The song was released on December 3, 1988 by MCA Records as the third single from their fifth studio album, Heart Break.

Written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis with Johnny Gill, Ralph Tresvant and Ricky Bell on lead vocals and Michael Bivins with a spoken piece, "Can You Stand the Rain" is about a relationship presently going well, but the singer is asking his partner if he can count on her to remain by his side, in case things should ever become stormy.

In 2008, gospel group The Murrills covered the song with alternative lyrics for their album, Family Prayer.

It was featured in the season 15 of The Voice performed by contestants DeAndre Nico and Funsho from Team Adam.

“Can You Stand the Rain" was sampled by Rod Wave for his single, Already Won featuring Lil Durk for his deluxe album Soulfly.