NoiseLevelDB
Home › Sound levels › Thunder

How loud is thunder?

Thunder is typically around 120 dB — comparable to an ambulance siren at 1 m. That falls in the “dangerous” band, with a safe unprotected limit of about 8.9 sec.
0 dB3570105140 dB
Typical level
120 dB
Category
Dangerous
Vs conversation
64.0× louder
Safe limit
8.9 sec

People search “how loud is thunder?” for two reasons: curiosity about the number, and a practical worry about whether it is doing damage. Here is both — the typical level, what it feels like next to sounds you know, and what to do about it.

What 120 dB actually feels like

120 dB is in the dangerous band, at or beyond the threshold where damage can occur almost instantly. A single unprotected exposure — a gunshot, a firework at close range, a jet at take-off distance — can cause permanent hearing loss or tinnitus. Protection here is not optional. In the specific case of thunder, the figure depends a lot on distance and the exact source: measured close up it can be several decibels higher, and across a room several decibels lower. Treat 120 dB as a representative, real-world value rather than a fixed constant.

Hearing protection

For anything above 85 dB, rated protection matters. Look at the NRR (US) or SNR (EU) figure — real-world reduction is roughly (NRR − 7) ÷ 2.

Electronic ear muffs (NRR 22–25)Shooting, mowing — amplify speech, block bangsLink coming soon
Reusable filtered earplugs (NRR 20)Concerts & musicians — flat attenuationLink coming soon
Foam earplugs (NRR 32)Sleep, travel, DIY — highest raw NRRLink coming soon

As an affiliate we may earn from qualifying purchases. This never changes our data or recommendations.

Is thunder dangerous?

At 120 dB, thunder can damage hearing with prolonged exposure. Limit unprotected exposure to about 8.9 sec, and use rated protection for anything longer. Damage at this level is painless and permanent.

Hearing protection

For anything above 85 dB, rated protection matters. Look at the NRR (US) or SNR (EU) figure — real-world reduction is roughly (NRR − 7) ÷ 2.

Electronic ear muffs (NRR 22–25)Shooting, mowing — amplify speech, block bangsLink coming soon
Reusable filtered earplugs (NRR 20)Concerts & musicians — flat attenuationLink coming soon
Foam earplugs (NRR 32)Sleep, travel, DIY — highest raw NRRLink coming soon

As an affiliate we may earn from qualifying purchases. This never changes our data or recommendations.

Thunder vs other everyday sounds

SoundLevelCompared to thunder
An ambulance siren120 dBabout the same
A firework125 dB5 dB louder
A baby crying110 dB10 dB quieter
A car horn110 dB10 dB quieter
A jet engine130 dB10 dB louder
A rock concert110 dB10 dB quieter

How to reduce it

Distance is your first tool — every doubling of distance outdoors removes about 6 dB. Where you cannot move away, rated hearing protection is the answer: look for a high NRR (US) or SNR (EU) figure, remembering that real-world reduction is roughly (NRR − 7) ÷ 2. Our hearing-protection guide explains how to choose.

Frequently asked questions

How many decibels is thunder?
Thunder is typically about 120 dB, though the exact figure varies with distance, model and conditions. That places it in the “dangerous” band of the decibel scale.
Is thunder bad for your hearing?
At about 120 dB, thunder exceeds the 85 dBA action level. Safe exposure is roughly 8.9 sec without protection, after which hearing damage can accumulate.
How does thunder compare to normal conversation?
Normal conversation is about 60 dB. At 120 dB, thunder is perceived as roughly 64.00× as loud and carries about 1000000× the sound energy.
How can I make thunder quieter?
Wear rated hearing protection when close to it, increase your distance (every doubling drops about 6 dB outdoors), and add absorbing or blocking material where possible.

Similar sound levels

Explore by number

♥ Found this useful?

NoiseLevelDB is free, fast and independent. If it answered your question, you can support it with a small crypto tip — it keeps the data current.

Support the project →
Sources & accuracy. Reference levels are drawn from published data by NIOSH, OSHA, the CDC, the WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Real-world readings vary with distance, room acoustics and the specific source, so treat every figure as a typical value rather than an exact constant. Last reviewed 2026-08-11.