In the story of Noah’s Ark, how long did the rain fall on the earth?

In the story of Noah’s Ark, rain fell on the earth for 40 days and 40 nights.

Genesis 7:12 uses this phrase when describing the beginning of the Flood. The number 40 is a recurring period in biblical narratives, often marking a prolonged trial, journey, or transformation. Examples include Moses’ time on Mount Sinai and Jesus’ fast in the Christian New Testament.

The 40-day rainfall should not be confused with the total time Noah and the animals remained aboard the ark. Genesis describes a much longer sequence: the waters prevailed for many weeks, the ark eventually rested, and Noah waited through additional periods before leaving.

The passage also says that the fountains of the deep opened and the windows of heaven were opened. Thus, the Flood account presents the waters as coming from both rain above and subterranean sources below. The specific answer to the rainfall question remains 40 days and 40 nights.