Abstract. In this paper, we propose an ameliorated physically-based rain rate estimation algorithm for semi-arid regions using the Rayleigh approximation. The proposed algorithm simultaneously uses the reflectivity and the specific differential phase to provide an accurate estimation for both small and large rain rates. In order to validate the proposed estimator, simulated polarimetric rain rate data based on a dual approach, referring to both physical and statistical models of the rain target, are used. Moreover, experimental radar data (the same as used in Matrosov et al., 2006) taken in light to moderate stratiform rainfalls with rain rates varying between 2 and 15 mm h⁻¹ were collected as part of the GPM pilot experiment. It is shown that the proposed algorithm for rain rate estimation based on the full set of polarimetric radar measurements agree better with in situ disdrometer ones.