10 Bizarre But True Weather Laws Around the World

There are some strange weather laws around the world that might make you scratch your head. These laws were made for many reasons, from concerns about safety to old ideas about how the weather works.

Tricia Quitales
April 7, 2025
4 min read

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The laws that some countries have made about the weather are surprisingly strange. Most people don’t think about these laws every day. These laws, like the strange rules about umbrellas and shoveling snow, have historical or practical reasons, even though they often seem strange now. This article discusses 10 strange weather laws that are still in place in different parts of the world. The way the weather has affected rules and laws in different times and cultures is very interesting to look at.

1. No Snowball Fights in Colorado, USA

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In some towns in Colorado, like Boulder, throwing snowballs is against the law. The law was made because people were afraid that hard-packed snow or ice could hurt them if they were thrown at them. This law reminds us of how broad rules about the weather can be, even though they aren’t always followed.

2. Umbrella Laws in England

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In some parts of England, it is against the law to open an umbrella inside a building. People used to believe that opening an umbrella inside would bring bad luck, which is where this strange law started. Now, most people don’t follow the law, but some places still have this strange rule.

3. No Sandcastle Building in Florida During a Hurricane

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It is against the law in Florida to build sandcastles during a hurricane. People shouldn’t go outside when the weather is dangerous, so this law was made. Building sandcastles might not seem dangerous, but the stormy weather put everyone in great danger.

4. Snow Removal Laws in Japan

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In Japan, people are legally required to clear snow off the sidewalks in front of their homes. This law aims to keep public areas safe during heavy snowfall so that injuries and accidents don’t happen. Outsiders who aren’t used to clearing snow may find this rule strange, even though it’s a sensible one.

5. Thunderstorm Regulations in the Bahamas

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In the Bahamas, doing things outside during thunderstorms is against the law, like flying kites. This law was made to protect people from lightning strikes, which can be very dangerous when kites are close to the ground. It shows how certain weather-related risks have changed local rules.

6. Wind Speed Limits for Vehicles in the UK

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In the UK, laws say that cars can’t go as fast when there are strong winds, especially in places where strong gusts are common. This law makes it less likely that accidents will happen because of dangerous wind, especially for big vehicles. It’s an odd rule, but it’s based on safety concerns that are especially important when it’s stormy outside.

7. No Rain Dance in England

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In other parts of England, doing a rain dance is actually against the law. In the Middle Ages, when this law was made, people thought using rituals to change the weather could upset the natural order. The law is definitely outdated, but it still exists, adding to the list of strange weather-related rules.

8. Restrictions on Weather Forecasting in China

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China doesn’t let people make weather predictions during certain times, like right before big national holidays. The government sometimes limits forecasts to keep people from getting too scared or causing problems with planned events. This law shows how important it is to control what people think about the weather and how it affects big events across the country.

9. Snowball Restrictions in Japan

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In some parts of Japan, snowball fights are illegal. In places with a lot of snow, these laws were made to prevent injuries and ensure that snowballs were not used to hurt other people. Many countries have fun traditions like snowball fights, but Japan’s law is based on keeping people safe during bad winter weather.

10. No Thunderstorms During Weddings in India

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In some parts of India, getting married during a storm is thought to be bad luck. This belief is so strong that many couples plan their weddings around the weather, even though it’s not really a law. People believe thunderstorms are a sign of bad luck and that staying away from them is essential for a happy marriage.