A rainy day color palette is built around misty grays, softened blues, and muted warm neutrals—tones that feel calm, modern, and easy to design with.

Below are 20 curated rainy day color schemes (with HEX codes) you can use for UI, branding, packaging, and print—plus AI prompts to generate matching visuals in Media.io.

In this article
  1. Why Rainy Day Palettes Work So Well
    1. misty sidewalk
    2. umbrella noir
    3. puddle reflection
    4. cloudbreak tea
    5. wet asphalt
    6. cozy windowlight
    7. drizzle garden
    8. harbor fog
    9. slate and spruce
    10. metro raincoat
    11. candle in the storm
    12. rainy day minimal
    13. cocoa and concrete
    14. soft thunder
    15. paperboat pastels
    16. monsoon poster
    17. rainwashed denim
    18. stormy bloom
    19. lighthouse after rain
    20. night bus window
  2. What Colors Go Well with Rainy Day?
  3. How to Use a Rainy Day Color Palette in Real Designs
  4. Create Rainy Day Palette Visuals with AI

Why Rainy Day Palettes Work So Well

Rainy day colors are naturally subdued, which makes them feel polished and “designed” even in simple layouts. Because the hues are lower in saturation, typography and spacing do more of the heavy lifting—perfect for modern, minimal visuals.

These palettes also create instant depth. Soft grays and slate blues form reliable background layers, while one warmer note (taupe, caramel, terracotta) prevents the design from feeling cold or overly corporate.

Most importantly, rainy day schemes are flexible across mediums. They translate cleanly from screens to print, and they pair well with monochrome photography, textures, and calm gradients.

20+ Rainy Day Color Palette Ideas (with HEX Codes)

1) Misty Sidewalk

misty sidewalk color palette with hex codes

HEX: #D9DEE3 #A9B1BA #6B7682 #3C444E #C8B7A6

Mood: quiet, misty, grounded

Best for: minimal SaaS dashboard UI

Quiet and misty like early footsteps on a damp sidewalk, these tones feel clean without turning cold. Use the light gray as your canvas, then build hierarchy with slate and charcoal for navigation and charts. The warm taupe keeps the interface human and prevents the palette from feeling overly industrial. Tip: reserve the deepest charcoal for key CTAs and active states to keep contrast crisp.

Image example of misty sidewalk generated using media.io

minimal saas dashboard ui
Prompt: 2d saas dashboard ui mockup on a plain neutral background, clean cards and charts, dominant misty gray and slate with charcoal accents and warm taupe highlights, modern minimalist layout, no device frame --ar 16:9
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2) Umbrella Noir

umbrella noir color palette with hex codes

HEX: #0F1115 #2B2F36 #5A606B #B7BDC6 #E6E1D6

Mood: cinematic, sleek, high-contrast

Best for: luxury fashion branding

Cinematic and sleek, it evokes glossy umbrellas and city lights reflected in wet streets. Let the near-black and graphite anchor logos, labels, and typography for a premium feel. Pale gray and warm off-white create breathing room for editorial layouts and product photography. Tip: pair with a single metallic foil or spot varnish for tactile contrast without adding new colors.

Image example of umbrella noir generated using media.io

luxury fashion label design
Prompt: luxury fashion brand identity set, logo and label design on a clean off-white background, dominant near-black and graphite with soft gray typography, minimal premium aesthetic, flat lay graphic only, no hands --ar 4:3

3) Puddle Reflection

puddle reflection color palette with hex codes

HEX: #8FA3B6 #4E6A7D #2F3E4A #D7D2C8 #A4B58A

Mood: fresh, reflective, airy

Best for: eco lifestyle blog header

Fresh and reflective, it feels like pale sky mirrored in a puddle with a hint of new leaves. These rainy day color combinations work well for blog headers where you want calm structure plus a soft organic accent. Use the blue-grays for type and overlays, then bring in the mossy green for buttons or tags. Tip: keep the beige as your background to maintain warmth and readability.

Image example of puddle reflection generated using media.io

eco blog header layout
Prompt: editorial blog header layout with large title and image placeholder, airy composition on warm beige background, dominant blue-gray and slate text with moss green accent buttons, modern eco lifestyle feel --ar 21:9

4) Cloudbreak Tea

cloudbreak tea color palette with hex codes

HEX: #F2EFEA #C9D2D7 #93A3AD #6B7A86 #B88C6A

Mood: cozy, gentle, welcoming

Best for: cafe menu design

Cozy and gentle, it brings to mind warm tea by the window while clouds slowly lift. The creamy base supports long-form text, while cool grays add structure for sections and prices. A muted caramel accent is perfect for highlights like seasonal specials or icons. Tip: use the caramel sparingly so the menu stays calm and premium rather than busy.

Image example of cloudbreak tea generated using media.io

modern cafe menu
Prompt: cafe menu graphic design on a plain cream background, elegant typography and simple line icons, dominant soft grays with muted caramel highlights, clean modern layout, no photos --ar 3:4

5) Wet Asphalt

wet asphalt color palette with hex codes

HEX: #1C2127 #343C45 #59636E #9AA4AF #D0D5DB

Mood: urban, steady, professional

Best for: B2B landing page UI

Urban and steady, it captures the dependable look of wet asphalt under overcast light. Use the darker grays for hero headers and navigation to signal confidence and security. Lighter neutrals keep forms and feature blocks readable, especially on long pages. Tip: add generous spacing and rounded corners to soften the palette and avoid a heavy feel.

Image example of wet asphalt generated using media.io

b2b landing page ui
Prompt: 2d b2b landing page ui mockup, strong dark header and sections, dominant charcoal and steel gray with light gray content cards, clean grid layout, no device frame, neutral background --ar 16:9

6) Cozy Windowlight

cozy windowlight color palette with hex codes

HEX: #EFE6D8 #C8B6A6 #8B8F97 #4C565F #6F4B3E

Mood: warm, introspective, comforting

Best for: book cover design

Warm and introspective, it feels like windowlight hitting a worn armchair on a drizzly afternoon. Pair the creamy beige with soft gray for legible title typography and subtle texture. The deep espresso tone adds literary weight for author names or spine elements. Tip: try a paper-grain overlay so the neutrals look tactile instead of flat.

Image example of cozy windowlight generated using media.io

cozy book cover
Prompt: book cover graphic design on a plain background, minimal illustration and strong typography, dominant cream and soft gray with deep espresso title accent, cozy literary mood, no hands --ar 2:3

7) Drizzle Garden

drizzle garden color palette with hex codes

HEX: #DDE6D6 #A7BCA0 #6F8A6B #3E5740 #5B6269

Mood: botanical, calm, restorative

Best for: botanical illustration poster

Botanical and restorative, it suggests rain-darkened leaves and stone paths after a light drizzle. These rainy day color combinations are ideal for nature-forward posters, wellness brands, and packaging that needs a grounded green story. Use the pale sage as negative space and the deep forest tone for stems, headings, or borders. Tip: keep the cool gray as a shadow color to preserve depth without adding black.

Image example of drizzle garden generated using media.io

watercolor botanical poster
Prompt: watercolor botanical illustration poster on a clean light sage background, leafy shapes and simple typography, dominant sage and moss greens with forest accents and cool gray shadows, minimal and airy --ar 3:4

8) Harbor Fog

harbor fog color palette with hex codes

HEX: #E3E7EA #B8C1C8 #7D8E9C #3F5564 #2A333B

Mood: cool, nautical, composed

Best for: travel brochure layout

Cool and composed, it evokes a quiet harbor wrapped in fog with muted steel-blue depth. The light tones make photo spreads feel airy, while deeper blues add confident headings and dividers. It pairs naturally with monochrome photography and simple map icons. Tip: use the darkest shade for small text only when you can maintain comfortable line spacing.

Image example of harbor fog generated using media.io

travel brochure layout
Prompt: travel brochure editorial layout, clean grid with image blocks and map icons, dominant pale fog gray and steel blue with deep navy headings, modern minimal print style, plain background --ar 3:2

9) Slate and Spruce

slate and spruce color palette with hex codes

HEX: #C7CED6 #6D7F8C #2F3A44 #2F4A3A #D6C6B3

Mood: outdoorsy, grounded, modern

Best for: outdoor gear product page

Outdoorsy and grounded, it feels like slate rock and spruce needles after a steady shower. Use the slate family for product specs and UI components, then bring in spruce green for primary buttons or badges. The warm sand tone softens the overall temperature and works well behind lifestyle photos. Tip: keep green to a few key actions so it reads as intentional, not decorative.

Image example of slate and spruce generated using media.io

outdoor gear product page
Prompt: 2d ecommerce product page ui for outdoor gear, clean layout with product image placeholder and specs, dominant slate grays with spruce green buttons and warm sand background accents, no device frame --ar 16:9

10) Metro Raincoat

metro raincoat color palette with hex codes

HEX: #F2F4F6 #B7C0C8 #4B5964 #F2C14E #2B2F33

Mood: modern, energetic, commuter-chic

Best for: event poster design

Modern and commuter-chic, it brings the pop of a raincoat against a gray platform. This rainy day color scheme is great when you need a neutral base with one optimistic accent that grabs attention fast. Use yellow for the event title and key details, while the grays handle background blocks and supporting text. Tip: keep the yellow in large shapes and headings so it stays vibrant without feeling noisy.

Image example of metro raincoat generated using media.io

bold event poster
Prompt: event poster graphic design on a plain light background, bold typography and geometric shapes, dominant cool grays with a strong mustard yellow headline accent and dark charcoal body text, no photos, no hands --ar 2:3

11) Candle in the Storm

candle in the storm color palette with hex codes

HEX: #1E2328 #3F4A52 #8B949D #E7D7B8 #C77C5A

Mood: moody, intimate, warm-glow

Best for: artisan candle packaging

Moody and intimate, it feels like a candle flame warming up a stormy room. Use charcoal and slate for the label base, then let the waxy cream bring a soft glow to typography. A muted terracotta works beautifully for seals, scent notes, or small pattern details. Tip: choose matte paper and keep the terracotta to small areas to maintain a calm, upscale look.

Image example of candle in the storm generated using media.io

artisan candle packaging
Prompt: realistic studio shot of artisan candle packaging, clean neutral background, dominant charcoal and slate label with warm cream typography and muted terracotta seal accent, soft diffused lighting, no props --ar 4:3

12) Rainy Day Minimal

rainy day minimal color palette with hex codes

HEX: #FFFFFF #E6EAEE #B9C2C9 #6F7C86 #2E353C

Mood: clean, airy, straightforward

Best for: mobile app onboarding UI

Clean and airy, it suggests bright overcast light with crisp edges. Use white and pale gray for screens that need clarity, then step down into slate for headers and progress indicators. The darkest tone is ideal for primary text and icon strokes. Tip: add a single subtle gradient between the two lightest colors to keep flat screens from feeling sterile.

Image example of rainy day minimal generated using media.io

mobile onboarding ui
Prompt: 2d mobile app onboarding ui screens, minimal cards and icons, dominant white and pale gray with slate headings and charcoal text, clean modern layout, no phone frame, plain background --ar 9:16

13) Cocoa and Concrete

cocoa and concrete color palette with hex codes

HEX: #E9E0D6 #B8A89A #7A6F68 #3E3A38 #4A6A73

Mood: earthy, urban, cozy-modern

Best for: coffee brand social templates

Earthy and urban, it feels like cocoa warmth set against concrete walls and rainy-blue shadows. The creamy beige is perfect for backgrounds and story templates, while cocoa browns add brand character. A muted blue-green gives you a cooler counterpoint for stickers, prices, or callouts. Tip: use consistent type weights so the palette reads intentional rather than rustic.

Image example of cocoa and concrete generated using media.io

coffee social templates
Prompt: set of square social media templates for a coffee brand, flat graphic design on cream background, dominant cocoa browns with muted blue-green accents and dark espresso text, minimal icons, no photos --ar 1:1

14) Soft Thunder

soft thunder color palette with hex codes

HEX: #D6D9DE #9FA8B3 #5A6673 #2C3440 #7B6D8D

Mood: stormy, elegant, slightly dreamy

Best for: wedding invitation suite

Stormy and elegant, it evokes distant thunder softened by mist and a hint of twilight violet. A rainy day color palette like this suits modern invitations where you want romance without sugary pastels. Use the light gray as paper tone, slate for type, and violet for monograms or wax-seal graphics. Tip: print violet as a spot color to keep it rich and consistent across pieces.

Image example of soft thunder generated using media.io

modern wedding invitation
Prompt: wedding invitation suite graphic design on a plain light gray background, modern typography and minimal floral line art, dominant soft grays with muted violet monogram accents and deep slate text, no hands --ar 4:3

15) Paperboat Pastels

paperboat pastels color palette with hex codes

HEX: #F7F3EF #D9DCE8 #B8C7D6 #8FA0A8 #E3B7A0

Mood: soft, nostalgic, playful-calm

Best for: kids stationery set

Soft and nostalgic, it feels like folded paper boats floating through gentle puddles. Use the blush accent for small illustrations and stickers, while the blue-grays keep the set calm and easy on the eyes. It pairs nicely with simple doodles, rounded typography, and lots of whitespace. Tip: keep outlines in the mid gray-blue so artwork stays light rather than harsh.

Image example of paperboat pastels generated using media.io

kids stationery set
Prompt: kids stationery set mockup, flat graphic design of notebook cover and sticker sheet on a plain off-white background, dominant soft lavender-gray and light blue with blush accents, playful minimal doodles, no hands --ar 3:2

16) Monsoon Poster

monsoon poster color palette with hex codes

HEX: #0E2A3B #17465B #2E7C8A #A7C6C8 #E9E6DF

Mood: bold, coastal, rain-soaked

Best for: music festival flyer

Bold and rain-soaked, it channels monsoon skies meeting coastal water. The deep blues set a dramatic stage for big type, while teal adds movement for shapes and gradients. Pale seafoam and warm off-white keep the flyer readable even with dense information. Tip: use a two-color gradient between teal and navy for a dynamic background without adding extra hues.

Image example of monsoon poster generated using media.io

music festival flyer
Prompt: music festival flyer graphic design on a plain background, bold typography and abstract wave shapes, dominant deep navy and teal with pale seafoam accents and warm off-white text areas, no photos, no hands --ar 2:3

17) Rainwashed Denim

rainwashed denim color palette with hex codes

HEX: #E1E6ED #A9B7C9 #6D84A3 #3E556F #2B2F36

Mood: casual, dependable, cool-toned

Best for: denim product ad

Casual and dependable, it looks like denim darkened by rain but still crisp. Use the pale blue-gray for background space and the mid denims for blocks and badges. The deep navy and charcoal make product names and pricing pop without shouting. Tip: keep typography monochrome and let the denim tones do the storytelling.

Image example of rainwashed denim generated using media.io

denim product ad
Prompt: realistic studio product ad for folded denim jeans, clean light background, dominant denim blues with deep navy shadows and charcoal typography overlay, minimal modern layout, no extra props --ar 4:3

18) Stormy Bloom

stormy bloom color palette with hex codes

HEX: #2A2E35 #55606B #A9B3BC #D7D1C6 #B06A7A

Mood: romantic, modern, slightly dramatic

Best for: cosmetics packaging

Romantic and slightly dramatic, it feels like petals against a stormy sky. A rainy day color palette with a dusty rose accent is perfect for beauty packaging that wants softness without losing edge. Use the grays for the base label system, then let the rose carry shade names or seals. Tip: print the rose on a warm beige background to keep it sophisticated rather than sugary.

Image example of stormy bloom generated using media.io

cosmetics packaging set
Prompt: realistic studio shot of cosmetics packaging set, clean beige background, dominant stormy grays with dusty rose accents and minimal typography, premium modern styling, no hands --ar 3:2

19) Lighthouse After Rain

lighthouse after rain color palette with hex codes

HEX: #F3F0E9 #C8D2D8 #6E7F8A #1F3B4D #C65A3A

Mood: nautical, hopeful, crisp

Best for: nonprofit annual report

Nautical and hopeful, it suggests a lighthouse beam cutting through lingering rain. Use the off-white for long reading comfort, then set headings in deep ocean blue for authority. The muted orange-red makes a strong accent for charts, callouts, and key metrics. Tip: keep the accent to one or two data series so graphs remain instantly readable.

Image example of lighthouse after rain generated using media.io

annual report layout
Prompt: annual report editorial layout, clean grid with charts and section headings, dominant off-white and cool grays with deep ocean blue titles and muted orange-red chart accents, modern print style, plain background --ar 16:9

20) Night Bus Window

night bus window color palette with hex codes

HEX: #0B0F14 #1F2A35 #3B556B #7A92A6 #D8D3C7

Mood: nocturnal, reflective, techy-calm

Best for: fintech app dark mode UI

Nocturnal and reflective, it feels like streetlights streaking across a bus window at night. Use near-black and deep blue as the foundation for dark mode, then lift surfaces with slate and misty blue for cards. The warm light neutral works well for highlights and friendly empty states. Tip: use the misty blue for focus rings to maintain accessibility without harsh neon.

Image example of night bus window generated using media.io

fintech dark mode ui
Prompt: 2d fintech app dark mode ui mockup, card-based layout with charts and transaction list, dominant near-black and deep blue with slate surfaces and misty blue highlights, warm light neutral for subtle accents, no phone frame --ar 9:16

What Colors Go Well with Rainy Day?

Rainy day palettes pair best with other muted tones: soft whites, fog grays, slate blues, and desaturated greens. These keep your composition calm and readable, especially for UI and editorial design.

For contrast, add one warm accent like caramel, terracotta, dusty rose, or muted orange-red. Warm accents work especially well when the base is cool (blue-gray/charcoal), because they create focus without shouting.

If you want a more premium look, combine stormy neutrals with near-black plus an off-white (instead of pure white). That subtle warmth feels more tactile in print and more comfortable on screen.

How to Use a Rainy Day Color Palette in Real Designs

Start with a light “overcast” background (misty gray or warm off-white), then pick one mid-tone for structure (cards, sections, dividers) and one deep tone for text and navigation. This keeps hierarchy clear even when colors are subtle.

Use accents intentionally: reserve the brightest or warmest color for primary buttons, key metrics, or titles. In rainy day schemes, a small accent goes a long way, so you can keep the overall mood cohesive.

Finally, lean on texture and imagery. Grain, paper overlays, and monochrome photography make muted palettes feel rich—without needing extra saturation.

Create Rainy Day Palette Visuals with AI

If you want palette-matching mockups (posters, packaging, UI screens), generate them with AI using a consistent prompt style and your chosen rainy day HEX direction (misty, slate, charcoal, plus one warm highlight).

In Media.io, you can iterate quickly: adjust “dominant colors,” swap the accent (yellow vs terracotta), and keep the same layout prompt to compare options side by side.

Once you like the look, export the visuals for presentations, mood boards, or client approvals—then build your final design system around the winning palette.

Rainy Day Color Palette FAQs

  • What is a rainy day color palette?
    A rainy day color palette is a set of muted, low-saturation tones inspired by overcast skies and wet surfaces—typically foggy grays, slate blues, charcoal neutrals, and one soft warm accent like taupe or terracotta.
  • Are rainy day colors good for UI design?
    Yes. Rainy day palettes are excellent for UI because they create clear hierarchy with grays and deep text colors, while staying easy on the eyes. Add one accent color for primary actions to maintain focus.
  • How do I keep a rainy palette from looking dull?
    Use contrast through value (light vs dark), not saturation. Add one warm accent, introduce subtle gradients between light neutrals, and apply texture (grain, paper, blur) to create depth.
  • What accent colors work best with stormy neutrals?
    Muted warm accents work best: caramel, terracotta, dusty rose, and muted orange-red. For a more energetic take, a mustard yellow accent can pop against cool grays.
  • Can I use rainy day palettes for print branding?
    Absolutely. These palettes translate well to print because they rely on stable neutrals and controlled accents. Off-white (instead of pure white) often looks more premium on paper.
  • What’s the best background color in a rainy day scheme?
    Choose a light misty gray or warm off-white for comfortable reading and flexible layering. Then use slate/charcoal for headings and UI components to keep contrast consistent.
  • How can I generate rainy day themed visuals quickly?
    Use an AI image generator and keep your prompt consistent (layout + subject + “dominant misty gray/slate/charcoal” + one warm accent). Media.io lets you iterate fast and export visuals for mood boards or design comps.

Next: Green Burgundy Color Palette

Julian Moore
Julian Moore Feb 12, 26
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