18 Classic Commercials That Used Weather to Sell You Something
These memorable ads proved that a little rain, snow, or sunshine could make you want to buy just about anything.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
Weather has always been a surefire way for advertisers to grab attention and connect with viewers. Whether it was a blazing heatwave, a snowstorm, or a sudden downpour, marketers knew how to turn the forecast into a sales pitch. Here are 18 classic commercials that cleverly used weather to convince you to open your wallet.
1. Coca-Cola’s “Blizzard Break” Ad
James Yarema on Unsplash
Coca-Cola once dropped a winter-themed ad showing friends enjoying ice-cold Coke during a heavy snowstorm. The contrast of freezing temps and frosty bottles worked like magic.
2. Campbell’s Soup “Melting Snowman” Spot
Girl with red hat on Unsplash
A childhood classic, this ad featured a snowman slowly melting into a little boy after sipping Campbell’s hot soup. The weather played the perfect backdrop to show how cozy their soup could be.
3. Corona’s “Beach Weather” Commercial
Jake Bradley on Unsplash
Nothing screams “vacation mode” like Corona’s ads of crystal-clear skies and sunny beaches. Their weather angle wasn’t about storms—it was about the promise of perfect tropical weather.
4. The Weatherproof Garment Company’s Rainstorm Billboard
Hanna Payasnikava on Pexels
This clothing brand ran a commercial and massive billboard campaign featuring their jackets surviving harsh rainstorms. The visuals of water bouncing off the fabric made it impossible to miss.
5. Gatorade’s “Sweat Like a Storm” Campaign
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Gatorade brilliantly compared athletes’ sweat to pouring rain. Slow-motion shots of sweat flying off players like raindrops hit home the message of staying hydrated.
6. Folgers’ “Rainy Morning Coffee” Ad
Dennis Sylvester Hurd on WIkmedia Commons
Folgers used the sound of rainfall and gray skies to set the mood for a warm cup of coffee. The soothing vibe of the weather outside made their product feel like a morning essential.
7. State Farm’s “Storm Damage Relief” Commercial
Whoisjohngalt on Wikimedia Commons
This insurance giant tapped into the anxiety of storm season by showing families bracing for hurricanes and tornadoes. They promised peace of mind when the skies turned dark.
8. Kleenex’s “Cold Season” Ad
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Kleenex leaned heavily on blizzard and cold front imagery to remind viewers about sniffles and sneezes. Their weather tie-in drove home the need to stock up when temperatures dropped.
9. Jeep’s “Conquer Any Weather” Campaign
Mohammed Shaheen on Pexels
Jeep commercials often showed their vehicles powering through deep snow, muddy rainstorms, or blazing sun. The message was clear—no matter the forecast, a Jeep could handle it.
10. The North Face’s “Never Stop” Ad
Raysonho on Wikimedia Commons
This iconic brand’s weather-themed spot showed athletes scaling mountains, hiking through downpours, and running in blizzards. The commercial’s entire appeal was facing extreme weather head-on.
11. Tide’s “Muddy Rain Day” Spot
WhisperToMe on Wikimedia Commons
Tide used the mess of rainy day mud puddles to show off the power of their detergent. Kids splashing in the rain and rolling in dirt felt like an invitation to do laundry.
12. Michelin Tires’ “Storm Safety” Ad
Corqe on Wikimedia Commons
Michelin created a tense, stormy commercial featuring families driving safely through rain thanks to their tires. The weather wasn’t just a backdrop—it was the danger their product protected you from.
13. Coors Light’s “Cold Train” Commercial
Brian Yurasits on Unsplash
Coors Light made chilly weather part of its brand identity, with icy trains barreling through snowy mountains to deliver “the coldest beer.” The snow-filled imagery was bold and memorable.
14. Tropicana’s “Sunshine in a Bottle” Spot
Willis Lam on Flickr
Tropicana flipped the weather script by selling orange juice as bottled sunshine. Rainy days and gloomy skies contrasted with vibrant, sunny oranges.
15. Snickers’ “Stormy Stadium” Ad
Shyam Mishra on Unsplash
Snickers aired a clever commercial featuring a chaotic football game in stormy weather, with players acting out of sorts—until they ate a Snickers. The clouds literally parted once the candy bar worked its magic.
16. Weather Channel’s Self-Promo “Storm Coverage” Ad
USEPA Environmental-Protection-Agency on Wikimedia Commons
Even The Weather Channel got in on the weather-selling game, promoting itself with intense storm footage. Shots of meteorologists battling hurricane winds or standing in snowdrifts made them look heroic.
17. Southwest Airlines’ “Escape the Cold” Campaign
Mertbiol on Wikimedia Commons
Southwest aired commercials featuring bundled-up travelers longing for warm beaches. Scenes flipped from snow-covered driveways to sunny skies the second they booked a flight.
18. Energizer’s “Rainy Camping Trip” Spot
Wikimedia Commons
Energizer showed a family stuck in a stormy campsite, only saved by their long-lasting flashlight batteries. The pouring rain and pitch-black night set the stage perfectly.