How to Change the Weather in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Run /weather clear (or rain, thunder) with cheats on - add a duration in seconds, like /weather clear 1000000. Stop weather changes forever with /gamerule advance_weather false.

What you need

Cheats enabled (Java: Open to LAN trick works)
Nothing else - one command

Step by step

Open chat (T) and run /weather clear - the rain or storm stops within seconds.
Other options: /weather rain starts rain, /weather thunder starts a thunderstorm (lightning, monster spawns in daylight).
Add a duration in seconds: /weather clear 1000000 keeps the sky clear for over 11 in-game days of real time.
Freeze weather permanently: /gamerule advance_weather false - the current weather never changes again until you set it back to true.
Weather only matters in the Overworld - the Nether and the End have none.
Sleeping through a thunderstorm in a bed also clears it, no cheats needed.

Java vs Bedrock

Identical on both editions. Deserts and snowy biomes react differently: rain does not fall in deserts, and cold biomes get snow instead.

Versions: Weather commands and advance_weather work the same in all current Java and Bedrock versions.

Frequently asked questions

How do I stop rain forever?

Run /gamerule advance_weather false while the sky is clear. Weather is frozen until you turn the cycle back on.

Does rain help with anything?

Yes: fishing is faster in rain, Riptide tridents work, and cauldrons fill with water. Thunderstorms let charged creepers and mob heads exist.