In an interview with MTV News, Gomez said that "A Year Without Rain" was the first song she recorded for the album.
"A Year Without Rain" is set in common time and has a tempo of 120 beats per minute.
It is written in the key of D minor and follows the chord progression.
According to Megan Vick of Billboard, the sound of the song contrasts with its "tender" lyrics.
Tim Sendra named the song a standout on the album, calling it "catchy" and "well-sung".