats to keep rain off faces. Small, quick-dry towels or microfiber cloths can help manage damp seats and keep cameras and phones relatively dry while capturing the floats and bands.

Parade Operations: Will the Show Go On?

Despite the dramatic headlines, there is no indication that the 137th Rose Parade will be canceled or postponed because of rain. The Tournament of Roses has a long-standing tradition of holding the parade on New Year’s Day itself, except when that date falls on a Sunday, in which case the event moves to January 2 in keeping with the organization’s “Never on Sunday” rule. In 2026, New Year’s Day is a Thursday, and organizers have repeatedly emphasized that the parade proceeds in wet weather.

Behind the scenes, however, rain triggers a host of operational changes. Tournament staff and float designers have contingency plans for wet conditions, including waterproof coverings for sensitive components that can be removed at the last minute, drainage provisions built into some float structures and revised marching formations to minimize slipping hazards for bands and equestrian units.

Officials have indicated that participants riding on floats will have access to rain gear if necessary, especially during staging and dispersal, when they are not in full camera view. Tow trucks and support vehicles are also placed on standby along the route to respond quickly if wet conditions cause mechanical problems for motorized floats. While these preparations are standard practice, they take on heightened importance in a year when the risk of substantial rainfall is so clearly elevated.

Economic Stakes for Pasadena’s New Year Tourism

The Rose Parade and subsequent Rose Bowl game represent the single biggest annual tourism draw for Pasadena, filling hotels across the San Gabriel Valley and driving a surge of restaurant, retail and transport revenue. A wet forecast inevitably raises questions about whether fewer people will travel or whether same-day visitors will stay home rather than brave the elements.

Local tourism officials and business owners insist that demand remains strong. With 2026 parade tickets already sold, college football fans converging for the Rose Bowl and the event’s once-a-year standing on the national calendar, the expectation is that most travelers will keep their plans, albeit with heavier coats and extra ponchos in their luggage. For many, particularly those visiting from colder climates, mid-50s temperatures with rain still feel preferable to snow and ice back home.

Restaurants and cafes along and near the route are preparing for a slightly different pattern of traffic, with more guests likely to seek indoor seating before and after the parade, rather than milling on sidewalks. Hotels report increased inquiries about late checkout, weather-related transportation flexibility and options for indoor activities in case outdoor exploration becomes less appealing in the rain.

Television, Livestreams and the At-Home Experience

For those unable or unwilling to face a soggy morning along Colorado Boulevard, the 2026 Rose Parade will be widely available on television and via multiple livestream platforms. Major U.S. networks plan live coverage beginning shortly before the 8 a.m. start, and the Tournament of Roses has announced that every unit in the parade will be featured in an official streaming feed on an array of free and subscription-based platforms.

The expanded streaming lineup means that potential last-minute travelers, especially those in the Western United States who might otherwise have driven in for the morning, can opt to stay home without fully missing out. Organizers are positioning the 2026 broadcast as an immersive experience that can bring viewers as close as possible to the floats and performances, regardless of the weather on the ground.

Television producers are also preparing for the visual implications of a rainy parade. While brilliant winter sunshine has long been a hallmark of broadcast images from Pasadena, light rain can soften colors and create reflective, even cinematic streetscapes. Heavy rain can pose technical challenges for cameras, microphones and graphics equipment, but networks have extensive contingency plans developed over decades of covering outdoor events in all kinds of conditions.

Travel and Safety: Getting To and From Pasadena in the Rain

Regional transportation agencies are urging parade-goers to build extra time into their travel plans this year. Rain on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day can slow freeway speeds across Los Angeles County, particularly on corridors serving Pasadena such as Interstate 210, State Route 134 and connecting routes from downtown Los Angeles and the coastal areas.

Public transit, including regional rail and local bus services, is being highlighted as a practical alternative during wet weather. Trains are less vulnerable to highway slowdowns, and riders avoid the need to hunt for parking near street closures. However, travelers using transit will still need to account for walking time in the rain to reach viewing areas, often along crowded and partially barricaded sidewalks.

Once in Pasadena, visitors are being reminded to watch for slick pavement, painted crosswalks and curbs, particularly during the pre-dawn hours when natural light is limited and temperatures are cooler. Local authorities recommend sturdy, non-slip footwear and discourage open-toed shoes and high heels along the route. Drivers are asked to exercise extra caution near pedestrians and to respect all temporary closures and traffic control measures surrounding the parade and stadium.

FAQ

Q1: Is the 2026 Rose Parade likely to be canceled because of rain?
The parade is expected to go on as scheduled on January 1, 2026, even if it rains. Historically, the event has proceeded in wet weather, and organizers say there are no plans to cancel or postpone for rain alone.

Q2: What time does the 2026 Rose Parade start, and how long does it last?
The parade is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Pacific Time and typically lasts about two hours at any given point along the 5.5-mile route, though the full procession takes longer to clear the streets from start to finish.

Q3: Are umbrellas allowed along the Rose Parade route?
Umbrellas are not allowed in ticketed grandstand seating areas because they block views and create safety concerns. Spectators watching from curbside areas may use umbrellas, but are encouraged to consider ponchos and rain jackets to reduce crowding and visibility issues.

Q4: How should I dress if I still plan to attend the parade in person?
Plan on layered, water-resistant clothing, including a waterproof jacket or poncho, warm base layers, waterproof or water-resistant footwear and accessories like hats and gloves. Bring something to sit on that can handle moisture, such as a plastic-backed blanket or stadium cushion.

Q5: Is overnight camping still allowed on New Year’s Eve if it is raining?
Yes, overnight curbside camping is still allowed under the usual city rules, which permit staking out spots beginning at noon on December 31. However, tents and fully enclosed shelters are prohibited, so anyone considering camping in the rain should carefully weigh comfort and safety, especially for children and older adults.

Q6: Will floats and flowers be damaged by the rain?
Float builders plan with occasional rain in mind, using design techniques, protective coverings and structural supports to minimize damage. Some delicate materials may be affected, but the floral displays are expected to remain visually impressive even if they get wet.

Q7: How will rain affect driving and parking in Pasadena on parade morning?
Rain can slow freeway and surface street traffic, so allow extra travel time. Street closures around the route and the Rose Bowl will still be in effect. Parking may be muddier or more congested than usual, and public transit is recommended for those who want to avoid driving in wet conditions.

Q8: Can I watch the 2026 Rose Parade from home if I change my travel plans?
Yes. Major television networks will carry the parade live, and the Tournament of Roses has arranged for the full parade to be streamed on multiple platforms, so viewers worldwide can watch from home if they decide not to attend in person.

Q9: What should international or out-of-state visitors do if they are worried about the weather?
Travelers should monitor updated forecasts for Pasadena, review airline and hotel change policies and consider packing more rain gear than they might typically bring for Southern California. Many still choose to attend despite the rain, but flexible planning can reduce stress if conditions worsen.

Q10: Has it rained on the Rose Parade before, and what happened then?
Yes. It has rained on the parade roughly ten times in its long history, most recently in 2006. That year, the event went forward, spectators donned rain gear, and floats and bands completed the route despite the downpour, demonstrating that the parade can endure less-than-perfect weather.