While riding outside, using both a front and rear light can be a great way to see at night or be seen during the day by other road users.
However, if lights aren’t needed by law where/when you are riding, when it’s raining, using lights (especially a rear light) is a really good idea due to the reduced visibility and of decreased brightness.
But, it’s always a good idea to ensure your bike lights are waterproof to some degree, so to save you the hassle, we’ve comprised a list of the best waterproof bike lights.
Best Waterproof Bike Lights
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IP67
Knog Plug Bike Light Set
A user friendly, easy to mount and affordable set of waterproof lights
-
IP67
Blackburn Dayblazer Front + Rear Light Set
A waterproof 400 lumen front light coupled with a reliable rear light for a great price
-
IP67
Cygolite Metro Plus 800 & Hotshop Pro 150
Detachable front and rear waterproof lights with a range of settings to select from
-
IP67
Knog Blinder Bike Light Twinpack X
Small yet mighty waterproof set of lights with a quirky and fun design that’s perfect for popping in your bag or pocket
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IP65
Blackburn Click USB Front + Rear Bike Light Set
A front and rear set of waterproof lights that are really easy to take on and off of your bike
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IP64
NiteRider Lumina Light Set
Slightly more expensive and overall powerful set of waterproof lights, perfect to help see and be seen
Are Bicycle Lights Waterproof?
Although the vast majority of bicycle lights are at water resistant to some degree, others are actually fully waterproof.
Similar to clothing, lights have a scale of which they are rated on their waterproof-ness. This scale is called the IP rating, with IP68 being the most out-and-out waterproof level of a set of lights.
Therefore, along with the ease of recharging being up on your prioritise list, it’s also important to consider waterproof rating as well when looking for a a new set.
IP Waterproof Ratings for Bike Lights Explained
- IP63 (and under) waterproof ratings provide limited protection against dust and water splashes. It’s recommended to use them in dry conditions, avoiding water exposure to prevent damage.
- IP64 waterproof rating means a bicycle light is protected against dust and water splashes from any direction. It’s suitable for use in light rain and dusty environments.
- IP65 waterproof rating means a bicycle light is protected against dust and low-pressure water jets from any direction. It’s ideal for cycling in heavy rain and dusty conditions.
- IP66 waterproof rating means a bicycle light is fully protected against dust and powerful water jets from any direction. It’s ideal for cycling in harsh weather conditions and dusty environments.
- IP67 waterproof rating provides complete protection against dust and temporary submersion in water up to one meter deep. It’s perfect for all-weather cycling and water crossings.
- IP68 waterproof rating offers the highest level of protection against dust and water immersion in deep waters. It’s suitable for extreme outdoor activities and cycling in challenging weather conditions.
Which Waterproof Rating Do I Need for a Bicycle Light?
If you were wondering what waterproof rating you’ll need for a light then we would recommend anything from IP65 and up as it offers great protection from the water and elements.
However, you won’t really need IP68 because it is arguably a little overkill because the others will keep your bike light protected in even the harshest downfalls.
Waterproof Bicycle Lights: Top 6
1. Knog Plug Bike Light Set
-
£45 -
$ 42.46 -
€42.49
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Weight: 65g and 34g
Front Brightness: 250 lumens
Rear Brightness: 10 lumens
Battery Life: 1.5/3 hrs, Eco-Flash: 240+/100+ hrs
Medical grade silicone
Waterproof
LED
A great set of easy to use and easy to mount waterproof lights that are perfect for throwing in your bag to pop on your bike as and when you need them. With a waterproof rating of IP67 you’ll also need not worry about ruining them if you get caught in a heavy downpour.
Pros
- Good price
- Easy to mount
- USB rechargeable
Cons
- Not the brightest
2. Blackburn Dayblazer Front + Rear Light Set
- £19.01
- $ 22.99
- €21.86
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Weight: 81g
Front Brightness: 400 lumens
Rear Brightness: 20 lumens
Battery Life: 3 hours
Bright front light
Charge indicator
Adjustable strap for front light
If you are on a budget and want a front and rear light that will withstand rain and not become damaged to stop working due to water, then this is a great set for you. The value is unbeatable and the 400 lumen front is for sure enough to help you see when it’s dark at night.
Pros
- Great value
- Waterproof
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Not the brightest rear light
3. Cygolite Metro Plus 800 & Hotshop Pro 150
- £66.17
- $ 80.03
- €76.10
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Weight: 150g and 59g
Front Brightness: 800 lumens
Rear Brightness: 150 lumens
Battery Life: 2 hours
LED
Hard mount
Charge indicator
A little higher on the price range for a set of waterproof lights, but with a front light putting out 800 lumens, this set is perfect for those wanting lights to see and not just to be seen. With a hard and sturdy mount for the lights, you’ll also be sure to enjoy a reliable and smooth light source.
Pros
- Bright front light
- Easy to recharge
- Waterproof
Cons
- A little pricey
4. Knog Blinder Bike Light Twinpack X
- £55
- $ 59.96
- €59.46
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Weight: 34g
Front Brightness: 200 lumens
Rear Brightness: 100 lumens
Battery Life: Max Steady: 2.5 hrs, Eco-Flash: 60 hrs
Quirky look
LED
2 unique flash patterns
If quirky and fun is your thing then this set of waterproof front and rear lights is exactly what you are looking for. With up to 8 settings as well as 2 unique flash patterns you’ll also never run out of options to select from. They are also super easy to attach to your bike and easy to pop in your bag or pocket for on the go.
Pros
- Range of settings
- Quirky design
- Easy to mount
Cons
- A little pricey
- Not particularly bright
5. Blackburn Click USB Front + Rear Bike Light Set
- £32.69
- $ 39.54
- €37.60
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP65
Weight: 20g and 22g
Front Brightness: 60 lumens
Rear Brightness: 20 lumens
Battery Life: 7 and 12 hours
Made of silicone
Water resistant
Easy to mount
Water resistant front and rear lights best suited to those wanting lights to be seen. These are great because they are both easy to pop in your bag or pocket while out and about as well as being really easy to mount.
Pros
- Great to be seen
- Easy to mount
- Portable
Cons
- Not very bright
6. NiteRider Lumina Light Set
- £47.45
- $ 57.39
- €54.57
Prices are approximate
Waterproof Rating: IP64
Weight: 300g
Front Brightness: 900 lumens
Rear Brightness: 110 lumens
Battery Life: 11 hours
6 settings
Water resistant
Sturdy mount
If you were wanting a slightly more expensive set of water resistant lights, with a front light maxing out at 900 lumens, then this set is a really solid contender. With up to 6 settings and a sturdy mount for both the front and rear light, they will certainly help you to see even on the rainiest and darkest nights.
Pros
- 900 lumen front
- 6 settings
- Great for seeing
Cons
- Little pricey
The post Waterproof Bike Light: 6 Best LED Lights for Rainy Rides appeared first on Discerning Cyclist.