Talk About the Weather in English
Talk about the weather in English, the easiest way to start a conversation. Sunny, rainy, hot or cold, Kiora and Ethan cover it with simple everyday phrases.
The lesson
Why We Talk About the Weather
In English-speaking countries, the weather is the most common small-talk topic. It is a safe, friendly subject that you can use with almost anyone, from a neighbor to a stranger at the bus stop. People often start a conversation by saying "Nice day, isn't it?" or "It's so cold today!" You do not need to be an expert. A short comment about the weather is just a polite way to break the ice and be friendly.
Asking and Answering
The most useful question is "How's the weather?" You can answer with simple sentences like "It's sunny" or "It's raining." Learn the basic weather words: sunny, cloudy, rainy, and windy describe the sky, while hot, cold, warm, and cool describe the temperature. For example, you can say "It's warm and sunny today" or "It's cold and windy outside." These short answers are easy to remember and very natural in English.
Seasons, Clothes, and the Forecast
The four seasons in American English are spring, summer, fall, and winter. The weather changes with the season, so we also change what we wear. In summer we wear shorts and sunglasses, and in winter we wear a coat, gloves, and a hat. When the sky is dark, you might say "It looks like rain," which means rain will probably come soon. Many people check the forecast on their phone in the morning to decide what to wear.
Weather and Mood
The weather can change how we feel. A bright, sunny day often makes people feel happy and full of energy, while gray, rainy days can make us feel tired or calm. This is why weather is such a good conversation starter, because everyone has an opinion about it. Tip: Keep a few easy phrases ready, like "Beautiful day, isn't it?" and "Stay warm!" Use them with a smile and you will sound friendly and natural in English.
Watch the full episode
Prefer to watch on YouTube? Open it here.
Key vocabulary
sunny
/ˈsʌni/bright with light from the sun and few or no clouds
“It's a sunny day, so let's go to the park.”
Traduction
ensoleille
cloudy
/ˈklaʊdi/with many clouds in the sky and little sun
“The sky is cloudy, but I don't think it will rain.”
Traduction
nuageux
windy
/ˈwɪndi/with a lot of wind blowing
“It's very windy today, so hold onto your hat.”
Traduction
venteux
forecast
/ˈfɔːrkæst/a report that says what the weather will probably be like
“The forecast says it will rain this afternoon.”
Traduction
previsions meteo
season
/ˈsiːzən/one of the four parts of the year: spring, summer, fall, and winter
“Winter is my favorite season because I love the snow.”
Traduction
saison
warm
/wɔːrm/having a pleasant temperature that is more hot than cold
“It's nice and warm today, so I don't need a coat.”
Traduction
chaud (agreable)
cool
/kuːl/a little cold but in a pleasant way
“The evenings are cool in the fall, so bring a light jacket.”
Traduction
frais
Test yourself
1. What is the most common small-talk topic in English-speaking countries?
2. Which question is a natural way to start a weather conversation?
3. Which word describes the temperature, not the sky?
4. What does "It looks like rain" mean?
5. What are the four seasons in American English?